Countdown of 150 Days of Awesomeness Continued: Volume Eight

May 23, 2017 -- Day 52:

Franco and I decided to venture back to the gym today, so we can all get some serious exercise. We both left sweaty and refreshed, and got home in time to ready ourselves for the Penguins' wrap up of the Eastern Conference Finals. Time to put away the Ottawa Senators once and for all...

HA! Joke's on us! We all sat in the right spots, drank the right beverages, used the right cheers, and somehow the Pens managed to blow it all to hell. Onto Game 7, whether our hearts need it/can take it or not.

May 24, 2017 -- Day 53:

Whether the fault of the terrible hockey game or something else, I woke up feeling absolutely awful. Sadly, we did not even make it to skating. We did manage to get to gymnastics, but that just about took it out of me. We crawled into bed and watched the iPad before taking a very long nap.

Later in the evening, the boys decided to order BRGR for dinner, and we all watched the Pirates game. After Franco ate his hot dog and poutine, he put away two bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios for dessert. We stayed up to see the Buccos lose, which did not hit, and then called it a day.

May 25, 2017 -- Day 54:

All was right with the world when we woke up, and we set about calming our Game 7 nerves straight away. We diverted ourselves with a trip to the library, where I convinced Franco it was high time we introduced him to Little House on the Prairie. We came home with Season Two complete on DVD, but we could not watch it because we had to get ready for hockey euphoria or despair, depending.

We all settled into our step-sitting/drinking routine in the basement, knowing it would be a long night. We were blissfully unaware at that point just how loooooong.

Here's one way we coped earlier on:

Stressed? Who, us?

Later on, as the Pens continued into the first overtime, some more coping strategies emerged:

Fairly healthy....

By roughly 11:30, the so-called adults in the house were just about going crazy. And then, as the clock nearly struck midnight, Chris Kuuuuuuunitz mercifully won it in the second overtime and sent the Pens to the Stanley Cup Finals!

I drank that. And I own every bit of it.

Yes, that is an accurate picture. Scott later remarked that it was impressive that I put all that away. (He totally did not put it quite like that, but that's what I heard.) I truthfully remarked that, given the circumstances of the game, it could have been far worse. My mom saw this photo and said, "Eh. Not that bad, really." So, thanks mom. For everything.

Holy moly!! Pens win!! Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley................

May 26, 2017 -- Day 55:

We all awoke on a cloud of excitement over a Stanley Cup rainbow. I showed Franco the winning overtime goal on the DVR and we cheered all over again. But, we had some big plans for this day, too, that went beyond just sitting around re-watching Chris Kunitz score.

We went to get current passports, where the passport lady told us how tired she was from staying up into the night watching the Pens, and we agreed. Fun!

We then headed to Kennywood to spend some time as a family, where most people casually remarked  how tired they were from staying up into the night watching the Pens, and we again agreed. Super fun!

Franco had a great time showing his dad all the things he rode with Drydie, and we ventured onto some new rides, too. Although it was breezy and cool, Franco and I decided to take the Pittsburg Plunge and get crazy soaked -- because he and I share roughly the same emotional intelligence inside of an amusement park, and it is clearly not all that high. (Scott opted out because he claims to have some sense, or something like that.)

We had a blast!

Family fun! 

When we got home, we played games and danced around to music. A celebratory Friday in the books!

May 27, 2017 -- Day 56:

Today, we ventured to Altoona to visit Auntie and attend a birthday party. For Teddy. He's a dog. I'm serious.

Gram and Pap were there, along with Uncle Steve's family, and Franco had a great time playing with the kids.

Kids, look at the camera.....

We ate tons of food and cake and generally enjoyed a simply lovely Saturday afternoon together. At a birthday party. For a dog.

Teddy's dog cake, made of dog-friendly ingredients. He loved it. The humans had an ice cream cake to ourselves.

This is the face Uncle Steve makes when we sing Happy Birthday. To a dog.

WTF?

Teddy slept well that night, to be sure. I think, all in all, he rather enjoyed his lavish birthday party. The humans did as well.

May 28, 2017 -- Day 57:

After spending the night at Auntie's (What? Did you think we stopped partying when everyone else left? Psssshhhhhhhh.......) we drove to Gram and Pap's to spend the day with them. Franco and Pap found an old loopty-loop battery-powered racetrack in the basement, which no one can even remember and which does not entirely work. Nonetheless, it shall become a fixture at 1394 Washington Road. Pap's vision of sending us home with all the old crap is slowly but surely coming to fruition.

Later on, we visited some dead people at the graveyard (they didn't seem too impressed) and I showed Franco all my favorite graves from when I was a kid. (It's a macabre tradition to be kept alive, if you will.) We ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday and then rummaged around to find the best card game ever invented: Busy Bee. It took some doing, and we also uncovered about a hundred other "treasures", but we did it. We found the elusive game, along with Old Maid. We set about teaching Franco all about these classics from my childhood, and he's now verifiably hooked.

