Back in Pittsburgh and while I’m sad that the trip is over, I’m relieved to be back here with Penelope because I worry so much every time we leave her, and I’m also not too proud to admit that I have always overdone the itinerary in the past by trying to shove in too much and that three nights was the sweet spot for us to actually get along and not burn out. 

If we’re being honest, even THAT was a bit much since most of it was spent riding pukey thrills rides and janky coasters. Chooch and I were both crying like elders, we were so tired and sore. The only thing Henry rode was Deno’s Wonder Wheel, and then the train, one coaster, and a dark ride at Adventureland. And that was only because he had no choice but to pay to get in. 

Today was just driving back home for the most part. Long Island is only about 90 minutes from Philly, so that was nice! Of course we had to drive around looking for a mail box first so I could mail my idiot post cards aka the bane of Henry’s existence on every trip we take. 

I was just really happy to be together again. I think I am slowly adapting to not seeing Chooch regularly now but I can’t help but feel like everything is back to normal again when we’re all together. I feel like we’re maybe a little less annoying to him now too???

Hands down, the best part of the trip was Coney Island. That whole area was such a vibe. I would definitely go back!! Maybe not to ride the rides, but to just hang out on the boardwalk in Luna Park / Deno’s Wonder Wheel park in general, because both are free to enter and the energy is so good and positive. I have so much to recap and so many pictures, but I need to recharge.

I’m just so happy that we did this and that Henry and Chooch still go along with my dumb ideas when I’m sure they’d be happier doing something more chill and relaxing rather than have me (pantomiming) snapping my fingers and saying, “let’s go! we’re running out of time!”