Pennsylvania

Our trip to PA began with a night's stay at DFW. Since we were leaving so early, we (I) figured a relaxing evening before we traveled all day was in order. We (I) decided to priceline a hotel. I (we) was tickled when we got the exact hotel we wanted for half the price. We love priceline!

Jarrett dropped us off, and when we checked in, the receptionist at the Hyatt upgraded our room so we'd have more space. The boys had a ball.

 They brought us a crib for Gus, and they also handed me some baby shampoo when they came in the room. Garrett took the baby shampoo and thought it needed to be with the other shampoos in the shower (with this boy, everything has its place. He is very much an organizer and a sorter).

 We had to laugh when I couldn't find it, then thought to check in the shower. I know my boy:)

We had a nice dinner at the Hyatt restaurant.

Bath time then some pillow fighting.

The boys weren't ready to go to bed, so they were upset when we made them lie down. Rather than sitting in the hotel room with them listening to them scream and cry, Zane and I opted to sit in the hallway, eat our dessert from Valentine's day (we forgot to eat it the previous night!), and drink a beer. We got a few strange looks from our neighbors, but the boys went to sleep soon, and we quietly snuck back in the room.

Up bright and early the next morning,

Waiting on our plane. Only when we are early is the flight delayed (only about 30 minutes)

We had a 3 hour layover in Chicago, so we had fun exploring a few new sections of Ohare. This was a new "man of history" for Garrett to obsess over (other include George Washington and William Penn).

They had an awesome children's museum IN the airport.

our precious cargo

We had to continue tradition and get Garrett's popcorn.

   Taking off and on the look out for snow. and water towers. and tractors.

 My camera kept G entertained during take off and landing.

 Too much of the Kindle put this boy to sleep.

 We made it to Buffalo (Thank you, Griese Family, for lending us your strollers. Boo to American Airlines on strict stroller policies!).

 I experienced my first payment for changing diapers. 25 cents! and no idea how it got there. It was stuck to his cheek.

 Breakfast at Grandma's house on Friday morning.

Gus really enjoyed his little booster seat.

 Dinner on Friday night at the Barrel House.

Loving on Grandma and her jewelry.

 Giving hugs

"You have a baby. In a bar!" - Sweet Home Alabama. (yes - that is how they roll in PA).

 Hiking on Saturday

Mindy & Jarrett

Garrett and Hailey.

Gus loves the backpack. The weather was cool, but very comfortable. The snow was minimal this year, which is uncharacteristic for PA and especially in February. We have never been back to visit in February when there isn't lots of snow. Those that like to snowmobile are disappointed.

There were lots of slick spots due to the ice. Garrett & Hailey both took a tumble.

What is left of the Kinzua Bridge from a different vantage point.

Garrett enjoying a frozen novelty....an ICICLE! You can take the boy out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the boy. 

During Christmas he would always ask about the icicle lights and wonder why they hung off the roofs. It was tough to explain to him what real icicles were. Now it makes sense to him.

Time to head back up...

This classifies as his first hike.

We lost one along the way. I had to put the head support on since he was doing the bobble head.

On Saturday night it was time to celebrate Grandma's 90th Birthday!

Garrett helping with the candles.

Hailey and Garrett

Grandma's good friends, The Smith's.

Galen & Kim

Gus wanted to visit with Grandma.

Garrett made a book about Texas at school, so he wanted to give it to Grandma. He changed his mind once we had it wrapped, but I think we convinced him to go through with it.

Grandma and her boys

Great grandchildren

The kids helped with the candles.

Great Grandchildren

Grandchildren

Children & spouses.

the whole darn family...

We had a great night celebrating Grandma. We went back to her house afterwards to help her open gifts.

The next day we went to church and visited with the Benson's. Gus took 2 steps in front of everyone.

Garrett had lots of questions for Pastor regarding his back brace and walker.

Later on we had a family dinner and birthday cake for Hailey. Cousin Josh is an expert with the globe.

Gus rode the dogs.

 This is Gus's friend, the turkey. He loved looking at him, and he can now gobble on demand.

 After shopping for a new mattress for Grandma, cleaning/rearranging her bedroom, visiting with my Aunt Barb, and one last dinner with the family, we headed back to the airport on Tuesday morning. We were so busy on Monday I didn't even take any pictures.

 Garrett got this pillow from my Aunt, and Gus loved it.

 Somehow I got to sit with both boys, thanks to a rule that says Zane could not have children sitting on his lap when he is on the single seat side of the plane. 

 It worked out well for him. He got to read my People magazine while I heard these 2.

But he redeemed himself. Garrett and I were upgraded on the flight to DFW from Chicago, so he sat in Coach with Gus. Luckily, both boys slept on the flight. We changed them into their pajamas and gave them each a blanket, so I think that helped set the tone that it was bedtime. Garrett was set: he had pjs on, Kindle plugged in, headphones on head, pillow ready, milk poured and his popcorn was handy. 

 He was out in no time. The flight attendent even brough him a freshly baked cookies, but he was out.

Another great trip to PA. Now I need a vacation to get some rest!