We ended the day on a high note for certain.

May 29, 2017 -- Day 58:

Memorial Day. While packing up all our stuff, Scott discovered a coiled snake under the porch and we (i.e. Franco and I) ran around the yard screaming like a bunch of lunatics on our way to get into the car. Good times. (Pap threw that snake into the woods with his shovel. This is one of endless reasons I live in the city now.)

When we got home, we got out all the crap that we had schlepped from Gram and Pap's, and Franco had a big time. We made hot dogs, ribs, and corn on the cob for the big holiday, and settled in for Game One of the STANLEY CUP FINALS!

The Pens did not disappoint, putting us through yet another round of late-game stress. But, they won, keeping the "Drive for 5" alive. And we could all rest easy, for another night, at least.

***To Be Continued...

Counting Down 150 Days of Awesome Awesomeness: Volume Seven

May 15, 2017 -- Day 44:

Since our vacation turned suddenly into a staycation, we set about to make the most of it. We started by cleaning up the house and doing some odds-and-ends. Pretty exciting stuff!

But, the standing rule for house-cleaning days states that Franco can make the biggest mess EVER before it all gets "red up." This day, he did this:

I'm not sure I signed up for this...

                                                     

Hey Emma --  I signed you up for this!

                                                   

After we finished our chores, we all settled in for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals -- and the Pens managed a win!

 (All of our good luck/superstitious/crazy traditions are clearly behind this  

 success, so you're totally welcome.)                                

May 16, 2017 -- Day 45:

We took advantage of this beautiful day to go vote, and then take a walk in the nature preserve that Scott and Franco discovered a week ago. Even though some of the grass looked quite "snake-y" we all made it unscathed and had fun.

Hey girl....

Afterward, we had a late lunch at Mindful Brewing Company (quite delicious and also quite Asheville-ish) and then watched a matinee of Gifted. Once home, we played board games on the deck, and Emma barked at the neighbors' cats. Happy Tuesday!

May 17, 2017 -- Day 46:

Franco felt so glad that Scott could see all his ice skating progress, and Scott left genuinely impressed. After the lesson, we had lunch at BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, then headed to gymnastics. After that, we went to the grocery store and made dinner, so we could completely settle in, relax, and enjoy the Pens' game.....

Which did not last long. After the first period, Franco and I turned off the TV and coped with some epic games of Mystery Mansion. Following the second period, amid much disgust, Scott joined us. And we made the best of a very sad hockey night in Pittsburgh.

May 18, 2017 -- Day 47:

We decided to take the T to the Pirates game on a clear and bright Pittsburgh afternoon. What a tremendous idea! We decided not to take any sunscreen with us. Parenting fail!

Whatever. We had a blast, except for the random splotches of sunburn. We had great seats behind home plate and the Buccos scored ten runs en route to raising the Jolly Roger. These things do not always happen, folks, and we all appreciated the perfection of this experience.

Sunny......

Once back in the South Hills, we picked up a Mexican feast and headed home for some additional Mystery Mansion fun. Life on a staycation probably does NOT get any better than this.

May 19, 2017 -- Day 48:

Our dear North Carolina bosom friends Mary Katherine and Drydie decided to surprise us with a weekend visit! (The drive time from Charlotte to Pittsburgh was almost too much for poor Franco.) We tidied up our home and stocked up on Trader Joe's snacks for their arrival.

Once they FINALLY GOT HERE, Franco and Drydie set about catching up on a year's worth of playing together, and Mary Katherine and I picked up our chatting right where we left off. Emma did not even bark when they walked in....proof that they are truly a part of the family. While we all made up for lost time, we watched the Pens bounce right back from that awful Game 3 performance to redeem themselves. Nice.

May 20, 2017 -- Day 49:

Mary Katherine and Dryden had never been to Pittsburgh before, so we bandied about some ideas of how to best acclimate them. And, if I do say so myself, we nailed it:

KENNYWOOD!!

DIP CONES AT KENNYWOOD!!

Everyone had an absloutlely fantastic time. (Obviously. I mean, it is Kennywood after all!!) Franco and Dryden rode everything in Kiddieland and we all enjoyed some of the big-kid rides, too. (Except Drydie did not enjoy the Pounce Bounce. The adults, however, reveled at the hilarity of Drydie's non-enjoyment. No regrets.) We ate Potato Patch fries and dip cones, walked all over the park, bounced around on the Kangaroo, stopped for fudge on the way out of the park, and stayed until closing time and the Good-Night heart.

As soon as we loaded the kids into the car, they jabbered on about their wonderfully fun day together, and all their favorite rides, until they suddenly fell out. Drydie perked up for pizza once home, but Franco snoozed on. Mary Katherine and I chatted until the wee hours of the morning. Suffice it to say, I think we all slept very well that night.

