Oh my, today was just a dreat day! The weather started off a little messy with rain and snow ❄️ but it worked out just fine, we even saw some sunshine.

We started the morning a little blurry eyed since Mike and I had to share a king-sized bed with Michael. (When we checked in last night, we had to take one of the last 2 rooms in the hotel due to high school volleyball championship in town. Yes, we had reserved a 2 queen room but since we arrived late, we got what was left. We had one rollaway bed, and after a coin toss, Leo won to get 1st night. Now sharing a king-sized bed wouldn’t be a problem if Michael slept like a normal child. But Michael sleeps like an alligator in a death roll… so we hit the coffee section of the breakfast bar hard this morning!) Anyway, after a big ol breakfast, we were off!

We started off at Independence National Historical Park. It is just cool to get to stand in the rooms where the most important documents of our country were signed! The Park have a really cool program for kids. Michael and Leo had their own workbook to complete during the tours, so they were really listening to the Rangers. The Rangers did a great job keeping everything interesting and funny.

Mike and I both geeked-out a little listening to all the history of forming the government and drafting of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and Constitution.

The Park had another program where the boys could collect trading cards from Park Rangers. The only 2 requirements were that the boys had to go talk to the Rangers, (not the parents), and they had to answer questions about what they were learning. Now you know my overly competitive children went nuts with this 🤪😀

One poor Ranger asked Michael who was Pennsylvania was named for? He answered “William Penn.” The Ranger said “Correct,” and was about to start explaining something else when Michael went on to tell him that Pennsylvania actually means Penn’s forest. The state was named for William Penn and silva means forest in Latin so Pennsylvania actually means Penn’s forest. 🤪🤣😀 (thanks Mr. Cobb). Poor Ranger 😉

We saw the Liberty Bell. The real-life, actual real, the bell that really rang, the bell that really real cracked, Liberty Bell! Because until we answered all these conditions, Leo didn’t believe it was the REAL Liberty Bell 🤣😊

Now, that we had completed our work books and collected all possible trading cards, we were ready to be sworn in as Independence National Historical Park Junior Rangers

After Independence Hall, we jumped on the Big76 Hop-On Hop-Off bus. A few friends had told us about this, and I am so glad we listened to them. This was such a fun way to see the city!

The double decker bus made a huge loop around the city hitting all the spots famous in Philadelphia – a lot of which we had never heard of including the Philadelphia Food Market. This is a HUGE warehouse-type building with so many different vendors for food, groceries, flowers, spices, oils, meats, whatever. They say if you can’t find something to eat here, then you won’t find it anywhere – and they are right!

We picked the Hatville Deli – it was fantastic! But there was still room for ice cream 🍦

Bellies full, we hoped back on the bus for views of Philadelphia City Hall

The Rodin Museum- with my own personal “Thinkers”

And the Philadelphia Museum of Art… famous for Rocky’s run! (Cue the Rocky theme music 🎶)

Unlike the movie, the Rocky statue isn’t on top of the steps anymore. The statue was donated to the Museum but the “artsy” folks said it wasn’t art, it was a movie prop. So they moved the statue to some city park, and guess what, the visitors followed. So the artsy folks brought it back, creating a special spot just for Rocky 🥊🥊

The boys (all 3 of them 😉) loved a nearby statue/fountain in Eakins Oval

We hopped back on the bus, and tried to catch one more tour before everything closed at five. As we were listening, we glanced around for Michael… found him

Hahahaha! We have Griswold’d Philadelphia- time for a break…

We rested for an hour or so and then headed to find some dinner before the NCAA Championship. We had planned to make the trip to South Philly to make the choice between Pat’s and Geno’s but the hotel suggested we try a place nearby. I’m so glad we did! Pandora’s Lunchbox was less than a block from the hotel, and was ahhh-mazing! Hands-down the BEST Cheesesteak Mike, Michael and I have ever had! Yum!!!

Leo said the pizza was great too

The only way to top this day off would be some delicious just baked cookies… oh, wait! What’s around the corner from the hotel – Insomnia Cookies 🍪

Now we are showered, eating cookies and milk, and ready to cheer for Philadelphia’s own Villanova!

Perfect Day 1… check!

Onto the Strasburg Railroad and the Amish tomorrow🚂