Kardos Family Road Trippin’ Adventure

Ashlee & the boys had a fun first day in Pittsburgh at the Children’s Museum after dropping off grandma at the airport. The first floor was hands on fun, second floor was the nursery level with younger age activities, and the third floor was the water floor… and Bentley took full advantage of showering in his clothing 🤦‍♀️

After leaving the museum we went to meet daddy at the Mountain Top Campground about a half hour Northeast of Pittsburgh. It was literally on a mountain top. We spent the evening relaxing and enjoying the campground before a busy day of exploration on Friday and also got some business handled.

Business update: Kevin’s work trip home was to get our new listing prepped and today it was time to go live! Our past clients had purchased a great home in Bethany, rented it for 2 years, and it was time to sell it. Our most recent buyers also had their home inspection done while Kevin was home and it was time to negotiate repairs. Only a few small items came up and the sellers agreed to complete them which locked in the home!!! 🎉🏡

Friday was our day to fully explore Pittsburgh! We had some tips from friends of must do/see things so we set out to see the sites. First stop was breakfast at Pamela’s Diner and wow was it worth the 30-45 minute wait! They’re known for the crepe style pancakes which Ashlee ordered and they were delicious! (Thanks for the recommendation Liz Shane)

Next stop was to go see the views from the Duquesne Incline. It was a super old tram car that takes you from the river to a high overlook to view the city!

The afternoon required naptime so we did some driving around town so the boys could get some rest and have energy for the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game ⚾️ it’s such a cool stadium right on the riverfront! We enjoyed some front row outfield seats and yummy baseball game snacks!

Saturday was our day to head to Maryland and meet up with the Shane Family! They had rented a lake house at Deep Creek Lake and invited us to meet them and their friends while they were on a week vacation. We stayed at Deep Creek Lake State Campground about 10 miles from the house and met up daily for meals and activities! The boys immediately became best buds with their kids. Bentley got to the point that when we would pull up to the house he would cheer and clap since he was so excited to play with his friends! And Carter was a hot commodity as all the kids wanted to pack him around and try to help him learn to walk. We were grateful to meet Ryan & Liz’s good friends, Greg & Molly and their awesome kids Levi & Keira (also the Shane’s) and spent great time with them too. Sunday was chill day for Ash & Carter who wasn’t feeling well while the rest of the group did a hike to a waterfall. Bentley got to backpack ride on daddy and loved it!

Monday the Shane family came to checkout the RV and campground. A bike ride was attempted but quickly ended when a monsoon rain storm came through so it was mostly an indoor day. The evening included kids cake decorating, card games, and lots of laughs!

Tuesday was another fun day for everyone! Ashlee joined Molly and her daughter, Keira, on a horseback trail ride bringing back old memories of riding horses growing up! It was a really fun and relaxing time. 🐴 That afternoon everyone enjoyed some time fishing on the docks – Bentley’s first time!! 🎣 And then it was game on with a cornhole and ping pong bracket competition! The most exciting match was when underdogs Brendan & Ashlee (holding Carter) beat Greg & Molly in ping pong!!! Haha!🏓 we unfortunately ran out of daylight to finish so the overall winner was undetermined…..

Wednesday the Shane families rented a pontoon boat to continue the fun! We were originally supposed to leave to New Jersey this day, but we decided we had to stay one more day so we extended our campsite another night. Everyone had so much fun on the boat with lots of tubing time, swimming, and a boat ride to a local pub with a playground.

Thursday morning it was time for goodbyes after a great visit!!! Thank you again to Ryan & Liz for inviting us to come on your Maryland vacation, to Greg & Molly for allowing us to join, and to all the kids- Colin, Brendan, Levi & Keira for being so awesome to our boys! We will miss the Shane family and hope to plan another visit soon 😊

Maryland was a wonderful time! Next up is a visit to Kevin’s hometown in New Jersey to visit another great friend and then down to Deleware for quick family visits. Off we go again……