150 Days Give or Take Continued: Volume 14

**  I think it prudent to point out that, from this point forward, we have exactly 50 days of adventures left before kindergarten officially begins. So, our count of "150 Days Give or Take a Few Days" is almost correct! We have done nothing so far to prepare for the start of school except order supplies to be delivered on his first day (complete with a personalized message and a raffle entry for an authentic autographed Jake Gunetzel photo) and pick up the Kindergarten Readiness folder to promptly stash on the desk.

We have some grand adventures already planned from here on out. I hope to make each of these fifty days one to remember, in a good way!!

July 17, 2017 -- Day 107:

We packed up the car and drove south to Virginia Beach. It took almost nine hours, mostly because we sat in DC traffic on the beltway for over two of those hours. Ouch. But, compared to the scope of our previous lives' traveling schedules -- piece of cake!!

We arrived to our oceanfront hotel, The Sandcastle, to find it much improved from our last visit over ten years ago. (This is the same place the Starks have stayed for VA Beach vacations, going way back to last century.) Franco and I unpacked our jazz and dashed right out to the ocean to get our feet wet. And sandy.

We ate a light dinner at one of the hotel's oceanfront restaurants, Oceans 14, and enjoyed our first night of vacation with fancy cocktails (some with booze, some without) and seafood, complimented with a side of salty ocean air. Perfection.

July 18, 2017 -- Day 108:

Today literally was a day at the beach. Scott schlepped our tent out bright and early to "claim his spot" because he obsessed about it all morning and could NOT even eat breakfast until he completed that chore. (Wheeeeew. We did not have to hear anymore about that, then. Thank goodness for small miracles.) We ate at the hotel's breakfast buffet, then headed straight outside.

We enjoyed perfect weather, Franco picked out some sand buckets and toys, Scott had a bag of Cheetos all to himself (kinda) and I "sipped" ice cold Coronas as if being paid a sponsorship. (I also drank PBR in a totally unironic way. Because I genuinely like it. Thank you.)

SorryNotSorry about shamelessly honing in on those Cheetos, Dad....

We stayed out there swimming and laughing and chilling until mid-afternoon. Franco caught some great waves and turned into a little beach bum before our very eyes. We then spent some time swimming in the indoor pool before a much-needed shower and nap.

That evening, I promised Franco we could check out the carnival rides on the boardwalk. A giant ferris wheel commanded the most attention, and the most anxiety, as that is about the only ride that scares me to death. (A slow climb high into the sky and that's it? No thank you.)

However, we I determined the prices to be ludicrous and put the kabash on all that. I told Franco he could have the fifteen or so dollars it would have cost us to both ride one (!!!) ride and use it to buy junk in the junky beach stores. After some subtle aggressive cajoling, he caved to my awesome idea.

He picked out a cute little US Navy plane and a sweatshirt, and we met Scott for a seafood feast at a joint called Jumpin' Shrimp a few doors down. Delicious. After dinner, Franco and I walked the beach and one of us ran furiously up and down these man-made sand dunes until completely sweaty and exhausted. We got our feet wet, tracked sand into the bed, and fell asleep.

As you do when at the beach.

July 19, 2017 -- Day 109:

For daytime activities, see above. (Though Scott did chill out about "claiming his spot" so that's good.)

For dinner, we decided on an oldie-but-goodie, Ocean Eddie's, on the pier directly across from our hotel. We loved it. Our table on the deck happened to be the closest you could get to the ocean, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

That is pure joy right there. Also, Franco is happy, too.

After stuffing ourselves with seafood, we ate ice cream, and Franco and I made our way through a few more awesome beach shops, where he bought a literal bag of weapons. Pirate swords, bow and arrows, ninja star, plus I don't even know what else. He headed back to the hotel room to torment his dad for the rest of the night. Good times.

July 20, 2017 -- Day 110: 

Last day at the beach. (Insert sad face here.) Prior to going outside for the day, I made the most treasured discovery of maybe the entire week: a Jersey Shore marathon playing on MTV2.

Be still my heart. I don't know if you are aware, but there is not a day goes by wherein I don't miss that show and those kids. No hyperbole. I'm being honest. It brings me simple, unabashed joy. And I will never apologize, no matter what.

