RiverQuest Pittsburgh

We just got back from such a fun day in Pittsburgh as a family (with the addition of Aunt Abbie and Aunt Leah)!

Our Science Center membership expires on the 31st, so we thought we would take advantage of it and get our free passes to go on the RiverQuest tour. It was fabulous. The crew was a little intense (one lady in particular was frustrating with bossing our kids around and she even called me out when I was trying to grab Tavin's pacifier to get him calmed down at one point when she was giving instructions. Weird! Anyways, once we shoved off from the dock, it was wonderful. A mid-80's, less humid and nice and breezy day here - perfect for a cruise down the Allegheny.

Tavin had a rough time on the beginning of the ride as we had to wake him from his nap to go. He was just tired. After a bottle, and being held by Mommy, he was much more comfortable. Koen was so into everything. The cruise is educational regarding the river wildlife as well as caring for the environment. Koen took advantage of the fact they had binoculars available. He wore a pair for the entire journey. He thought he was taking pictures.

Doug and I both used the opportunity to play tour guide with Leah, showing her all the sites and giving her all the random facts and knowledge we possess. She was a good sport.

After we docked (and had to explain to Koen that he couldn't take the binoculars with him), we walked down the Heritage Trail about a 1/4 mile to a restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the Point, downtown and the river. Lovely! Hot, but really nice. Koen did very well hanging out with the adults, dealing with the heat and starting to get tired. Doug had a fabulous idea after he and Koen had finished their lunches...he walked Koen another 1/4 mile down the Heritage trail to a swimming-friendly fountain on the riverfront. We girls met up with them a few minutes later to find Koen stripped down to his underpants playing the fountain and just loving it! It was packed there. It has definitely become quite the attraction on the North Side for families. We will definitely be going back. What a view while you are playing with the kids.

Tavin was such a trooper today. He's had 3 days in a row now where we have had busy mornings and he hasn't had a real morning nap. He did get a short nap this morning today, then slept through our lunch and is now napping here at home and it's been an hour already. It's hard for me to yank him out of his normal routine. I love to keep things predictable for him. But it's been fun for Koen to get out of the house these last few mornings and I'm continually impressed with how much Tavin can take and adapt, which is healthy for he and I to learn too.

Another note I have to make is that Koen and Tavin have such fun aunts in Aunt Abbie and Aunt Leah. What a blessing to all be together and Koen and Tavin are so blessed by their sweet care and interest.