May 21, 2017 -- Day 50:

It rained and felt lazy. So, we decided to just be lazy, too. Franco and Drydie played, and then we all watched the hockey game and/or battled each other in Wii Carnival games. Literally, everyone won!

That evening, we ate dinner and relaxed and played games together. Ol' Scotty P. lamented his last day of vacation/staycation, and the rest of us knew our company had to leave in the morning. We did what we could to salvage the last, sweet moments.

May 22, 2017 -- Day 51:

Scott went to work, Mary Katherine and Drydie went on their merry way, and Franco and I went to bed for a long, well-deserved nap.

In the evening, Riley from next door asked Franco to play outside, a request he gleefully accepted. They played tag, had running races, drove the battery car into the wood pile, and generally filled the backyard with screams of pure delight. I watched them from the deck, sipped a beer, and read the newspaper.

Not all the adventures have to be grandiose. Some of the best are just like this one.

***To Be Continued....

150 Days Continued: Volume Six

May 7, 2017 -- Day 36:

Auntie ran the Pittsburgh Marathon. In roughly the same amount of time that it took her to do that, I was able to sleep in, have leisurely coffee, get dressed, walk to the T station, ride downtown, stroll the city with Steve until we found the finish line, and then watch the runners for over an hour until she finished. I admit that her doing this is a huge, monumental achievement, the likes of which you will never see me even attempt in this lifetime. (Also true? I had more fun and hurt less.)

While I spent time there, Franco and Scott headed to a local nature preserve. They had a super time in the cool morning air, and have vowed to include me next time around.

                                                       Who says it isn't easy being green?

Once Auntie, Steve, and I returned home, where we met the boys, we all headed to BRGR for lunch. I am proud of Auntie's accomplishment, and glad that we were able to celebrate such a time with her.

Also, as impressive and amazing the race atmosphere, I still am not about the running. I am, however, all about burgers and beer after someone else does the running. I feel that's more than fair.

May 8, 2017 -- Day 37:

Poor Franco felt all stuffed up and sniffly. We played games and watched cartoons and took a nap. Then, we all felt completely sick about the Pens game, but tried to remain positive.

It failed, as they played possibly the worst game of the playoffs so far and forced a dreaded Game 7. Apparently, not all of these adventures are going to be awesome. Awesome.

May 9, 2017 -- Day 38:

Now, this is going to come out of left field and shock the stuffing out of you all. Today, against all odds, we went to Target. (I warned you. I sincerely hope you were sitting down.) Franco and I were preparing for our upcoming beach trip to Alabama's Gulf Shores, so we needed provisions. (Read: new clothes.)

While perusing the aisles, Franco informed me that he heard Mother's Day is upcoming, and he needed to buy me a present. I told him that is sweet, but unnecessary. He insisted, and told me that he would look around the store with me and, if he saw something perfect, he would let me know and maybe he could give it to me.

Well, boy howdy, does that kid know the way straight to my heart.

                             Is there a more perfect Mother's Day gift than Ryan Gosling in a musical?

I'm not trying to toot my own horn here or anything (I totally am) but someone is raising that kid up right.

We also did buy some new clothes. And, as per usual, Franco did this.

                                     You're my best friend....beause I see you all. The. Time.

May 10, 2017 -- Day 39:

Skating. Franco did a fabulous job in his lesson, and then decided to skate another thirty or so minutes with his friend and classmate, McKenna. (Just like The American Girl Doll. And the gymnastics movie based on The American Girl Doll. That Franco and I watch all the time on Netflix. You know, where Steve Sanders from 90210 plays her dad? That one.)

On the way home, we bought a new game at a consignment store, and I managed to convince Franco to finally "trim" his hair. And he did "trim" it. (Not "cut." Don't say "cut.") We came home to snack, then headed to gymnastics. Franco took his obligatory nap. (Maybe I did too. I will neither confirm nor deny.)

We then went to the library for Chess Club. The library offers it once a month, and this is the first time we have been able to attend. It turned out to be highly informative, and Franco learned a whole lot to improve his game. I learned a little bit more than I knew before, which brings my grand knowledge about chess to.....more than nothing. (Clearly, we have ol' Scotty P. to thank for this whole chess thing. Unless you count my love for the movie "Searching For Bobby Fischer." Which I personally do not.) It is truly a neat thing to be a part of, and Franco met some older kids who have quite a grasp on the game. He even hung around long enough while playing with them to make a lot of moves before he lost. He wants to keep learning and going to the club, and so I think it's a win.

On the drive back home, I literally felt like I might throw up. Franco told me, "Just don't throw up in this car." Sage advice. It was all due to the impending Game 7 hockey game. If I weren't crazy, I guess I would be nothing at all.

We watched downstairs in the game room/basement. I stood up and/or jumped for the entire thing. Franco found a seat on the steps. He then had to keep that position for the whole game. He kept adding accoutrements to the steps, until it literally became a safety hazard. (Which, naturally, we made him keep exactly the same, since we were winning at that point. Just watch your step?)

