This wasn’t just any vacation. This trip was a celebration for my mom in law, Cheri. She’s been battling stage 4 cancer for two years. It’s been so difficult for Michael and me because we barely have been able to see her since we live so far away and she isn’t able to fly because of the treatments. We have learned to never take any moments for granted. Every time we are together we cherish every laugh *which we do A LOT*, every good conversation, and hug. The highlight of my week was making a scrapbook for her of our memories all together on the lake! She has battled this so gracefully despite all of her fears and pain. I’ve learned so much through her journey the past few years about trusting God despite the mess and resting in His peace that surpasses all understanding. She doesn’t know this but by her example she has taught me that the little things in life are really the big things.

We also spent some time in Pittsburgh to catch a pirates game! We haven’t been there in 3 years so it felt so good to be back! I know that these amazing moments with our families will be etched in my heart forever.

Pittsburgh is my hometown. It’s nicknamed “Steel City” and “the city of bridges.”

This is how I always remember Pittsburgh… grey skies and those muddy three rivers.

We haven’t been to a Pirates game at PNC park in 3 years and it was so much fun to be back!

We had so much fun stopping in Pittsburgh for a Pirates game with my brother, my cousin Shannon and her hubs, and my mom, dad and gram!

I can’t leave Pittsburgh without stopping at Mt. Washington, or Sarris for my chocolate pretzels.

This was our view everyday at The Nature Inn with Michael’s family for our Pannebaker Vacation! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking!

This boat day was such a blessing! It was forecasted to rain that day but the storm disappeared and my mom in law, Cheri was SO happy to be on the beach, boat, jet skis and tubing with all of her kids and grandkids! This truly was one of the best days EVER.

These two photos above are my favorites, especially the one with my mother and father in law on the back of the boat! <3

Every time we go to Pa, I always try to make an effort to run/workout with my sister in law Krista but she runs marathons so I couldn’t keep up!

The second day, they went on the butterfly trail but it started raining. They had to put the kids on their backs and run home. We watched them from the porch… it was hilarious!

It was so quiet and peaceful here at night. We can’t wait to be back!