Since we were already headed to Philly for the US Lacrosse Convention with Cavin, we decided to take full advantage of a getaway weekend to see the sights and be 'tourists'!
It was FREEZING while we were there. With windchill I think they were saying it was around 10 degrees (Yep, COLD). But there was NO WAY I was going to sit in a hotel room with three children just to avoid being a little chilly.
The architecture of the buildings was really incredible. It's one of the things I LOVE to look at when we head into DC. So seeing the buildings in Philadelphia was worth taking a few pictures of. Chris took these while we were out walking.
this is the declaration house...where the declaration of independence was written.
It's kinda crazy to look at now with the huge buildings and parking structures on either side
And of course....the Philly mascot guy. I have no idea what or who he is. I DO know that my boys wanted nothing to do with him. :) But Jacie posed for a picture.
We went out on Saturday night, just to see where everything was and plan out our full day for Sunday. The sun was going down the the temperature was quickly dropping...but we were able to look around a bit and get a small glimpse into the history we would explore the next morning.
The kids were super excited to see the liberty bell. It had already closed for the night, but they posed by the sign anyway. (Like Cavin's awesome eye-black, still on from the earlier convention!)
House where the Declaration of Independence was written: DECLARATION HOUSE
Dinner at the Hard Rock of course! Who isn't completely drawn in by loud music and spinning gigantic guitars?!
Late night Ice Cream at Bassetts
That place has been there FOREVER...this shop at the Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893. The ice cream and the service both were great. And we got there right before closing so there were places to sit. Earlier in the day when we passed by it was CROWDED.
Sunday morning we got up early and headed out to see the sights. After eating donuts in the visitor center and then boarding a trolley tour, our first stop was to Betsy Ross' house. I think out of everywhere we went and everything we saw, this was by far Jacie's favorite. We werent allowed to take pictures throughout the house. The only place cameras were allowed was here in the Upholstery Shop where Betsy herself was sitting there sewing. The kids asked her a million questions. Both informational - they wanted to know if the blinds in her room were closed so the British soldiers didnt see her sewing the flag, and comical - they wanted to know what the pot under her bed was for. :)
Climbing around on the cellar doors. These steps led down into the kitchen area actually
Next stop - the Eastern State Penitentiary. Scary stuff! The kids got to learn how the prisoners lived, and get a glimpse into what it would be like to be in solitary confinement.
Chris, Cavin & Jacie checking out one of the cells
Doesnt he look miserable? lol He was actually having a great time - just posed with the 'im in jail' face.
Capone's cell was super fancy compared to the rest...it had oriental rugs and nice furniture
Wow those walls are high!! That explains why people tried to dig their way out instead of climbing the over
The next leg of the trip was up to the Museum of Modern Art.
Guess it's time to sit down and watch the Rocky movies so the kids (and I) know the meaning behind why we stopped here.
This was taken from the bus we were on...the view was too pretty to pass up. We were headed down to South Street to get lunch - Philly Cheesesteaks of course.
Cavin & Jacie were messing around while waiting to get their cheesesteaks. Like the color of the picture? That's not an accident...the room was SOOOOO red it was hurting our eyes, and totally messed with the pictures I was taking.
After lunch it was time to take in a few more history lessons. Here the boys were learning about John Adams. They asked questions of every Park Ranger they saw. And the rangers asked them questions about Philadelphia history as well. If Caden and Cavin answered the questions correctly, they earned a trading card. They were having a great time being quizzed on history - and had quite a stack of cards to go home with by the end of the day.
Finally - the Liberty Bell.
The kids look a little rough by this leg of the trip, but they were very excited to finally get to see the coveted liberty bell. Next time you see them, ask them a question about the famous bell...they might surprise you with some of the cool facts they learned.
And that's it! It was about 5pm, and time to head home. Of course, we saw a lot of other great sights...Constitution Hall, Independence Hall, etc...but I guess the camera didnt make it out for those. We will definitely head back in the spring/summer and check out a few more of the sights.
1 comment:
Looks like a fun time! I definitely want to go now. Nothing like family time and a history lesson :)
Post a Comment