Routin' for the home boys! Go Home G-20 summit!

It's the G-20 economic summit here in the burg; virtual ghost town other than far too many protesters trying to take our city hostage! Jon has worked from home all week, as has everyone in the corporate offices at USX Towers down town. Nearly every business in the city has made contingency plans considering the rivers and roads are closed to thru traffic. Hey, gotta get those world leaders around to and from without incident - right?! BUT, we had tickets to two Pirates games which happened to fall during the summit so we braved the waters and went on down to route for the home boys! THE coolest ball park in the nation over looking the city skyline but THE worst team in the league I think. What can I say, we've got the Steelers and the Pens so I guess it's not fair that we keep all of the glory in the burg! It's great fun having three professional sports teams to route for!

Nevertheless, we were told there were 2,500 cops (plain clothes and otherwise) in and around PNC Park; never felt so safe! Jon and I enjoyed dinner at the Lexus Club prior to each game and then seats five rows up from home plate, it was a riot. Even if one is not fond of baseball it is delightful to spend time at the park eating Cracker Jack and singing 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game'. Hey G-20 we want our city back!

Happy birthday Ashley Babe - welcome home Cameron!

Happy Birthday Ashley and welcome home Cameron! Crazy, zany burg things planned! It’s a boat it’s a twuck it’s a duck! Just Ducky amphibious tank/boat from WWII takes visitors on a hilarious tour of the city and then drives into the Ohio River where the tour continues a float! We can’t miss hanging out at the Andy Warhol Museum; the only museum in the country dedicated to a sole artist. Of course a ride up Mount Washington on the incline to see the view, a trolley ride over to USX Towers to visit Jon’s office and rounding out the day at a Pirates game with fire works in our incredible stadium that looks out over the city lights at night. Too bad the Pirates are doing poorly but hey, the dogs are the tastiest around!

We are also celebrating Ashley’s 19^th birthday; her dream wish was to have her brother home for a birthday (he has not been able to be here exactly on September 5^th due to his mission and college). Additional fun and festivities over the four day visit will include: Jon’s preparation of our traditional Swedish pancake breakfast (his grandmother’s recipe!) after church services on Sunday. A picnic near the Allegheny River, family photos taken, a trip to Kenneywood (amusement park), board game night (watch out it’s a continuing Christeson competition), the Strip District or Shady Side and a Primanti Brothers Sandwich with flies and cole slaw inside the bun (hey they’re famous!). Also, late night ice cream runs, family video parade and other quirky things which will allow for little time sleep :)