Photo taken right before he added coasters, Penguins programs, a stick and puck, and used beer caps to the collection. Whatever works, we say. Just don't fall down and hurt yourself because we are not taking you to the ER. No matter what. Until the game is over, anyhow.                    

Somehow, and to our great joy and relief, the Pens played literally (and I am not being a tad dramatic whatsoever) the best game EVER against the Crying Crapitals. And sent Ovechkin packing for the postseason. Wheeeeeeew. When I look back, it sure was fun. In the moment, fun is not exactly the word I might choose. But, here we go to the Eastern Conference finals!

May 11, 2017 -- Day 40:

Scott had to go back to tooth class for the whole weekend. Franco and I gathered stuff for our upcoming trip. When Scott returned home in the evening, he told us he had to not only attend this class, but study in the evenings for tooth tests. It sounded super, but, reluctantly, I decided to pass on this round of fun. Let's leave tooth studying to the master, shall we?

Franco and I instead decided to give him some quiet time and headed to Famous Footwear (where I got new Vans and a sweet pair of Steve Madden wedges) and Burlington (not Coat Factory.) And Kohl's. And maybe Fine Wine and Spirits. Who knows.

We played games and puzzles once home, and eventually Scott joined us for a few rounds of Crazy Eights to get his mind right for his test the next day. Doesn't everyone?

May 12, 2017 -- Day 41:

Scott went back to tooth class. Unfortunately, I woke up afflicted with an awful head cold which just didn't let up. In the evening, Franco and I sojourned to Fat Head's for dinner. I tried to knock back my pounding head with tasty food and beers. It did not cure me, but it didn't hurt either. So.

When we got home, Scotty studied, and Franco and I lazily lazed about. Not a bad Friday at all.

May 13, 2017 -- Day 42:

Scott's official vacation starts Monday, and we had planned our trip to the Gulf Shores to visit Grandpa Mark and Susan's new beach house. And goof off. But, Scott called from his tooth class to say the trip is off. Grandpa Mark is in the hospital, and so we can't meet up after all. Franco broke down in dismay. Luckily, we had already planned a built-in adventure for today, and Scott promised something fun for his vacation time, so all is well. (And Grandpa Mark is going to be fine, so that is a relief.)

Daniel Tiger is at the PA Trolley Museum in Washington. Franco and I have talked about this for quite some time and, despite my nasty cold, we headed out for a day of fun.

                                                           Who doesn't love Daniel?

The whole place was a blast. We rode a Philadelphia trolley to the trolley museum, where we saw Daniel, and then rode a Pittsburgh trolley back to the main building. There were games for the kids, crafts, snacks, and a gift shop. Franco's love for all things Daniel and trains and trolleys made him geek out for real, which made me really happy all the way around.

After, we were so super ready for the first game between the Pens and the Sens. Franco and I even scoured the shelves of Giant Eagle for some Bryan Rust root beer, and right at the end of our hunt, Franco's eagle eye spotted what I swear was the last bottle in the store! We set Franco up on his step, I set about drinking a massive quantity of beer (it can't hurt) and --

We watched as the Pens completely blew it in overtime. Oh, well. It's only Game One. That's what I tell myself, anyhow.

May 14, 2017 -- Day 43:

Even though Mother's Day is a made-up Hallmark holiday of sap, it still sucks to be sick. Scott spent the morning in his class, and returned to tell us he passed his tests and can begin his vacation! To which I replied, "Great. I'm going to lie down."

And I did. Franco and his dad managed to play some baseball outside, and build his Playmobil city. He and I watched some movies on the iPad and ate pizza together in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the head cold zapped the rest of my energy, so adventures today were not extreme. But, we enjoyed one another's company. Franco told me, " I could not have a better mom than you, and you could not have a better kid than me. And, so, you are lucky for that."

Ummm. All true...I guess? Happy Mother's Day indeed.

(Edited to add: He is 100% right. Obviously.)

***To Be Continued....

150 Days Going Strong Continued: Volume Five

April 28, 2017 -- Day 27:

We drove to Gram and Pap's to hang out and decided to have dinner at "The Mariner" in Kittanning. This is one of our collective favorite places to eat together, and everytime we do this, we all have a super fun time. This turned out to be no exception.

April 29, 2017 -- Day 28:

We basically waited all day for the Penguins to continue their winning ways. Franco and I did a few errands in the meantime. (i.e. We went to Target. I am beginning to think we should receive a sponsorship. It might be fun to count how many adventures in these 150 days include Target. Alternatively, that could be construed as just sad.)

We were not let down, and I never even had to pick Franco up once to ensure a victory. Winning.

April 30, 2017 -- Day 29: 

Our little family spent a gorgeous day at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Franco has waited almost a year to see Dippy the Dinosaur, and all the rest of the dinosaurs. Also, the dinosaurs. We had a lovely time on an absolutely perfect Sunday afternoon.

