With the rollercoaster of restrictions that has come from the coronavirus this summer, our front porch has become our new favorite escape. While we love to watch the neighborhood and say hello to passersby, it has taken some creativity to enjoy our favorite summertime traditions.

The coronavirus outbreak disrupted the school systems all over the country. As parents of four, we know as well as anyone else just how difficult the last semester was for everyone—teachers, students, and parents. The modified school year added an extra level of stress for many, and now that summer’s here, you may wonder how to regain some of the normal momentum—and how to keep your kids engaged and prepped for next school year.

Now that Pennsylvania is in the Green Zone, we’re watching more and more people escape to the sidewalks to enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air. We can’t blame them. After a few months inside the house with the kids, we’re ready to get everyone outside to run around and play! Here are a few of our favorite spots to visit.

Ted and I get excited about Valentine’s Day each year, not so much for chocolate, cards, and flowers, but more because it’s a great excuse for date night and a chance to discover new favorite restaurants around the ‘burgh.

We love watching the city transform every December! Each year, businesses, towns, and individual houses decorate in fun, festive lights and colors, sparking fresh energy for our transition into Pittsburgh’s coldest months. All of the excitement is especially popular for our kids, who enjoy all the trappings of the holidays as they wait patiently for Santa to arrive later in the month.