We enjoyed several episodes before heading out for the last full day. In between riding ocean waves, I informed my family that if we got back to the room to find the Jersey Shore marathon ongoing, I unilaterally delcared this trip the best vacation ever.

A carpet picnic with a "big thing of cheeseballs" while Ronnie confronts Sammi about her deal with Arvin?  Yes, please.

Guess what? Best. Vacation. Ever.

After the marathon ended (another sad face) we napped before our last night out on the town. We went back to Oceans 14 because we did not get to try all the yummy food last time and, in so doing, made an excellent choice.

Photo credit: Franco

Franco and I went on one more shopping excursion to buy souvenirs for Gram and Pap and Auntie for their caretaking of Sweet-Sweet Emma while we played at the ocean, and then we went back to the room to enjoy our last night on the balcony.

July 21, 2017 -- Day 111:

Time to pack it up, pack it in, and drive home to PA. We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way, something we haven't done in a long time since we don't drive nine hours every weekend anymore, and took the route through my old stomping grounds in WV's eastern panhandle.

We picked up Emma at Gram and Pap's, regaled them with a few stories, and showered them with their treasures, so lovingly chosen by Franco. (I'm serious. He picks out some sweet swagg.) Pap seemed to be getting along in his recovery, so we loaded up our sweet Chessie and made the last leg of the journey home to Lebo.

We piled all our crap inside the door and set about doing absolutely nothing for the rest of the night -- except, of course, watching the Disney Channel premiere of Descendants 2. Which is certianly not nothing if you are us!! Franco and I have waited a good bit of summer for this. (Seriously. I have tried to implore that I am immature in many, many ways.) We loved it, even though Mal spent a good bit of the movie with the wrong hairdo. (Thankfully, Dizzy fixed it for her. Hard core fans will know what I'm sayin' here.)

Even though the trip is over, the fun continues around these parts!!

July 22, 2017 -- Day 112:

No rest for the weary! I tidied up somewhat, sorted through all the dirty laundry (literally, not figuratively) and then we primped for another afternoon at the theater!

Seize the day!

A spectacular time, especially for me because of my gleeful Newsies fandom. It was everything.

After the show, we stopped for dinner at Pork and Beans, a little bistro for which Scott has pined a while now. If you love huge slabs of meat, especially meat that comes from pigs, this is the place for you! Which is to say, the boys adored every savory bite. (I had fun, too, and certainly did not starve!)

Apparently, Scott found the meal photo-worthy. Yes, I am eating a kale salad. No judgment.

We made it home through a nasty rainstorm to commence being super lazy. And it was awesome.


July 23, 2017 -- Day 113:

I would like to say that on this rainy Sunday, I came up with some crafty ideas for Franco to use his brain and challenge himself. But, I don't intend to lie. We used this rainy day to watch TV and play games on the iPad and watch TV.

Later on, Franco and I played Busy Bee and Go Fish before calling it a night. He crawled into bed and told me he'd had a really good day.

Success.


***To Be Continued....

150 Days of Adventures Continued: Volume 13

July 7, 2017 -- Day 97:

We had a free weekend of family time. So, Franco and his daddy spent some adventures together. They swam at the pool, napped, played the Wii, and generally relaxed together. In the evening, Franco and I went grocery shopping to get some necessities, as well as some treats, and then came home to make dinner.

Franco liked the laid-back time at home, in both a rest from the whirlwind of the last week's fun and in preparation for upcoming busy schedules.

July 8, 2017 -- Day 98:

After some time at the pool, we decided to finally break out the fire pit that we hauled all the way from NC and which has, to this point, sat on the back patio unused. Well, not anymore suckas!

Beforehand, Franco and I headed to Target to ensure we had all the fixin's for S'mores, including S'more sticks, and to walk around the mall for a while. This usually would be enough of an adventure for any day, but on this particular outing, two very odd things occurred which must be shared.

     1.  We headed to Forever 21 to return a skirt I don't like, and Franco selected some outfits he thought I might enjoy, along with many we both correctly labeled hideous. (This is not the unusual part. We frequently spend time in such a manner. Also not unusual that I still shop at Forever 21 because I am intellectually not a grown-up.) While toward the back of the store, the blaring music abruptly ceased and a man with a headset quietly approached us to whisper, "There's an emergency in the store. Everyone must leave."