And we're digging....

After a thoroughly educational and fun experience, we headed for dinner at Fat Head's. Franco fell deeply in love with the black and yellow chicken wing sauce, and I felt much the same about the Hefeweizen. The sun shone, the breeze blew, and, even though we were in the Southside, we saw no one get arrested. Perfection.

May 1, 2017 -- Day 30:

The first thirty days down! I think we are all incredibly fond of this new experiment, except maybe Scotty P., who may or may not even realize this little experiment is a thing. I'd ask him, but where's the fun in that?

Franco and I decided to hang out at home, clean up, and then head out to Target. (SEE??!!)  

We made tacos and settled in to watch the Penguins clean up the Capitals in this series, making it virtually impossible for a comeback....

Only to be rudely reminded that we are talking about a Pittsburgh sports team addicted to drama. And the stinking Capitals. We lost the game and, in so doing, many of us in this house lost our minds. All in all, this day's greatest adventure may have been curtailing the already filthy language to its usual totally filthy levels. A feat not to be downplayed, to be sure.

May 2, 2017 -- Day 31:

Because of the move last year, my natural gym routine became woefully interrupted. Then, I just made a conscious decision to be rather lazy all the way around. Now, the time has come and I must remedy this situation. 

Franco and I jaunted right up to LA Fitness because of the all-important (and oh-so-coveted) Kiddo Klub. We wasted no time taking full advantage of this decision. Franco bounced right into Kiddo Klub as I did to a Zumba class. He left so incredibly happy, and thanked me for allowing him to play again in a gym environment with all the other kids. I just left sore in places I had forgotten all about.

May 3, 2017 -- Day 32:

Franco showed up for skating lessons, only to find out that ice maintenance at the rink would not allow for it. So, he and a few of his buddies settled on an hour at the playground instead. Which just about made his day. We went home, ate lunch, and headed back out for gymnastics.

Then, a well-deserved nap. Maybe for both of us. Afterward, Franco was able to play with his beloved Riley from next door, and they made the most of a spring evening in the backyard. I took old Sweet-Sweet Emma for a long walk around the neighborhood, which she handled quite well, and which helped me deal with my hockey-related stress levels.

We ordered Nick's pizza and, even though we dreaded it, we watched the Penguins. And it actually renewed all hope. They rebounded nicely, and we capped a truly good day with a truly great win.

Also, Franco made this masterpiece. And placed it on his dad's head:

                                                   Why? Because he's Franco, that's why!

May 4, 2017 -- Day 33:

May the Fourth be with you! Franco and I went to the library for the Star Wars-themed pajama story time. (It starts at 6:30 in the evening. A lot of kids wear pajamas, which is encouraged. Because they are likely on normal schedules where 6:30 PM is closer to their bed times than their nap times.) 

We had a lot of fun. When it finished, Franco attempted to teach me chess. 

                                            Bobby Fischer -- where is he? I don't know, I don't know....

Bless that child for trying, though it's totally hopeless. I'm a lost cause. He ended up playing both sides of the board himself.

May 5, 2017 -- Day 34:

Kindergarten Orientation Day! Franco felt appropriately nervous, but it faded as soon as he entered the classroom and saw some blocks. He sat right down and told us to go on. So, Scott and I left him there for his hour-long pretend class and headed upstairs for the parents' portion of the program. 

Although it did not occur to me at the time, later Scott said he had serious Big Little Lies flashbacks. And in hindsight, I don't disagree. The school is lovely, all the mothers and staff members are perfectly coiffed, the principal is young and polished, the PTA mom is peppy and hip. So. Yeah. (No one mentioned an Elivs and Audrey themed trivia night. Yet.) We are excited for Franco to begin his new journey at Markham Elementary, and feel good about all the things he can accomplish.

                            A flower in a cute little pot for Franco, courtesy of kindergarten. 

                            Hair style apparently courtesy of The Beatles, circa 1964.

Later in the afternoon, Scott and Franco rode up to Gram and Pap's for something or another to do with the dirty rotten camper. I stayed home to do my nails. (Yes I did. And I have no regrets.)

That evening, Franco and I checked out the Mt. Lebanon high school production of The Pajama Game. The high school is impressive, as was the talent on stage. We really had a great evening and the drama department deserves a full standing ovation for a job well done. Bravo.

Also, Franco took his first picture in the high school, and I told him I would put it in his senior yearbook. I reiterate: his potential knows no bounds.

May 6, 2017 -- Day 35:

It rained. ALL DAY. We ate lunch at Eat 'n Park, then strolled Giant Eagle for fruit and hockey game snacks, and then popped into the beer distributor. (After re-reading that sentence, it occurred to me that this may be the most Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon ever.)

We sat around most of the day and waited for the puck drop. Then, we went to bed bitterly disappointed and sad. The end.

