Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Philly Trip

Our trip to Philadelphia started, and ended at the zoo. Wow, what a zoo! We went 2 separate days for a total of at least 5 hours, and could have seen more. We didn't even go in the aviary! All of us found something we loved.

Julie got to ride the Merry-Go-Round. So did Daddy. They had a great time on the alligator.

Julie did not like this gorilla statue, even though she really likes gorillas. Look at her face!

This was a nice picture, but it was the end of the day, so Julie was tired, and Andy was asleep. I got my workout that day! If you look close, there is a giraffe coming out of Julie's head! They were so close, you can't really tell in this picture, but they were amazing!

Julie also wanted to ride the train.....twice! Daddy couldn't say no!

The second day we were there, we were going to go to the Historic District (or Old Town) but I took a wrong turn, and ended up at the Aquarium! It all worked out!
The Aquarium was really busy. And it was geared towards bigger kids, more hands on. So it was not as successful as the zoo, but we still had a good time.

This was in the shark tank. They had a tunnel you could walk through and it was like you were in there with them. Creepy!
While we were waiting for the rehearsal to start, Julie went exploring. She found a walking stick and away she went with her canteen she got from the aquarium. It was pretty funny. Here is Julie and Olivia practicing their moves. They were so cute walking down the aisle holding hands, but at the actual wedding, they couldn't hold hands because they were holding baskets. They were both a little upset about it, but it ended up ok.

The bride and groom practicing being the bride and groom.


The rehearsal dinner was at a very neat park not far from where Bess and Matt live and it is the only park in Philly that is maintained by the community (as in it is not City run). The kids were so happy to see swings and slides and grass. At one point in our trip, Julie said "Mommy, I miss my sandbox! I miss my dirt!" It doesn't get any more country bumpkin than that!

I love this picture.


We had a lot of fun swimming. The hotel we stayed at had a very nice pool. We used it to cool off, relax and wear out the children. It worked for all 3!

The day after the wedding, we made it to Old Town without getting lost! Mom took us on a carriage ride to see all the sights. It was a GREAT way to see everything, without walking, while entertaining the kids. We learned a lot! And I got to cut off more traffic without it being my fault!

This is John and Julie in front of Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell originally hung. But it is now across the street.
This is Mom and Julie across the street looking at the Liberty Bell. It is a very serious matter if you ask Julie.


After the ride, we met up with Anne and Dave and walked all the way to Reading Terminal Market and got awesome cheese steaks. They were so worth it! Then, we walked back to the car and Andy was tired, so he fell asleep, like this.

Poor Baby!
It was a great trip. It was the perfect balance of family, kid time, adult time, food, walking, sight seeing and wedding. Philadelphia is a beautiful city. I can't wait to go back and visit Bess and Matt again!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! You guys did so much in such a short period of time. Awesome pictures, you are so gifted with this blogging Rachel!
Love you all :-)
Arlene

Anonymous said...

As always, you have captured it beautifully. May I add it was a busy time with many people and schedules to consider and every single moment was just a joy. I was so happy to be a part of it all and will never forget so many special details. Julie watching fireflies, confused saying "where'd they go?" and the junior fireperson that she declared "he's a fireboy". And the lightning strikes and so many more special moments. Watching everyone so happy for Bess and Matt, and meeting their friends and Matt's family...all very special, unforgettable moments. It was a marvelous, magical experience. Love you all!

Rachel said...

Good addition Mom, I should have added the "Fireboy" I had forgotten about that! She is so funny!

Ann said...

And I pushed "publish" too soon. It's Mom/Ann/Memere with the comments above! Long day, I guess!!!!

Beth McDermott said...

Awe, LOOKS FUN!
Now I want to go.
;)