This weekend was busy. The weather was super perfect here in Pittsburgh and there was nothing we wanted to do more than to spend it outside. Saturday, Little Girl participated in her 2nd Pittsburgh Kids Marathon. This is quite a wonderful event. The real marathon is huge here in Pittsburgh and is great for the city. The day before they offer a kids version, simply a mile through the city , over a bridge and down to the finish line. Seems so simple, but it was so much more. They whole organization makes the experience so easy to participate. There was music blasting throughout the course and the best thing ever is the abundance of volunteers lined along the course cheering on the kids. I loved the look on my sweet girl's face when she passed by the cheers. "They all love me," was heard and "they came to cheer me on". I actually had tears in my eyes. But towards the end, the little legs of my short stuff were tired. I could see the bend on Wood Street and I saw my husband. He was cheering her on, the crowd was thicker and i looked at her and told her to look at her Daddy. She looked up at him and had the hugest smile on her face. "Daddy saw me run," and then she took off for the finish line. I had to pick up my pace and there we met at the end. Her face was full of such pride and joy. Her accomplishment, all hers. She did it!!! She walked to a volunteer and got her medal. The young lady said,"You finished the race so strong. Good job." The pride in her face made me well up all over again. She loved it. She showed all her friends her medal with pride. I hope she always knows how she shines in everything she does.
Sunday was just as nice. After watching the real marathon and seeing my sister and brother in law run, we headed for adventure. A simple Google search came up with a single Flicker shot. There was a waterfall right near our home? Yes, there was. So after a mere ten minute drive we came upon Falls Run Park. The hike was perfect. We walked the past for a little, but then we ventured into the creek. It was shallow and not raging wild,so it was perfect. We actually followed the creek all the way up to the falls. Little lady was in the middle for s=most of the time, but she ventured on her own several times. She climbed up rocks and unto "caves". We jumped on bridges and rocks and traversed logs. Once by the falls, little girl took off to explore. Funny how she was a bit tentative while hiking, but the end result boosted her confidence and she was in her own personal heaven. We stayed a while and did the typical rock throwing, stick collecting and leaf floating practices. The hike back through the creek was just as fun and exciting. In the spirit of the Derby, our spirited one found a stick horse and neighed and jiddyupped her whole way out of the park. Once back at the car we realized how wet and dirty we all were. Lots of laughs and fun and a promise to go back on her birthday!! That was one mighty fine weekend.
Sunday was just as nice. After watching the real marathon and seeing my sister and brother in law run, we headed for adventure. A simple Google search came up with a single Flicker shot. There was a waterfall right near our home? Yes, there was. So after a mere ten minute drive we came upon Falls Run Park. The hike was perfect. We walked the past for a little, but then we ventured into the creek. It was shallow and not raging wild,so it was perfect. We actually followed the creek all the way up to the falls. Little lady was in the middle for s=most of the time, but she ventured on her own several times. She climbed up rocks and unto "caves". We jumped on bridges and rocks and traversed logs. Once by the falls, little girl took off to explore. Funny how she was a bit tentative while hiking, but the end result boosted her confidence and she was in her own personal heaven. We stayed a while and did the typical rock throwing, stick collecting and leaf floating practices. The hike back through the creek was just as fun and exciting. In the spirit of the Derby, our spirited one found a stick horse and neighed and jiddyupped her whole way out of the park. Once back at the car we realized how wet and dirty we all were. Lots of laughs and fun and a promise to go back on her birthday!! That was one mighty fine weekend.