11 Years Later...

So today marks the 11th anniversary of our first date! We were (strictly colleagues) working together at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Fotis told me he was going on vacation to spend time with his family and friends in Greece. I was kind of nervous that maybe he had an old flame (or GASP! FLAMES!) back in Nafpaktos, so I called him the night before he left and wished him a fun and safe trip. He said he would call me when he got back and we could get coffee and he would tell me about his trip. 3 weeks later when he returned, he called and asked me to dinner. I accepted and we agreed to meet at a great little place in Shadyside called 'The Balcony.' (Sadly, it has since been replaced with a Pottery Barn. Damn commercialization.) I was a little early and when I arrived, I saw that not only was he there before me, but he had a gift for me! We had a great meal and conversation and I thought to myself, "This guy is too good to be true!" Well, 11 years later (almost seven of marriage), a kid, a house, a cat and a million great times together- I still have to pinch myself sometimes!

Sandcastle

While we were in Pittsburgh visiting the fam, Pap Pap Petie and LuLu took us to Sandcastle for the day. It was a beautiful sunny day (quite unusual for the 'burgh!) and we had a blast! We stayed all day until 5 pm and Matthaios was asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot! He had fun swimming, jumping around and riding the water slides. Mom worked on her tan and was rocking her 'Mom Suit!' Sorry, folks- no pictures of that.

Famiglia Mazzarese

Last weekend, Matthaios and I drove with my Dad and LouAnn to Harrisburg, PA for the Mazzarese Family Reunion. We had family in from New York , New Jersey, Michigan and surrounding Pittsburgh areas. It was such a great chance to get to see everyone!

Aunt Vivian, Angela, Nate, Aunt Judy, and LouAnn

Mike, Kristin and Tommy

Kim and her Goddaughter Molly, our newest addition!

Angela, Nate and Katie

On the Riverboat 'Pride of the Susquehana'

Cousins Pat and Rosina

Captain Matthaios

The next Generation!

Chuck, Me, Mike, Mark, Matt, Katie, Angela and Nate

Idlewild Park

Matthaios and I just returned from a weeks visit in Pittsburgh. On Tuesday, we went to Idlewild Park in Ligonier, PA with my mom. We had such a great day! Matt did not want to ride anything in Kiddie Land, so we spent time riding the train, carousel, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Trolley and the Water Toboggan Ride.

All Aboard!

In Storybook Forest

YUM-O!

Raggedy Ann and Andy

My little man who no longer needs me to help with the water fountain. Sniff, sniff.

WEEE! We rode the carousel about 10 times, I swear. He loved it.

We rode this ride several times as well. He was yelling, "More Gammy More!!"