Sweet Summertime

Normally, our summers are fully booked well ahead of time. But this year, due to some scheduling snafus, we’ve found ourselves making up our plans as we go along. Despite my Type-A tendencies, I’m having a wonderful time. For once, we were home to spend the Fourth of July holiday celebrating with good friends (whereas we’re normally at the beach, but with my step-mother-in-law’s elderly neighbors). And last weekend, we went down to the Jersey shore (yes, that Jersey shore) with some dear friends. The riptides were brutal and the life guards wouldn't let anyone in more than knee-deep water, and we all had sand in places we'd rather not mention, but we all had a marvelous time.

This weekend is our one and only pre-planned trip. We’re heading to Pittsburgh with my mother-in-law. I cannot stand traveling with her, but it's her hometown. So there's no way we could go without her. Besides, the only non-smoking room they had was a king, so the kids will have to stay in her room. Oh darn.

We will, of course, spend a day at Kennywood, and another day touring Heinz Field and enjoying Pirates game. They’re playing the Cincinnati Reds, which should be entertaining—especially since we got the “All you can eat” seats. Another possibility is a visit the Pittsburgh Zoo, to which we haven’t been since I was pregnant with Princess Gingersnap. We’re all excited, and even tie dyed tee shirts in black and gold to wear on the trip. Best of all, we’re using Husband Fixture's Hilton Points for the trip.