Well, you don't have to ask me twice. But, oddly, the doors remained open and other people continued to walk in, although many of us leaving warned them of the situation. Franco and I mused as to what could have caused it, and came up with no reasonable conclusion. So, mystery unsolved.

     2.  Next, after our Target rendezvous, we exited the store to find a souped-up Mercedes squealing tires through the parking lot, speeding at a ridiculous rate, and causing a commotion amongst the other patrons just trying to get to their vehicles. Truly bizarre.

We felt glad to get home, and after dinner, we started the fire. Franco ate two S'mores and then crashed out. Good times.

July 9, 2017 -- Day 99:

We drove to Gram and Pap's for some stuff to do with the camper which is not a good adventure and upon which I refuse to elaborate because I want to keep the cussing to a minimum. But, we did have fun at their house, playing a new game they bought for Franco and watching the baseball game. And, we celebrated Pap's birthday a few days late.

Happy Birthday!!

Later in the afternoon, we ate dinner at The Mariner, where we saw some cool boats and enjoyed a delicious meal before heading back to da 'Burgh. Sunday goodness.

July 10, 2017 -- Day 100(!!):

Yesterday, Gram and Pap suggested we meet them at Kennywood today, an idea Franco separately had as well, so the plan easily developed. The weather did not look great early in the day, so we agreed to meet later in the afternoon. Franco and I arrived, and Gram and Pap came shortly thereafter. We rode the Kangaroo and the Carousel, and then, despite our best laid plans, it began to rain. Hard.

Blissfully unaware of the bitter disappointment on the stormy horizon...

We waited it out, and then Pap allowed Franco to play some "games of chance" since his mummy is obviously too cheap for that on a normal day. The rain continued to fall, so we ran to the indoor cafe for a snack/dinner. While eating, the announcement came that the park would close at 7:00 due to impending storms. Bummer.

Franco cried because he'd waited all summer for a Kennywood day with Gram and, especially, Pap. Boo. We did book it to the fudge shop for some sweeties before a hasty exit. Yay.

July 11, 2017 -- Day 101:

Gram called early in the day to inform us of Pap's unfortunate under-the-weather-ness. Auntie had a vacation planned, leaving Teddy the Puggle with Gram and Pap. Because of Pap's illness, they asked if maybe Franco and I could help them out. We finished some errands at home and drove up there.

Poor Pap. Franco and I kept him company and helped out with the puggle that evening. Also, Franco hauled out a bunch of old toys, as per usual.

Future engineer?

July 12, 2017 -- Day 102:

We hung with Gram and Pap to do errands, get them food and medicines, help with the garbage (quite the adventure right there!) and assist Pap in getting better. Franco and I went to the Dollar General, which is literally the only store around, and he picked out a police training pack, complete with two guns and a badge and handcuffs and a bunch of other jazz. That made his week right there.

We ate dinner together, played games, and entertained Teddy all evening.

July 13, 2017 -- Day 103:

Pap seemed to be on the mend. Auntie and Uncle Steve returned from their trip, so after hearing all about their time, Franco and I hit the road. We got home to Ol' Scotty P. to formally begin his vacation! Yippee! We talked and ordered pizza and chilled, to regain our energy for the following awesome week to come.

July 14, 2017 -- Day 104:

We spent the morning in debate about whether Franco could get a small guitar on which to learn to play, since he has a desire to make music in all forms. I, of course, lobbied for the least expensive version possible, and his dad found a great option on Craigslist. He made plans to pick it up in the morning. Franco's excitement surged. He adamantly insisted he use his own money to buy it, too.

Then we headed to the pool. Franco got very chilly and came home to take a nap. Later in the night, he woke up and complained of a headache. He had a bit of a fever and had a stuffy head, so we loaded him up with some medicine and laid around to watch TV and play some games. He could barely stay asleep all night, in anticipation of his new guitar.

July 15, 2017 -- Day 105:

Scott trekked to Squirrel Hill for the guitar while Franco slept in. Once awake, he strummed throughout the house for hours, learning one chord in the process. Later on, so we gathered all necessities for the beach trip. What fun to plan out snacks, drinks, and new outfits for Virginia Beach!

