I Can See! - Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia

Awesome Philadelphia trip

We have a dreaded routine on our family trips:  I read all the literature and tourist guides and come up with a list of things I want to do.  John and the kids groan because they hate my forced family marches around cities, through parks, on trails, into museums, etc.  I say they'll all thank me later that they don't spend their trips in a hotel room staring at instagram.  Some tidbits about our recent trip to Philadelphia.

How far we walked on the longest Saturday of our lives:  6 miles

I felt proud when:  my 12 and 14 year old went on a shopping trip alone and navigated the city on their own.

Mimi's favorite part:  the giant heart in the Franklin Institute (got into FI free with our St. Louis Science Center membership).  Gus liked the brain.

A tiny bit overrated:  the Eastern State Penitentiary but the lunch across the street at Jack's firehouse was much needed.  We had a great lunch with Coke's in glass bottles, Bloody Mary for John, and a Victory Pils for me.

Thank goodness I found:  bowtie at Macy's for Gus.  It totally made his look!

My review on the Phlash bus which will take you to all the tourist spots for $5 a day:  it's great if it shows up.   If one of them gets in a wreck, you're stuck waiting for 40 minutes in the blazing sun waiting for another to show up.

Activities that weren't on "my list" but were glad we did:  Richard Avedon exhibit at National Jewish Museum and the Morrissey Concert at the Kimmel  Center.

What else we did:  family dinner, visit LOVE statue, played in fountains, Genghis Khan exhibit, Liberty Bell, Independence Mall (sadly no time for hall), rooftop pool/pizza/beer with family, Rocky Stairs, Phillies v. Cardinals game.

I'm still in St. Louis moments:  "GO CARDS" everywhere and "Hot in Herre" by Nelly at the wedding.

Wish I had made it to:  Betsy Ross house and the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul.

And- John weary and on 5.5 miles into our city journey, recognized Rittenhouse Square from one of our favorite movies, Trading Places.

Virginia Beach

After Philadelphia we packed up the car again and went to Virginia Beach for a little beach time. Here are some bad mansards we found. 

Philadelphia Union League

We had a great trip to Philadelphia for johns nephew's wedding. We stayed near this building built in 1865 to provide support to Union and Lincoln. A nice mansard too!  It's a city club and sounds similar to our Missouri athletic club. 

Zanesville Ohio

Apache

Apache RV sales, Hazelwood.  I also have a video to go along, Apache by the Sugar Hill gang.