Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Pittsburgh Trifecta

August seems a bit early for football, but this is when things just start heating up.  The Pittsburgh Steelers training camp happens to take place about an hour outside of Pittsburgh and about 10 minutes from a really nice state park.  So we decided to save on the hotel costs and camp out this year.  So Keystone State Park provided the backdrop for our long weekend in West Pennsylvania.  Since we were going to be in the Pittsburgh area so early in the football season, we were able to catch a Pirates game before their season wrapped up.  And they won it for us.  How thoughtful!
Great seats.

I think I'm a legitimate Pirates fan now.  It was so fun to be there!
We got to spend the last day of Training Camp checking out the Steelers and hoping as many of them as possible would stop and say hi and maybe sign Eric's football.  But it was a rainy last day, and the players were probably as uncomfortable and cold as we were, so though a few good sports stopped by, we didn't get to see everybody.  But it was still cool to see them that close.
Troy came out and autographed a few things, but he did not stop and sign anything for us.  Still cool to see him that close.
Ryan Clark spent more time with the crowd than anyone else on the team.  He gave away tons of his stuff and entertained everyone while he was waiting for practice to begin.
Lamarr Woodley showed off to the crowds during practice.
We got lucky and saw Ike Taylor while we were on our way out to our car.  He was so sweet.  Not quite the same guy we see on the field.
Because our trip got cut short last October, we had some free tickets to Kennywood.  And the Zuzeks couldn't let a free deal go unredeemed, so it was off to Kennywood to act like kids again.
Breaking the rules on the Turtle.
And of course, we took in a Steelers preseason football game as well.  It was a productive, busy weekend in West PA, and we can't wait for our next trip again in December!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Chicago Style


The ladies on Jackie's stoop
The boys have found the beer.
It has become a bit of a ritual now to head to Chicago some time in August and hang out with my beloved RKD peeps.  This August was no exception.  Hanging out at Jackie & Joffrey's for a classic BBQ before heading to Navy Pier for an obligatory touristy viewing of the fireworks.  It ain't where you are, but who you're with.  And when you're with Arcadia friends, you're in good company.