**To Be Continued.....

150 Days of Awesome: Volume Four

April 17, 2017 -- Day Sixteen:

Gram and Pap spent the night, so once Pap awoke (around noon -- his normal time) we ate lunch at Eat 'n Park, and then headed to Burlington (Not Coat Factory) to peruse the vast, endless expanse of stuff nobody really needs. Franco found a remote control car on sale, so of course Franco took it home. (Don't look at me. I didn't buy it.) He did tell Gram she would not have any money left over after the weekend because she will have spent all of it on toys. Pretty prophetic, that one.

Sadly, Gram and Pap went home that evening. And Franco fell asleep roughly ten minutes after they pulled out of the driveway. Then, we ordered Nick's Pizza and chilled.

April 18, 2017 -- Day Seventeen:

Effing Tax Day. The greatest adventure had to be one great experiment of how well "someone's" Lexapro worked to combat "someone's" pernicious anxiety. (Verdict: Fair.)

Later in the evening, Franco gave me a tutorial on every one of his remote control cars, new and old. He deemed it necessary as a precursor to our Remote Control Car Race 2017, to take place later in the week. Then, the Penguins lost their playoff game, forcing a Game Five. This day is not going down as the greatest adventure ever.

Effing Tax Day.

April 19, 2017 -- Day Eighteen:

Ice skating and gymnastics day. Franco did really well at each lesson, and he had fun doing so. Afterward, we stopped by Target. Because of course we did. Among the actual items we needed, we found DVD's on sale and came home with Spy Kids 1, 2, and 3 in a multi-pack. (Which means Franco went one entire day without a new item. Good for us.) Then, he watched Spy Kids 1, 2, and 3 and ate a chocolate donut.

Later that night, we commenced Remote Control Car Race 2017 and Franco won six rounds to my three. A rematch is TBA.

April 20, 2017 -- Day Nineteen:

We dodged a nasty downpour to run into and out of the library. We borrowed a new Star Wars Wii game and Despicable Me 2. The rest of the day, Franco waited for his dad to get off work so we could drive to Gram and Pap's for the weekend. To bide his time, he mastered his new game. And asked me when his dad would be home already.

Once at Gram and Pap's, we celebrated the Pens' win and simultaneous clinch of Round One. Whew.

April 21, 2017 -- Day Twenty:

A weekend at Gram and Pap's means a slew of activities. Franco arrives with a mental agenda, and a pox upon us all if he does not meet said agenda. He and Pap played Gabe and Garrett outside in the car (normal) and we taught him new games (normal) and he stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to party (normal.)

April 22, 2017 -- Day Twenty-One:

We all took a sojourn to eat at the awesome restaurant Country Junction in the Amish country of Smicksburg. For dessert, Franco and I tried the most delicious thing ever to be invented: a pumpkin gob. To quote Gram, "Oh, my word." Too delicious.

After stuffing our faces, we walked over to one of the Amish stores to peruse the wares. Much to our surprise, Franco and I found something for which we have searched far and wide for many eons:

                                Not kidding. Not even a little bit. Baby corns are our everything.

(I did mention that not all adventures would be earth-shattering, correct? This might qualify as one such example.)

We returned to watch baseball and enjoy our last night at Gram and Pap's home-away-from-home-which-used-to-actually-be-my-home.

April 23, 2017 -- Day Twenty-Two:

Scott had to drive the mother-bleeping camper to Washington PA to be inspected and who knows what else. We met him there and, once back in the 'Burgh, watched the Buccos on TV.

In the afternoon, Franco and I strolled to the Galleria mall to look around. Then, we took a long walk around the neighborhood. We decided to figure out which house on Ordale Avenue, which runs parallel to Washington Road, shares our yard. We had fun walking the street and peeking through the trees to find our home from its back. (Answer: 95 Ordale Avenue. You can rest easy tonight. You're welcome.) Along our way, we giggled as much as we exercised.

It kind of was the best.

April 24, 2017 -- Day Twenty-Three:

Today, we had the privilege to drive to Washington PA and give our PA license plate to the Mercedes dealer, so the camper could be inspected and who knows what else. Franco looked like this:

                                                Rainy days and Mondays can't get me down...

On our way home, we stopped by Five Below and TJ Maxx. But, the rain made us lazy, and so we just headed home to goof off the rest of the day.

April 25, 2017 -- Day Twenty-Four:

So, I decided (unilaterally, mind you, and without being prompted by anything other than my insanity) to rearrange Franco's room. I don't know why I do this to myself, but here we are. I roped Franco into helping me lug all his toys out of his room and then cart containers up and down from the basement, until we were both sweaty and messy and sincerely as far away from organization as we could get. Thank heavens Ol' Scotty P. isn't as OCD about coming home to an uncluttered environment as I am because if I had walked into the madness we had created, I would have lost my damn mind.

Anyhow, the project which I thought might take an afternoon had clearly morphed into a week-long adventure. Yippee.