Auntie arrived in the afternoon and we ordered BRGR at home before our evening excursion to see Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor live in concert! We all looked quite forward to this!

Some excited fellas right there!

We loved the show -- I mean, come on! Those are two talented performers who wowed us all. Excellent all around.

July 16, 2017 -- Day 106:

Auntie decided to join us for today's activites as well. We had tickets to In The Heights at The Bededum Center because we love Lin-Manuel and can't get to Hamilton just yet. (Oh, but we will, somehow. "Just you wait.")

Well, the show -- and the entire day --was awesome in every single way.

We ate dinner at Jose and Tony's, and came home to goof off and reminisce on our wonderful weekend. We also all (and I mean every single person in the above photo, whether they will admit it publicly or not) watched The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story on Lifetime, so we could see the absolutely true recount of Shannen and Jennie's fight outside the studio. Which 100% happened exactly the way depicted. So shut up.

Golly, everything about the past few days turned out to hit. Tomorrow we hit the road to VA Beach!


***To Be Continued.......

150 Days of Adventures Winding Through Summer: Volume 12

June 26, 2017 -- Day 86:

Today, the Smokers, our good old friends from Burnsville, dropped by for a visit! When they got to da 'Burgh, Britt asked Franco what the adventure happened to be for this day. To which we gleefully replied that they got to be today's adventure! How lucky for them -- and for us!!

We sat around on our deck and chatted. Some beer might have been drunk. It almost felt like old times, except we could not swim in the backyard. Also, despite the Smokers being present, no meat smoked in the smoker. Other than that, we did not skip a beat in our camaraderie and laughter. The kids enjoyed catching up, and we ordered pizza and wings and had a lovely evening.

It can be green, even in the city!

It's been a long time, but we vowed to meet again in football season, preferably at Heinz Field. It will be here before we know it!

June 27, 2017 -- Day 87:

Today, Franco skated and had a terrific lesson. Afterward, he played games in the game room with his buddies, which is always a highlight.

On the way home, I may or may not have been pulled over for speeding. But, I definitely did not get a ticket. So, there. The officer reminded me that, "We're always runnin' speed dahn here, so slow dahn." Given Franco's love of police-people, that was quite the highlight for him. Not so much for the rest of us. I did receive quite the lecture from Franco, so our adventures from there on certainly slowed, as you might say, dahn.

June 28, 2017 -- Day 88:

We headed to gymnastics class and then, because we are us, we booked it to Kennywood. It certainly made for quite the fun evening. We ate Potato Patch fries, rode the Log Jammer twice in a row without waiting in line, and ran from the Racer to the Jack Rabbit repeatedly before closing the park down. While we did not have exactly the same luck as regards to the crowds as the last time, we still got darn lucky in that department.

Our privilege does not escape us, and we truly appreciate our ability to enjoy the park as our playground.

Summer is the best....

June 29, 2017 -- Day 89:

Because we had such fun last week with Brad, Alyssa, and Ryan, we accepted their invite for a playdate at their house. Franco counted down all week on his calendar for this special day.

And it did not disappoint. The kids played hard for over four hours, and they had several Nerf guns, which officially put them at the top of the list! They had snacks, went outside and ate cherries, battled with various weapons, joined in some kind of tag, and basically all yelled at the top of their lungs to communicate. As they are want to do.

On the way home, Franco talked incessantly about all the cool toys he got to share and how much fun he had with his friends.

That is a good day.

June 30, 2017 -- Day 90:

I had to clean the house and get some things in order. So, Franco and Scott decided to take advantage of the rainy day and watch Cars 3, followed by a delicious lunch at BRGR. Later in the afternoon, I met them for a matinee of Wonder Woman, which turned out to be better than the hype and maybe  the best movie I've seen all year. It kind of made everyone's day.

Franco and I walked around Charming Charlie for a while and picked out a bunch of sparkly gems for Auntie and me, and then the boys went home to do something other than that. I stayed at the mall and shopped before joining them at the homestead.

July 1, 2017 -- Day 91:

Auntie arrived in the afternoon to attend the best event of the year -- The Total Package Tour: New Kids on the Block, with Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men. Franco initially felt left out because, when Auntie and I made the plans, we never thought he would want in. (We invited Scott, who turned us down emphatically. Who woulda guessed?) I told Franco he could come to the next Total Package Tour, and he said he certainly would and we better not forget him. Alrighty then.

