Super Saturday with Daddy

So despite being on trauma call all weekend, Brett was miraculously spared having to go in to operate on Saturday -- which meant that as soon as he got home from rounding a little after 9:00, we had him all to ourselves! Since Mommy was still unshowered and in her pjs, Daddy got the boys dressed and took them to North Park to enjoy what at that point was a pretty mild morning (compared to the crazy hot weather we had endured the prior week). While my guys were having a blast at the playground, I stayed home and did some cleaning/organizing in an effort to make further headway toward the boys sharing a room. 

About an hour after they left, I got a call from Brett saying that it was starting to rain, so he was thinking about taking Kaiser and Porter out for lunch. They went to the North Park Club House, which we'd never visited but had heard was a fun restaurant with games for the kids. Brett said that, unfortunately, their food left something to be desired, and the game scene was probably cooler for a slightly older crowd. Nevertheless, I feel certain that our boys enjoyed every second of eating and playing with Daddy.

I expected my three guys to be home sometime soon after lunch, but before I knew it I looked at the clock and realized that naptime was just around the corner. As it turns out, Brett had happened upon an unknown treasure on the drive back: Wildwood Highlands, a Celebration Station-type family fun center where, for a mere $4, both Kaiser and Porter were able to burn off whatever energy still remained in their tiny bodies in this "Kiddie City": 

Daddy reported that they loved every second of exploring four levels of steps, tunnels, and slides.

Quite a view from up here!

Here's a short clip of our busy bees in action:

A place like this isn't complete without a ball pit, right? Thank goodness their momma is no germaphobe!

Way cooler than our dinky doggy tent at home!

This munchkin got a kick out of just laying in the rainbow-colored sea.

There were all sorts of other attractions that cost more money, but since the guys were somewhat short on time, they only tried a few.

Horsey ride.

First-time bowler.

As I'm sure you can imagine, by the time the threesome arrived at home, they were all on cloud nine but absolutely exhausted. After recounting the excitement of the day thus far (Kaiser said his favorite part was "exploring the world" -- a.k.a. making his way through Kiddie City), it was rest time for both of our adventurers. 

Our family didn't have any plans for the evening, but around 4:00 Brett got home from getting our van's oil changed and threw out the idea of going down to Point State Park for the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta. I'd just gotten out of the shower, and I got dressed and ready so that we could leave soon after the kiddos woke up. They were happy about going on another outing, but I could tell they were still running a bit low on energy.

Gorgeous tree we passed downtown.

Fine dining from the concession stands at the festival.

A bit preoccupied by the entertainment on the main stage.

A karate exhibition.

Once we'd finished eating, we walked toward the water to get a look at what was going down there.

Now that's an impressive sand sculpture.

Suddenly a little leery of walking down the steps. 

We didn't catch any races, but there were plenty of boats out on the Allegheny.

Watching people ice skate on an artificial rink.

Our last stop before leaving the Regatta was the giant inflatable slide that was set up in the Kids Zone, which Kaiser insisted that he wanted to go down. Truth be told, I somewhat expected him to make it to the front of the line, then change his mind; nevertheless, I waited with him and the other kids/parents, every few minutes telling him how excited Daddy, Porter, and I were to watch him. About 10 minutes later, it was finally go time.

Kaiser's cheering squad.

Making his way up to the top. 

And...there...he...goes!

I know this is no big deal for most 3 1/2-year-olds, but I was really encouraged that Kaiser didn't chicken out and ended up absolutely loving his run down this slide. In fact, he was begging to go down again, but by that time it was nearly 8:00, Porter was getting fussy, and the line had grown even longer. So, we said that we'd have to save inflatable slides for another day, as it was time to head home. Thankfully Kaiser didn't protest too much and hopped back into the stroller for our not-too-short walk back to where we'd parked. On the way to the car, Brett kept the boys entertained by tilting them back so they could look up at all of the tall buildings in downtown Pittsburgh. 

Who needs amusement park rides when you've got Daddy?

I've said it before, but can't say it enough, that I'm incredibly grateful to be married to a man who not only loves me, but also our boys, so well. Kaiser and Porter are blessed to have a father who cherishes them and, when not prevented from doing so by his crazy busy job, makes an effort to spend time making special, fun memories with them. Sure do love that husband/daddy of ours.