July 4th Weekend, Part 2

After our eventful day yesterday, we hit the ground running again today.  We let our visitors sleep in a bit, but the boys don't really understand sleeping in on a holiday weekend, so Doug and I were up with them at the usual start time of the day.  I had the breakfast prepped for our family, but Doug had to make the omelet, so I got to take the three boys to the playground to run out some energy after their mini-breakfast before real breakfast.  It was another beautiful day here, so I was so excited to start the day outside early!  We returned for breakfast a little after 9:30am and enjoyed a lovely meal with Scott, Jen and their kids.  Then it was time to go and see more of the city!  Today we thought it appropriate to show them the Strip District.  Although it was packed down there, it was a great place to take visitors to the Burgh.  They picked up some t-shirts for the Pirates game we were to attend in the evening.  And then we showed them all our favorite stops and spots.  This included a stop at 21st Street Coffee.  I got a chance to snap some pics of my boys taking a little break.  They just crack me up!

After our huge day yesterday, the boys were pretty much done by noon.  Doug offered to take them home and feed them lunch and get them down for naps/rest.  He encouraged me to stay out with Scott and Jen and the fam, so I happily accepted.  The weather and the company was too good to refuse!  After my Melder clan headed home the rest of us stayed in the Strip for a bit to check out a few more shops, then we headed to Shadyside for a nice lunch still outside of course (I just love making the most of these gorgeous weather days!).  After our late lunch, it was time to head home for a bit before the Pirates game at 4pm.  I got to walk home from Walnut Street (see how I just keep making the most of the beautiful day?!).  When I got back it was about 3pm and I was able to see the boys off for the game.  I headed out to the game a little later on with Jen once Penn was up and ready to roll.  It was nice following behind and not rushing to the game.  It was Penn's first game, so quite momentous.  Although he was quite the squirmy wormy, so I was glad we weren't there for the whole thing!  The big boys on the other hand absolutely love Pirates games.  Tavin wore a smile the whole time.  And Koen knew every detail that was happening.  They were quite impressive.  Here's the view from our seats.  Not too shabby!

Koen is still enjoying soaking up time with Casey.  It's so sweet!

First Pirates game!!

Penn loved snuggling with Aunt Jen and the Parrot puppet.

He seemed a little jealous of the little Pirates hat the parrot was wearing.  Maybe it's time we get this new little fan a hat of his own? =)

A little cheering time with Daddy!

Tav was loving hanging out with Uncle Scott.  So sweet!

Doug has a tradition of getting the boys ice cream during the 7th inning.  The boys were definitely excited about it.  They were out of bowls, so they did cones for the first time.  Tavin was hilarious (and messy!).

Koen had his own strategy for eating the IC and managed not to get any on his hands or face.  It was quite impressive!

Cousins!

First full Melder family Pirates game!

We left just before the game ended (the Pirates beat the Phillies, yay!) and we headed home.  We got home at 7:30pm so we got the kids right to bed.  After another long, wonderful day we parted ways with Scott and Jen and their crew so that we could all unwind and get to bed earlier.  What a great day though.  It's been great having family in town.  Thank you so much for coming to the Burgh this weekend, Scott, Jen, Katelyn and Casey.  We've all enjoyed it so much!