Philly

I was bound and determined that Johnny and I were doing something big for our 10 year anniversary. We don't get away much together and I was ready for something non-kid friendly. I planned and schemed for 6 months or so and surprised him with plane tickets to Philly and New York City.  It is a place that was high on our bucket list so I went for it. I was extremely nervous to leave my kids and fly across the nation for a whole week. I knew they would be in great hands with my mom. 

We packed some backpacks and headed on our way. Also tip for anyone, this was the best way to travel with luggage. It was easy to carry and fit tons. 

We flew out of Seattle and rode on the Russell Wilson plane. The picture with the water is Lake Michigan. And this is my "I am freaking out inside to fly face but I am going to be brave face."

We circled the airport in Philly due to thunderstorms but we finally made it around dinnertime east coast time. We hoped on the train and by the time we got to old downtown it started to rain and it rained hard. It took us a little bit to get oriented but we found our hotel dripping wet. Then we set off to get a Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich. 

 Yes is was as good as it looks! hmmmm

We walked in the rain and explored as much as possible before it got dark. I can't remember this building but it was right next door to Benjamin Franklins house. The house was no longer there but we did get to see the foundation that was left. 

 Did you know that the hotel blowdryer has another purpose? Yes it helped dry our shoes when they were still wet the next morning. Worked great!

We headed to Independence Hall and saw where they held trials back then. We learned that the attorneys sat at a table together while the person on trial was made to stand the whole trial in a gated platform. This is where the term to stand trail comes from. 

 This room below was where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed as well as other major documents. It was amazing to see where the different state representatives would have sat as well as our great founders.  As we stood there I couldn't help but feel the spirit and feel how amazing of a country I am proud to be a citizen to is. The only original thing is Washington's chair but it was amazing.

 We went to Washington park and saw the tomb of the unknown soldier which was the first place before Arlington cemetery was created. I was brought to tears but the sacredness to this place. There are very few places I have been where I felt the spirit so strongly.

 We waited in line for the Liberty bell. It was impressive but not as big as I thought it was.

 Independence Hall behind us.

After the Liberty Bell is when Johnny's chest started hurting so we spent the rest of the afternoon in Penn Hospital.

 Johnny's cousin Colleen and her family live in New Jersey so she came to pick us up and we went to their house for the night. They treated us to New York style pizza and then dessert at Rita's. Wow this place was amazing. Hard to explain but it was like a really good slurpee/snowcone type of ice treat with amazing frozen custard. TO DIE FOR delicious. The next day we were headed to New York.