Anyway, before we headed downtown, we had dinner at Jose and Tony's. The food and atmosphere there is always a huge hit. Auntie and I went on our way, and Franco and Scott spent the evening playing the Wii and watching movies in a typical boys' night.

July 2, 2017 -- Day 92:

Auntie was around for a few days, so we all went to the Pirates game in the blazing hot sun. Sundays are kids' days, so Franco got to bounce on the inflatable obstacle course and stroll around for freebies. While getting a balloon sword, we happened upon Jesse, Brandi, and Franco's besties -- Ryan, Brad, and Alyssa. If we'd planned this meeting, it definitely would not have happened, making it extra fun! The kids battled each other with balloon swords for a long time before we went into the ballpark.

Although the sun felt merciless, we managed a great afternoon. The Buccos did well, right up until Tony Watson went into the game and we took our cue to vamoose. (Sorry, Tony. You are a really awesome guy and we are pulling for you, but you need to get it together if you think we are sitting in the 400 degree heat to watch you close it out.)

It's hot out here!!!!!!

When we arrived in Lebo, we ordered food from Jade Grill, stuffed ourselves silly, played games, and  watched Kennywood Memories until bedtime.

July 3, 2017 -- Day 93:

Auntie, Franco, and I planned a full day at -- you guessed it -- Kennywood! (Scotty P. planned a full day at -- wait for it -- work! Sorry, ol' Scotty P.) We got to the park around noon, with plans to stay until closing. Despite the upcoming holiday, it was not too crowded to enjoy all the things we hoped to do.

Having Auntie along made the day even more special and enjoyable than usual, and Franco loved showing her all the things he loves. Because Auntie and I have spent our lives growing up with/at Kennywood, it felt nice to see the next generation revel in the history and elation.

It did rain briefly and we sought shelter in the Penny Arcade. It's been maybe thirty years since I've been in there, and it turns out it's filled with the same old games I remember. It even has the old fortune-telling machines from the old days, and we played one for fun. The card we got could be described as "fun." Alternatively, it could be described as "creepy" and "too deep for a five-year-old."

I can't speak for anyone else, but I love crap like this.

With all the years and numerous visits under our belts, on this occasion, we actually got to see a new area we've never seen before: the First Aid station. Due to an unfortunate decision to wave at Auntie from The Paratrooper with both hands, Franco banged his mouth on the metal bar, biting his lip and causing quite the bleed. (If you know nothing else about me, know this: I don't do blood.) He insisted on going to First Aid to make sure he could continue his evening unscathed, and I didn't disagree. Because, as you may or may not know, I don't do blood.

It turns out the First Aid is pretty nice and, after a bag of ice and a few kind words, we jaunted back into the park until the Independence Day fireworks were set to begin. (From the people gathered, you might think no one in Allegheny County had seen fireworks since, like, ever.) We made a choice to leave before the other million and a half folks, and still got to see the fireworks perfectly from our parking lot. So, win-win for us.

Once strapped in the car, Franco fell asleep almost immediately. He woke up once home to tell his dad all about his day, and we stayed up a bit before falling into bed, tired and happy.

July 4, 2017 -- Day 94:

Auntie left super early for a picnic and we all slept in super late. We had no real plans for the holiday because who puts a holiday square in the middle of the week? Someone should talk to someone about that timing.

In the afternoon, we did go swimming for a bit, then made hot dogs and corn on the cob. We discovered that we could not see the Lebo fireworks from our porch, so we just soothed poor Emma on this not-dog-friendly holiday and snoozed.

July 5, 2017 -- Day 95:

Franco enjoyed his gymnastics class and then we both enjoyed a lovely afternoon nap. Once we awoke, Scott and Franco decided to make pizzas and watch movies. Franco managed to play some sorts of battles with his dad, which made him happy.

It might not have been the grandest day, but sometimes even the best of us need a respite.

July 6, 2017 -- Day 96:

Today, Franco decided he wanted a lazy day at home, and I could see no reason to object. He played Legos, sold insurance (that's a thing around here) and made a huuuuuuge mess all around the house.

Being a kid is cool.

***To Be Continued.......