As a bonus, though, we did get to use the extra bedroom (AKA Gram and Pap's room) until we can find Franco's bed again under the immense pile of nonsense....

April 26, 2017 -- Day Twenty-Five:

Skating and gymnastics awesomeness, obviously. Franco had two extremely great, fun lessons, and left both proud of himself and exhausted.

Afterward, we headed to the rec center to buy our pool passes for the summer, which is bittersweet when you used to do this instead:

Just remember how much cheaper it is not to have a beautiful pool in your backyard. Tell yourself that. Again and again. It's not really working, is it? I didn't think so.

The Lebo pool does have two waterslides and a rock climbing wall, though, so there is that.

Once done, Franco played on the playground for a while before we went home to lament our still disorganized state of affairs which is Franco's room. Ugh.

April 27, 2017 -- Day Twenty-Six:

Have I mentioned that our house is torn apart? I did? Oh, well, then, I guess you know what we did today!

And then......the Penguins' first game of the second round, against none other than the dreaded Washington Capitals. Uncle Dr. Chad texted Scott beforehand that "Ovechkin is a dirty little bitch" and then added "but Franco probably already told you that." (Touche.)

We all held our collective breath through much of that one. Yikes. But, somehow, Bonino-Bonino-BONINOOOOOOOOOOO came through at the end! It just so happened that I had put a 50-pound Franco on my hip (to quell some anxiety) right before that third goal, and so clearly had to keep him there for the rest of the game. Because logic. We are toying with the logistics of how I can hold him throughout all the rest of the games in the series. We will do what we have to do, believe you me, if that's what it takes.

Scott texted Uncle Dr. Chad to tell him that Franco screamed an absolutely filthy, expletive-laden cheer (which he spelled into the text, but which I will leave to your imagination) about that AWESOME game, to which Chad replied, "Wash that kid's mouth out with soap. My kids are in bed."

Permissive parenting? Check. Penguins' victory? Check. We're all winners.

**To Be Continued....

150 Days of Adventure, etc.: Volume Three

The whirlwind of last weekend kicked our collective patoots. We are only now recovered. Here is the recap:

Friday, April 14, 2017 -- Day Thirteen:

We spent nearly all day in anticipation for the puck drop. Auntie and Uncle Steve arrived at our home, and we all headed downtown on the T. We stopped by a hotel tailgate for a beer/ginger ale, and then headed into PPG Paints Arena.

                                       Get in the fast lane, Grandma! The bingo game's ready to roll!

We were all too ready for as awesome a game as Game 1, so I naturally prepared myself to be bitterly disappointed. Because that's how I do. Ol' Scotty P. went full-on financial amnesiac and purchased us great seats, pretending like we could actually afford it a few days before tax day. (He's either a prince charming or straight-up lunatic, depending on my state of sobriety when I make the call. And only I make the call.)

He did a great job. We are now sufficiently spoiled.

                                                 Warmups. With Fleury in the cage. Perfect.

The Pens played an amazing and exciting game, Sid and the kids showed up and showed off, and we won, making the series 2 games to none. All in all, we had the most fabulous time. Franco added to his cheer of, "Keep on suckin' suckers! We're unstoppable!" by pointing to the Penguins logo on his chest and screaming, "See this? This is professional hockey!" I don't even know where he got that. It sounds professional wrestle-y, and I most certainly NOT wrestle-y, professional or otherwise.  But, we're keeping it. Feel free to pay homage yourselves.

Afterwards, Franco stared at the scoreboard reading Pens 4 -- Jackets 1 and proclaimed, "I could just stare at that score all night long."

                                                                 Same, Buddy. Same.

The walk through the city to the T station was filled with cheers and the buzz of champions. After a very eventful ride home on the T, where we had to listen to some joker complain about teenagers using the F-word ("Heavens to Betsy!!"), we made it home to revel accordingly.

Saturday, April 15, 2017 -- Day Fourteen:

Everyone took naps. (Although Franco resisted until 7:00 PM. Most kids call that bedtime. We clearly have no structure. Carry on.) Then, we put out our baskets, laid out a lovely carrot, and dyed eggs in anticipation for the guest of honor. Franco stayed up well past 1:00 AM because his excitement would allow nothing otherwise. (Also, see his aforementioned "nap" time.)

                    I can't be 100% sure it is not technically Easter Sunday at the snap of this photo.

Sunday, April 16, 2017 -- Day Fifteen:

Easter Sunday! Franco woke up to find that, indeed, the Easter Bunny had come to bestow upon him a ridiculous amount of candy, a remote-control Mickey and the Roaster Racers car, and The Good Dinosaur on Blu-Ray, for which he was especially grateful because, as he stated, "My mum's too cheap to buy that because it's never on sale." (All true.)

The only rule on Easter Sunday is there are no rules and you can eat candy all day long, if that's your thing, as long as you drink some milk along with it.

