Road Tripping

First off, thanks for all the anniversary wishes!  Ben and I both had the morning off, so we slept in, went for a hike and watched a movie.  We parted ways around noon, at which point we both worked late, and then I went home to my parents for the night without Ben. (Romantic eh?)  I went home to see Dustin (my younger bro) graduate from college.  He has worked really hard to get to this point, and it was such a great day, watching him walk across the stage and get his creds.   

To actually celebrate our anniversary, (Other than the fact that really great friends took us out and treated us to a great evening of good food and even better company – thanks Dave and Lisa!)  Ben and I are going to Pittsburgh at the end of the month for a mini-vacation.  (Thursday to Sunday) We’re going to shop at Grove City, and then basically just explore a city that we’ve never been to before **.   

I have been craving a  road  trip for a while now, and I’m pretty excited to load up the car with snacks (and by snacks I mean peanut M & M’s, fruit, and smartfood), books, music, and us, and head down to PA.    I love just driving in an area I’ve never been before, whipping along a highway, taking in the scenery.   

Ben and I often make up games that involve the radio, signs, scenery and stories of us, that help to pass the time. 

I’m usually being a little ADD with the MP3 player, scrolling through songs until I find one that I can sing at the top of my lungs, much to Ben’s chagrin.  (but deep down, I know he thinks Boom Boom Pow is a catchy tune). 

We’ll stop to get gas, stretch our legs, and it’s here that I can usually convince Ben that there IS room in the travel budget for a chocolate bar and an Archie comic.

Whoever isn’t driving will often have created a nest of pillows and sweaters, making the perfect napping location in the passengers seat. 

At some point, I’ll probably get a little bit grumpy at Ben, because for the UMPTEENTH time, he wants a drink/snack from the cooler while he’s driving and I have to leave my comfortable nest and reach around to the back seat and get it for him.  (But then I realize that I’m being selfish and I suck it up…most of the time) 

Sometimes, we’ll try to play Texas Hold’em while we’re driving.  Don’t worry, the passenger always deals. 

And sometimes, we just sit in silence.  And soak in the open road, and each other’s presence. 

When we finally arrive at our hotel, there’s a really good chance that I’ll jump on our bed, just because I can. 

**Ok, internet.  This is where you come in.  I need your help.  What the heck should we do in Pittsburgh?  Are there must see’s/do’s?    If you’ve never been there, then let me know what songs I should be downloading for the trip, or what snacks are a must have for the car ride**