Pittsburgh

Big sigh of relief when we pulled in to Pittsburgh at the Troxell’s.  These friends are home here now.  In a place that was our home for fifteen years, but now many have moved, relocated, our home sold long ago and our kids are six years older now so their interests in the city are different now too.  But Nate and Megan are here and walking in their door was just what we needed after what was probably our hardest drive because of how uncomfortable and miserable Penn was.  I walked Penn straight up to bed and he obviously could finally relax too in this comforting environment because he fell asleep and napped for an hour and a half before joining us all for dinner with the Troxells and the McKinneys.  Our best Pittsburgh friends all together.  It was a real blessing and a great kick off to our quick weekend in the Burgh.  (And of course I had to take advantage of the photo opportunity and forced some group photos, here’s the cream of the crop…)

On Saturday, Penn woke up much better and the kids all played together so well.  It was a chill start which was good since there was some on and off rain.  Rain has barely happened on our trip.  I’ve forgotten about checking the weather!

Koen had spent the night at the McKinney’s to get some extra time with Miles, their oldest.  These two grew up together and hadn’t seen each other in three years!  

We eventually got out the door for a step hike on the Fineview Fitness Trail and met the available McKinneys and Koen at the base.  The Troxell’s have been working on the Pittsburgh Step Hikes since during Covid.  There are 700!  I think they are about 200 in.  On this day they took us to one they knew had a good hike, a great view and a fun playground at the top for a reward (where we picnicked).  Here we are getting our instructions from Megan on proper step-hiking etiquette.

Here we go!

And here comes the view…

We’ve missed this city.  Really special to be back, but really what makes it is the people.

I neglected to take pictures of the playground and the picnic, but it happened and the kids were totally happy with it especially since it had a pickle ball court (which the Troxells had really been talking up the night before).

And then it was back down.  Pittsburgh hills are no joke!

The morning rain had brought no relief from the heat and humidity, so the afternoon plan was the pool and that was the perfect place to be.  Note that Hazel stayed with all these loud, rowdy boys for the afternoon and she’s awesome that she can hang with confidence and poise.  It was really fun to see she and Penn back together, they used to have so much fun together with similar temperaments and a zeal for adventure.

 

After soaking and swimming until we were fully cooled, we headed back to the Troxell’s for dinner.  Deborah and Ellie came back to join us too.  At first the kids were playing intense games of Nerf gun battles upstairs, but eventually we shooed them out to the backyard where they got a wiffle ball game going that was way more fun to watch and listen to!  

At the end of the evening Koen headed out with the McKinneys again to spend another night with Miles (Miles was at a band commitment all day) and we got the rest of the kids ready for bed and chilling out earlier than the night before.  After the kids were set, we got to play our favorite game together, Rook.  This is a favorite Troxell/Melder activity and usually means lots of strategy, a little trash talk and definitely laughter.  It was a fun end to a brief, but great weekend with dear friends.