Cookout surprise

We had a few friends over for a cookout/get-together over the weekend. As Brandy and Trevor were getting on their motorcycle to leave, they were scared half to death. We saw Brandy run across the street from the window and thought it odd, so we walked outside to see what was going on. Apparently there was a snake hanging out on our driveway. Worse still- it was a copperhead. I had to run down to get a shovel and hoe to kill it while Daniel pinned it with an extra edging stone. As you can see from the photos, we took care of it. Its body kept wriggling and squirming after sliced up, and I was tempted to pull a Bear Grylls, but thought that maybe poisonous snakes could still kill me if ingested. So we buried it instead.

Pittsburgh Trip 2- Into the City

The tourists in the city

As it took us over 7 hours to drive up to Pittsburgh for the wedding and no longer have family in the area, Jenn and I decided to make a mini vacation of it and went into the city on Sunday. As usual, the Pirates are horrible so we were able to walk up and buy tickets at the window for the day's game. Then Jenn and I walked down the river walk and saw a bunch of WWII vehicles on display, apparently for the weekend. The Jeeps and armored vehicles were really neat to see but definitely the coolest vehicle was the gigantic transport ship that was in the river. It was actually there at Normandy in WWII. As you can see from the picture, the ship itself was absolutely huge. They were letting anyone go on the vessel and tour it, but the line was over twice as long as the ship and was not moving very quickly so unfortunately we had to pass.

WWII Jeep


The ship from WWII

View of the guns on one end


Jenn and I with the ship and city in the background

After we did a mini tour of the city, we met up with Vernon and also friends Drew and Brie. We went to the Ribfest which Drew and Brie have been attending the last few years. It was delicious. All different ribs and bar-b-que groups were there and all displaying their trophies and awards. It was hard to choose which to buy from, so Jenn and I bought from two places and shared. Jenn bought a rib/chicken combo and I bought a "hillbilly heaven"- a big piece of cornbread with baked beans, pulled pork, and bar-b-que sauce covering it all. I may be a hillbilly because it did taste like heaven.

One of the Bar-B-Que stands displaying awards

Ribfest

Brie, Drew, and Vernon eating our ribs and bar-b-que

After Ribfest, Jenn, Vernon, and I went to see the Bucco game. As usual, the buccos lost. We were figuring it out, and discovered that not a single child has been alive to see a winning season. NOT A SINGLE CHILD. Only adults, and many of them don't remember the last winning season. Awesome job, Pittsburgh.

Jenn at "America's best sports venue" PNC Park

After the game, we parted ways with Vernon and Jenn and I took a trip up the incline to Mt. Washington. It was a gorgeous day so the views were extra scenic. We even stopped to get a little ice cream while enjoying the view.

Enjoying the city of bridges

Pittsburgh, PA

Me and my wife on Mt. Washington

Jenn on the incline

Unfortunately, we had to return to the real world again. Luckily my back is feeling a bit better and Jenn's heel is improving, so we can start running again so hopefully we will be able to complete the Myrtle Beach half marathon at the end of October. Jenn's weekender job starts in a couple weeks, so we're looking forward to every evening together and my days off together. I am also looking forward to her spending time volunteering in my class weekly. Not only will she be giving me a lot of help with the kids, but she can then participate in the teacher discussions of kids that inevitably happens during get-togethers.

Pittsburgh Trip 1- Jim and Bridget's Wedding

Jim and Wife Bridget

Another crew member bites the dust. This time it was James Vollmer, although he has had his ball-and-chain longer than any of the rest of us. After a long 8 or 9 years, Jim and Bridget finally got married on September 4, 2010. As far as the wedding ceremony itself, I would just like to say that I am thrilled that neither Jenn nor I are Catholic. Their ceremony was a traditional Catholic ceremony. Lots of songs that didn't really make sense to me, lots of up and down, a good deal of sing-song chants by the priest, and a sermon that I was not impressed with. An hour and fifteen minutes later, they were pronounced husband and wife. I hope I am not upsetting any Catholics who may someday read this, because if you are reading this, I probably love you. It was just a much different ceremony than the previous wedding we attended that lasted maybe 10 minutes.

At the wedding Jenn and I were escorted to our seats by Danny, Joe, Dan, and Jeffery and we were very pleasantly surprised to be seated next to none other than Vern-dizzle Webb III. He could finally make a wedding and flew in from his station in Washington to see everyone. We learned he was just recently made Captain in the Army and has been seeing a nice girl from Minnesota, so he is doing really well. Sarah was also there and caught us up on the wedding plans of her and Dan H. It was great seeing everyone.

Then of course there was the open bar. Due to this addition, there was A LOT of dancing. Lots of white people (and Vernon) who cannot dance. It was absolutely fantastic! Jenn and I both had a blast dancing and singing along to the songs and goofing off with the crew. We are already looking forward the the next wedding which should be taking place next summer :)

Vern, Sarah, and Jenn at our table

Vern and me hanging out


Beginning of picture time


Fun picture

Penn State and Pitt... good friends?

DON'T TAKE THE PICTURE YET!!!

Every present-Ashley, Rob, Me, Joe, Jenn, Vern, Dan H., Jeff, Kelcie, Dan V., Sarah

Stacy and Jenn on the dance floor

Me and the captain

Garter Toss (already in the air)-Note the excitement of the men

Great dancing at the reception