Pittsburgh PA and Tygart Lake State Park

And Home We Go!

Too soon, alas, the day after the party, we had to leave for home. And so, the next day, we climbed aboard the Pennsylvanian and headed back to Pittsburgh.

Martha met us the next morning for breakfast. Afterwards we walked her over to her place of work. Thus, finally, in one trip I get to see where both of my daughters work!

After that, we got our car and started home. Of course, this being us, we had to make a few stops on the way. Our major stop was at Tygart Lake State Park where we are planning on having the Boone Re-union (just a week from now as this is being posted). I had been at the park before, and it was mostly as I remembered it, mainly a lake and a lodge. None of the boats were out, however, because it was spring. Plus, when I was there, one of my National Guard Units was working on a new parking lot. And now the lot is all finished and paved (after all, that was almost 20 years ago now!

John is Two: 8

It's Party Time!!!

Of course, there was a party. And what a party it was. It was held at the Riverdale Community House, the same place as last year's party. But what a change.

Last year there was this little boy, just learning to crawl who stayed pretty much where he was placed, unless someone helped him move. His family, in this case his Aunt Jackie, had to get down on his level.

But, this year it was different as everyone, including his other grandfather, Neena, had to move just to keep up with him!
And this year, instead of staying in his mother's arms during the whole "cake and song" routine, he sat right there and took it all in. He even seemed to join in singing his own birthday song. The only problem was, once the candle was blown out, someone forgot to clue him into the fact that the cake (an ice cream cake) would be taken away and cut up and served. That upset him no end! But at last he was consoled.


And so he settled down and joined everyone else as they ate their treat.












And once the eating was over, back to playing, this time with bubbles with his friend Max. And yes, he did catch a few, even if they did disappear.

To see more pictures, got to John's Blog.




When it was all over, we returned home and I got this shot of him talking with his Mommy about everything that he had done at his party! Except for the fact that it was washed out by the flash, I think it is one of the best of the two of them I have taken.

And of course, once we got home there were presents to open, including his favorite, a new "truck" complete with a West Virginia-type song. That was his favorite.











All in all, it was a fun, exciting and busy day.

John is Two: 7

Two Days with John

Now, we come to the "fun" part of our trip, where we get to spend 2 whole days with our Grandson and his Mommy (and Daddy when he gets home)!

We did many things during those two days. First and foremost we took 2 trips to the playground. Among other things, these trips showed how John has grown. From the uncertain little 1 year old on the left, to the confident, running 2 year old on the right!

And of course, once we climbed up the ladder, we had to go down the slide! If it was a small one, then it was "Whee, this is fun!" If it was the larger one, well, it is nice to have a Mommy along!

We also had a couple of trips to the library to read and check out books. And, of course, try out the John-sized furniture!

But, this was after all, after John's Birthday. And true to form, John spread out the present-opening over several days. Here he is, opening a present from his Great-Aunt Peggy!







And, of course, there was lots to do at home, including organizing several "trains" (for the benefit of his Pops?).

All in all, we had a fun time!