We Might Not Be Back: Walking for Autism in Pittsburgh

I made a list with an annotated map for this trip because we had to make the most of our time. Even though we only had two days, we crossed off nearly every restaurant and attraction I had on it. We arrived late afternoon, but were still able to make it to the Nationality Rooms and PNC carousel on University of Pittsbugh's campus and have dinner at Fathead's restaurant. We were too late for an actual tour at the Nationality Rooms, but the rooms on the second floor were open to the public. We were able to take ourselves on a sort of self-guided tour that included cabaret style entertainment courtesy of our children. They sang and danced their way through the rooms. They also enjoyed sitting in all the different desks and standing at the podiums. We took the super old sort of scary elevators up to one of the top floors to check out the view. Thankfully from there we could see the carousel, so we knew exactly where to head on our way out of the building. Once we got back to our hotel we headed to Fatheads for dinner. It's hard to say whether the beer selection or ENORMOUS food portions were more impressive.

After we slept off our dinner and frozen yogurt we collected our team and headed to the Autism Walk, which was the reason for our trip. It was pretty awesome to have 10 Ohioans walking together for Team Oh, Henry. Here's hoping we can recruit more for next year!!!!

Post walk we took another walk. This time we headed across the bridge to eat another disgustingly large meal. This time we went for sandwiches with french fries on them at Primanti Bros. Naturally we also required cookies the size of your head from Prantl's Bakery for dessert. During lunch the girls cooled off in the PPG fountain. Pittsburgh is a little more particular than Cincinnati about what children wear to run in their fountains. Clothing is REQUIRED!!!! Children in bathing suits were told they had to put on clothes and my modest child was told she needed to have pants ;)

By some miracle after all that we still managed to drag the girls for a quick trip to the Science Center on our way to the Pirates Game. What's more we made it through not only the entire game but about 3 songs from Kool and the Gang. These kids know the drill. There's no resting while traveling. There's also no downtime in hotels because I want to throw up every time they touch the pillows, covers, or ground. We all know none of those things are cleaned regularly :(

The next morning we woke up early to breakfast in The Strip at Deluca's. It is pretty ideal to consume a 3000 calorie breakfast before sitting in the car for 5 hours. Before we headed out of the city we made a stop at the Monongahela Incline. Then it was finally time to visit family and head home. Despite not being able to get a good deal on Priceline due to hockey finals, I'd say it was a pretty successful trip. Can't wait to go back for the 2014 walk.

Curling up in a desk in one of the Nationality Rooms

Professors in the making.

I pity the person who'd have to take notes from her lectures.

The view from high up in the Cathedral of Learning.

She made peace with this dinosaur on the carousel.

Lottie was no interested in going to meet this one.

She was warming up slowly.

Fathead's sandwich!!!! I think it's bigger than Gabby.

Decorating puzzle piece cookies before the walk.

Gabby was pretty thrilled when she saw this guy down on the field at the game later.

The walk starts right outside of Heinz Field. This picture is apparently a yearly tradition now?

Ronald McDonald photbombed our picture of the walk starting.

PPG Fountain

I wasn't sure we'd make it through the lobby at the Science Center once she started on this. Thankfully she didn't realize we forgot to pick it up on our way out.