Philadelphia

Today we got up and decided to take a trip. We thought we would go learn and see where our country began. We packed up the car and went to the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. We pricelined a incredible hotel (and totally scored) in a part of town called Society Hill, which is set on the Delaware River and on a cobblestone street, walking distancee to many historical treasures. I have never stayed anywhere where they greet you at your car, unload your kids and help them and your luggage up to the room. We became best friends with the concierge who helped us fulfill every minute of our unplanned trip.

We walked down to Independence Hall and realized we were too late for tickets so we called and reserved them for the next morning at 9:00. We headed to the Federal Reserve and did a money tour and each got $100! (in shredded money)

You can't really see in this photo but Caroline had a paper bag of treats that she carried with the whole day and as long as she had those in her hand she was all smiles.

Walking everywhere was awesome. The streets we decked out in holiday style. I had to take a photo of this hair salon, it was beautiful.

We went to Christ Church, Betsy Ross house and walked past this small little pink brick house on the other side of the street. I ran across and then quickly signaled for everyone to join. It was a very small bakery and the window was open, it was like smelling sweet goodness! They had 14 things on the menu and you could watch 5 women making each of them. It was like something out of Martha Stewarts magazine. We each got a yummy, Chocolate cookies with peppermint chunks. Lesson learned always stop at cute, pink, brick houses that sell stuff.

We got back to the hotel and went swimming. It lasted about 15 minutes because Caroline threw up in the pool. I could not believe it. those poor people in the pool. She left screaming because she didn't want to get out. So thanks to us the pool got shut down! I think she got sick from drinking so much water.

We went for a fun walk on cobblestone streets to the open market and ate at this great Italian restaurant. The weather was chilly but tolerable to walk around at night. The open market was all a glow with holiday lights.

We have decided for sure that the funnest part for kids is just staying in a hotel. Caroline got all the coffee, sugars and ice bucket with the silver tongs and set up shop in the closet. She was serving her homebrewed tea to those of us that wanted some.