Adam's Birthday Take 2

This post has been a long time coming - I've been back in MA trying to finish up some things in lab this past month. I didn't have access to any of my photos, hence the delay in writing this post. I'm back now (for a little bit anyway), so I'm ready to start on my posting again. Get ready for some Disney and Pittsburgh scene.

Way back in April (how is it already June?), Adam's parents took a trip out to Pittsburgh to celebrate his birthday. It was the same weekend that I had to head down to DC on Sunday for the conference I went to, so we decided to celebrate on Sunday morning by heading downtown and having Brunch at Meat & Potatoes. Adam had chicken and waffles and I had the brisket flat bread. Delicious. At brunch they also have a Bloody Mary bar, where you get your choice of ingredients. It's a fun idea and Adam's family really loved it.

Backing up to before brunch though, we had a little time to spare before our reservation and Adam's dad and step-mom took a walk with us to see the Pittsburgh Pirates stadium. They'd never been to the city before, so we thought we should let them experience the yellow bridges!

We walked across the Roberto Clemente bridge (does anyone else think of Adam Sandler in Waterboy when they hear the name Roberto? no, ok, carry on) over to PNC park, which happened to be open to the public that day. We think there was a high school game happening.

We got our pictures with Roberto and walked down the side where all the restaurants would be if it were a real game happening. There's a great view of the city from there.

Fast forward to after brunch, we walked back to our cars through the Theater District, where you'll find these interesting benches. We also took them to Fraley's Robot Repair, an art installation in a shop front (which is sadly no longer).

During brunch, we were talking about what to do for a few hours before I left on my flight and I said we should check out Phipps. I figured it was something that his parents would enjoy doing and it wasn't too much time to walk through.

It was a really great time! We definitely love showing everyone around the 'Burgh and we're so excited when people come to visit us!

Easter in Ohio & Adam's Birthday

This past weekend we also got to celebrate Adam's birthday with my family. My mom bought an ice cream cake, we sang happy birthday and afterwards we got to dye easter eggs for Sunday's lunch.

Our egg inspector came by to make sure we were doing it right.

A Cleveland Christmas

A week before Christmas, Adam and I drove out to visit my parents in Cleveland. We weren't going to be able to see them for the actual day, so we decided to celebrate early.

As soon as we got there Adam's BFF Pearl came over to hang out with him.

We weren't at their house long before we decided to go out to dinner at the Great Lakes Brewing Company and visit the West Side Market. Ready for an almost all black and white photo post? OK, let's go!

We walked through the market on our way to the brewery to check out the place. We've all heard really amazing things about it and the different vendors there. I had no idea that there would be so many! We ended up buying some yummy cannolis - good stuff.

We didn't spend too much time at the market, because we wanted to put our name in at the restaurant.

I was actually surprised how big the Great Lakes Brewing Company was. There were 3 floors, it was really spread out, and there was a lot of seating. I guess I'm just used to the small breweries around here. It was pretty packed though - I think we waited about 45 minutes to get a table.

They had a ton of great brews available. I'm not a fan of the Christmas Ale (their seasonal pick), so I ended up choosing the Dortmunder Gold.

Downstairs, there was a whole other bar. This place was pretty cool, you could tell the building was really old by all little details that were in this room.

Here's me and my friend Dortmunder.

After dinner, we headed back to the house and had our Christmas present exchange. This year my parents gave me a new sewing machine. Totally pumped about this, since I've been using my mom's from the 1980's that has some... uhh... issues. Adam got a new pea coat. We win!

Here's another gratuitous cat shot to finish off the post! Ollie is so stinking handsome.

The Strip District and Donuts

On Saturday, Adam and I drove over to have lunch in the Strip District. We also wanted to pick up a few Pittsburgh themed things and there's no better place.

The Strip District has some pretty amazing old buildings and murals. If it didn't feel like -10º out, I would have asked Adam to walk around a bit more.

After lunch, we followed our noses towards the smell of freshly made donuts and were led to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts.

They had a bunch of different flavors of their mini donuts.

We settled on a half dozen of cinnamon sugar, maple frosted, honey glazed, samoa, chocolate chip cookie dough and maple bacon.

Oh tiny donuts, how I love you.

PS. My friends, Diana and Kristi and I started a photography blog based on our love for Disney and helping people who are interested in learning more about how to enjoy your photography either while you're visiting the parks or even at home. Be sure to check out The Glass Slipper Blog. We've got a lot of fun things planned and we can't wait to share it with you!