A Much Needed Vacation

It FINALLY happened: Tom and I packed up the car Friday, loaded in Patrick, and off we headed to Seven Springs Mountain Resort for some R&R&R (that's rest, riding and relaxation) over the weekend. We did not have the greatest of weather Friday or Saturday, but Sunday it was gloriously sunny and overall, I give the trip a huge thumbs up. Saturday, Tom gave me the gift of some personal time- yippee! I was able to sleep in a little, and around noon I made a beeline for the Double K Stables where I had an hour long riding lesson on a beautiful gelding named Bodeen. It was BLISSFUL cantering around an outdoor ring with the Laurel Mountains as the backdrop and the autumn leaves still in peak color. I was in heaven until the following day when SORENESS set in. It will be a while before I am back in shape when it comes to horses.

The rest of Saturday was followed by a lot of quality time with Tom and Patrick- we walked around the lodge and explored Autumn Fest briefly. Sunday morning before church we went on a quick hike along the top of the ski slopes. Mostly though, we just hung out as a family in the condo and enjoyed the slow pace in front of a fire. It was so hard to leave Sunday, but we are now back home and recharged.

The Great Pumpkin

Fall has definitely arrived in Pittsburgh- the trees are turning, the air is chilly, and we headed out to the pumpkin patch with Aunt Karen, Cousin Jack, and Grandma Jeanne. Patrick fell asleep on the hayride, but not before we got some great photos. I only wish Tom could have been with us instead of at work!

I like to call this one "When Burrell Crushed Shady Side"

Okay, so it was not a crushing, but my high school (Burrell) DID beat Tom's high school (Shady Side Academy) at Shady Side's homecoming game (ouch). Shady Side had been undefeated until the match up. It was a chilly day, but Patrick was a great sport. Tom survived a random bee attack, and Grampy and Uncle Mike were on hand for what has become one of my favorite photos.

Moving Up

October 2nd: Today mom went to Babies R' Us and came home only with this high chair. No toys, not even a new rattle. I can't wait until my throwing arm is developed. -Patrick

Bring on the Veggies

October 4th: Today I had cereal with bananas for the first time. Mom and dad were so proud of me. Wait until they see my diaper later.
-Patrick

Here We Go Steelers!

Thanks to his Aunt Gretchen, Patrick can officially hang with his daddy on game days- in fact, he may have worn this to church on at least one occasion. It was great seeing Gretchen after a whole year and Patrick, like many men before him, was truly smitten :)