                                                             Don't mind if I do.....

Later that morning, Franco and I went upstairs to take a rest before our next big holiday outing that afternoon.....

                                 I've been waiting since "Ring of Keys" on the Tony Awards!

We got dressed up to meet Gram and Pap for dinner downtown and all sauntered over to see Fun Home at Heinz Hall. Franco critiqued at the end, "Well, that was a heckuva show!" His favorite parts were when the little kids hid in the coffin, the dance number under the disco ball, and when the set got "fancy." (He also found it remarkable that Gram took off her coat AND fleece during the show.) The night did feel pretty overwhelming.

We had a grand evening, only marred by the knowledge that Game 3 of the Pens' first-round series happened simultaneously. Thank goodness for DVR.

Once home from a wonderful, heartfelt musical performance, we all settled in to watch the game. It took a while -- and especially took us a while, since we were on a substantial delay -- but the Pens pulled it out in overtime, and thus another holiday centered around a Pittsburgh sporting event went our way. Thank heavens.


***Around this point in time, it crossed my mind that this little "project" of mine, which I made up and participate in purely on a voluntary basis, could be a tad ambitious. Too late now because of the blog. If I had only kept my big mouth shut. Story of my life.

To be continued.....


       

150 Days of Adventure Yada, Yada, Yada: Volume Two

Adventures still going strong! Sometimes we might be exhaused. However, we persist.

Friday, April 7, 2017 -- Day Six:

Ol' Scotty P. had to take a tooth class downtown, so Franco and I had the whole day to ourselves. We did this:

                                                             And it was awesome!!

Afterward, we spent the rest of our Chuck E. Cheese tokens and bought a cotton candy.

Winning.

Saturday, April 8, 2017 -- Day Seven:

Another day to ourselves because teeth. Auntie, Uncle Steve, and some of their friends (on their way to the ballgame) invited us to lunch on the North Shore, so we obliged. We rode the T (and played our traditional game of "I Spy") to the Carnegie Science Center for a few hours of playtime.

                                                        Future engineer? Obviously.

That afternoon, we took a sunshine walk along the river to meet at Bettis' Grille. We ate, drank beer (or, conversely, Shirley Temples) and reveled in the Pirates' opening weekend energy.

When we parted ways, Franco and I walked over to a Pittsburgh sports store and bought the book Good Night Pittsburgh as a companion to Good Night New Orleans. Our two favorite cities together at last!

Franco slept on the T on the way home. Once there, we watched baseball and played and relaxed. The Pirates won. We all did.

Sunday, April 9, 2017 -- Day Eight:

At the end of the morning tooth session, we all headed out for a collective life goal:

                                                         Beauty and the Beast. Splendid.

We laughed, sang along, Scotty P. definitely cried, and we soaked up a lovely afternoon. On the way home, we stopped by BRGR for burgers in the cool evening breeze. Not bad for a Sunday.

Monday, April 10, 2017 -- Day Nine:

Franco and I made a Peep Diorama a few weeks ago, and the library held the second annual
"Peep-le's Choice Awards" this night!

                                                We made this. We had fun. We did not win.

                                         
But everyone got a Peep-shaped smelly soap and a certificate anyhow. Luckily, Franco is not James Harrison's son and I allowed him to take home his "prize." Appropriately, we "won" this:

                                 Franco's excitement at our "Best Dog!" superlative continues.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 -- Day Ten:

Unfortunately for literally everyone, we had to spend a good deal of this day on tax stuff. It made some of us anxious, and others just bored. But, Franco and I did manage to take a side trip to Toys 'R Us to stroll around in awe of all the stuff out there we could buy if we did not have such a large tax bill. (Joking. Kind of.)

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 -- Day Eleven:

On Wednesdays, Franco takes an ice skating lesson in the morning and heads to gymnastics in the afternooon. It is quite grueling, and also a good built-in adventure. He enjoyed both activities, and afterward, took a well-deserved nap.

After work, Scott had to go to sprawlingly un-appealing Cranberry township for a meeting. Once Franco awoke, he and I made tuna melts and talked about our day. Luckily, Scott emerged unscathed from the northern concrete abyss. Once home, we all watched the Penguins playoff beatdown of Columbus together, as a family. As it should be.

Thursday, April 13, 2017 -- Day Twelve:

I am not even joking that I received two texts at precisely the same moment (12:44 PM) from separate folks.

Scott: "Check your email, surprise"

Rebeccah: "will you guys be around friday/tomorrow? Steve managed to score pens tickets....."

Suffice it to say, Scott forgot all about any financial tax burdens and bought playoff tickets for Game 2! And we obviouisly were to have house guests as well! Later in the day, Franco and I had lunch at Panera, shopped for groceries, and put in all the important weekend requests to the main bunny.

                                                                Chillin' with the EB.    

The following weekend ended up to be a whirlwind.
To be continued.......