Our flight left at 9ish Friday morning so we left the house early enough that we didn't get caught in too much traffic. We dropped my car off and squeezed into the fullest shuttle van there ever was. We were about this close to a stranger sitting on our laps. I was annoyed and getting claustrophobic so Dustin and I agreed to get off at the first stop and just walk the rest of the way. Security wasn't too bad at all. I've been through MCO security when it takes almost an hour so waiting 10 -15 minutes was nothing. It does drive me crazy that people don't get ready while they are waiting in line. I mean, Dustin and I are super efficient. We take off our shoes, belts, and get everything out of our pockets and put them into one of those plastic boxes. Other people like to wait until they get all the way up there before doing everything which delays the rest of us. This prompts the longest of eye rolls from me. We took the old MCO tram to the terminal where we got snacks since we hadn't eaten all morning. I wish they had more food options. Even the little mini convenience store didn't have any breakfast type foods and it took me forever to find a damn banana. But hey, it could have been worse. Our flight was on time (even though it wasn't going to be) but we got on in the last group and were forced to sit in the second to last row. The greatest thing about sitting back there was being so close to the bathroom. My 90 year old bladder was like "YES!". Also we got to see the sweetest of female mullets which was quite a sight! It was a smooth flight and before we knew it we were touching down in Pittsburgh. Our rental was probably the worst we'd ever had while traveling. Any of you looking to get the Chrysler 200, don't! Bleh! It took me 15 minutes just to figure out the A/C and Dustin hated driving it. But it got us where we needed to be so it got the job done.
First order of business was meeting Blair and Brady at Max & Erma's in Robinson for lunch. Dustin and I were starving and ready to dig in. Brady bud must have been starving too because he really downed his soup and multiple breadsticks! Ha! It was nice getting some face time with some of our buds. Melissa met us up there a little later. We had a regular ol' Maffioli meal full of awkward yet hilarious conversations. As we were all leaving Brady showed us one of his many dance moves. Not only were we dying laughing from across the parking lot but so were some strangers passing by.
Dustin and I went to DICK's in the mall like we do every time we're in town. They usually have a huge assortment of Pittsburgh Penguins/Pirates/Steelers gear. This time was no different. The minute you walk into the doors it's just a sea of black and yellow. I was able to find a shirt but Dustin didn't see anything he liked so we went to a few more stores. I say this every time we visit but people are just friendlier up there. You're lucky if you get a "Hi" from someone in a store down in Florida but up there everyone is welcoming and almost like family. We talked to the girl who checked us out for 10 minutes after I paid her just because that's what people do. No matter how different everyone is they all (well, almost all) are cheering for the same team. It's like you already have at least one thing in common with every stranger you pass by. I'm so envious of that lifestyle. I certainly appreciate it every time we visit.
We swung by Grandma Dee and Pap's house to say hi and drop off our luggage. Melissa met us over there with Cash and then we all headed over to Miranda and Ben's place for dinner. Weirton, WV was just as I remembered it but now it had a fancier Taco Bell! They are big time! The weather was gorgeous. It was chilly but sunny. Beanie weather!
Miranda and Ben live in Ohio which is just 20 minutes away on the other side of the river. Our trip got delayed due to "blasting". Yeah we were at a dead stop for about 10 minutes due to them blasting off a side of the mountain. File that under things that never happen in Florida. Miranda and Ben live in a really small town and it was a completely 180 from what we're used to down here in FL. Dustin and I had never seen their new house (other than in FaceTime videos) so it was extra nice seeing them and their place in person. All of the houses up there have so much room thanks to them all having basements. Think of all the space for activities!
Miranda had Dorito dip waiting for us and it was so good. I know it seems kind of weird to dip Doritos in anything but yinz need to get her recipe because it was delicious. Ben and Dustin hung outside and grilled up the burgers while the ladies stayed in the house. My one request was the famous Maffioli mac and cheese. Miranda and Melissa both make this killer mac and cheese that I can never duplicate. Every original Maffioli can cook so well. I wish their skills would rub off on me!
Miranda told me she had a present for Dustin and that I should record him opening because it would be funny. So she gives him a gift bag filled with candy. The bag also contains a note asking him to walk her down the aisle. Dustin was all "of course!" and the rest of us were all like "awww!". It was such a sweet moment and I'm glad she tricked me into getting it on video.
After dinner we played Speak Out. We all couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous each other looked. Basically you put this plastic mouth piece in and try and say phrases while everyone else guesses what you're saying. We could barely get a word out before all of would just start cracking up. I highly recommend this game. Although it does kind of make you drool so maybe have some napkins around. Ha!
I was so excited to spend time with my nephew Titan and niece Remi. Titan is even bigger in person than he seems in pictures. He could totally knock me over. He's such a good dog though and already knows a lot of tricks at only 9 months. Cash took a little more warming up to him while we were there. But by the end of the night they were chasing each other around the dining room table. Remi (their new kitten) didn't want to have any of it. She stayed mostly hidden the entire night.
It was so nice to just get to hang out like old times. It's kind of sad that we're all so far away from each other.
