Fun Times with the Family

Last Friday, our family packed up the mini van and headed up to Murrysville - JM's hometown.  Actually, we just refer to it as Pittsburgh.  Little Bit likes to call it "Picksbird!" 

JM's closest friend from high school, Mike, lives in Philly with his adorable family.  Mike's parents are like another set of parents to us.  They call JM their fourth son, and they are so good to all of us.  Mike has 2 brothers that live in Pittsburgh, and we love seeing them, as well.  To top it all off, JM's uncle lives in Greensburg which is not too far from Murrysville.  We got to visit with lots of important people in one single weekend.  Sweet!

We always stay at the Lawlor's house (Mike's parents), or as JM calls it, the Lawlor chateau.  We arrived there on Friday afternoon.  (Get this - it actually took us LESS time to get there then Google maps said it would.  That is a HUGE first for our family!)  We spent a wonderful weekend filled with good food and lots of fun!  Saturday morning, we even got snow, which delighted the kids!  We had breakfast with JM's uncle at Eat N'Park - the restaurant where JM worked in high school.  (Big Brother and Little Bit suggested that JM just work there again since he's looking for a new job anyway! Ha!)  We had a fun filled trip to the mall in search of the perfect wig for Big Brother's Halloween costume.  Both kids were amazed at all the Steeler and Penguins gear that could be found in practically every store, as well as the fans sporting that gear as they walked through the mall. 

Seriously, we are so thankful for the Lawlor family.  ALL of them!  They treat us like family, and their love and friendship are counted as one of our biggest blessings.  It was great to be with all of them.  Really great!  Now... we just need to get them to come visit US!

We made it back home on Monday afternoon.  We had about an hour before the kids had to get dressed for trick or treating.  Then we headed to our wonderful neighbors' house where we enjoyed pizza before we left to trick or treat.  You wouldn't believe our neighborhood!  There are literally kids EVERYWHERE!  It is really fun.  After making our way around a very long block, the kids were ready to stay home and hand out candy... we were all tired!

After a busy four days, the kids crashed HARD the next night.  I think we're all rested now.  Both Big Brother and Little Bit are enjoying having Daddy around.  Me too, actually!  Little Bit has been telling people that Daddy stays home now until he finds a new work!  He is working hard making contacts and searching for jobs.  He even has a phone interview this am.  Keep on praying for us!