Rewinding to the pre-vacation days Brooke had her first dentist appointment ever on Monday! She loved it and was amazing the whole time! She even got a bouncy ball, and so did Winry. They've been having a lot of fun bouncing them around the house and chasing them down. The dentist said her teeth were looking great, and gave us a few places to focus her brushing on.
Monday night Brooke had preschool graduation. It was supposed to be at a park, but then it rained all day so we moved it to the church. We got to hear some of the songs the kids learned throughout the year and had a pizza party. Good job Brooke and learning so much!
That night we tried to do all our laundry to prep for our trip. I say tried because it didn't quite get as "done" as hoped. In all of the moving of our washing machine for finishing the basement it has occasionally started to complain about doing the spin cycle, but we can typically still get it to finish. When moving the dryer to tile the floor, however, I apparently knocked some lint loose in the vent and now it's completely blocked. The dryer detects this, and won't dry our clothes... so the night before we headed out for a week stay on the other side of the country our front room looked liked like this...
Tuesday morning we were able to get everything packed and put away and get ready to head out. Remember that rain I told you about on Monday? Well it turned to snow. Approximately 3 inches of snow... This was what we left behind when we boarded our plane.
At the airport Winry really enjoyed looking out the windows at the planes while we waited for our turn to board ours.
And Brooke just NEEDED some chapstick. Especially when Monica got out some colored chap stick! Her teeth were looking a little chapped, glad we could take care of that! Brooke also went with Monica to go see a kitten that we heard meowing in the airport. Monica said she wasn't sure if it was a kitten or a puppy, but it was definitely very newly born, and she's leaning toward dog.
I got to help Winry take a nap on the plane, and in turn she helped me! Brooke got to watch movies on the tablet. And by movies I mean she made it most of the way through Moana before wanting to do something else.
After we landed and got situated in our hotel we headed to Wawa for dinner. It's like a to-go restaurant within a gas station chain, but we heard it was a must try, and so we went. It was very good and fast, and close by the hotel. Also, it is Harding-child-ese for water... just saying...
At the hotel we happened to get upgraded to the suite on the top floor. They had given out all of the other double beds, so we got the free upgrade.
The room was very big. In fact, it was the size of two normal rooms. The rooms typically have a front room area and a bed room, so we had a huge front room and two bedrooms. This was actually very nice as it let us put Brooke and Winry in separate rooms so they didn't wake each other up at night.
And we packed a few snacks with us for throughout the trip. We ate most of it while we were out there, and maybe had an extra days worth that we brought home with us. I wish I could say that was the pre-stocked mini bar.
So, the downside to the free upgrade? They lost our crib. See we were going to bring our pack and play with us, however I got on the Hilton app and asked if they had a pack and play or crib at the hotel, and they said they would put one in my room. That's cool and all, except that they then proceeded to give that room to someone else, and give me a free upgrade into the suite. So the free upgrade was cool and all, but they locked my pack and play in some random room and couldn't get to it. Well, we made a request to get another at around 8:15ish, and at 11:30 while I was loading a pack and play into my cart at Walmart (it closed at midnight, so it didn't really have more time to wait) I got a text from Monica saying they finally brought a crib. I won't go into all the details, but our hotel didn't have more, and then a series of near by hotels said they'd send one over, and then an hour later followed up by saying they didn't have any... sigh... so we held Winry for a long time that night. Luckily she slept through most of her crib-less moments, but it was not terribly exciting walking around the hotel for hours holding her...
On Wednesday morning we headed into the heart of the city to see the Liberty Bell. It was fun to see, and the line wasn't too bad.
Within a few blocks of the liberty bell there were a lot of other things to see. We headed down to Washington square and saw the NASA moon tree (picture omitted due to the tree being slightly lack luster) as well as this monument.
We played at a near by park (I don't remember what this block was called, maybe the Franklin park?) and walked over to Reading Terminal Market for lunch. For everyone who said it was a great family place, you have never taken a double stroller through there...
After that it was nap time, and since at this point I was a certified baby mattress, up Winry went. We were heading to the oldest street in America and happened upon Benjamin Franklin's grave! That was cool!
And just down the street? Betsy Ross's house! Also a bunch of stuff about the original flag. It was really interesting. And there was a fountain with cat statues. I'm guessing Ms. Ross was very into her cats, but I didn't actually see/read anything that corroborated that tale... so just my musings for now.
We finally made it to America's oldest street, Elfreth's Alley! The crazy part is that people still live in most of the houses. There were like 2 that had been turned into a museum, but the rest of them just had regular old families living in them!
The two big reasons we didn't head back to the hotel for nap time were 1) parking was really expensive and the meter restarted if we came back, and 2) we had tickets to Independence Hall at 4:40. We were able to make it all the way to our ticketed time, and got to see where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Geno's to get the "best" Philly cheesesteaks in all of the city. They were very good. Since it was in the heart of the city I figured we'd just drive by and I'd jump out of the car and get them, and then jump back in when Monica made her next lap around the block. This plan worked decently, except that I had the car keys in my pocket, so the car got upset when I jumped out and ran down the street... :) Luckily Monica was able to drive back up to me and I threw the key into the passenger seat!
After dinner we still had time and energy to do a little swimming as a family. To be honest I can't believe we actually went swimming after a full day out on the town. However, this was on day one when we were still fresh. I don't think this trip to the pool would have happened on Memorial day...
While we were there we had my waterproof camera. Yes, the camera I forget every time we go swimming at the rec center. I'm disappointed too. Anyway, that means we got to try out some underwater photography, like with Brooke jumping in! I would say a lot of what I got is just eh, but it was still fun trying something new and I'm still glad I have the photos and videos!
On Thursday we headed out for Cape May. It was a close beach, and Monica can't travel that close to a beach and not go. While we were on the drive there Winry started coughing and it sounded really bad. We thought she might be choking, but she wasn't... so I got on my phone to find an instacare in our insurance. Good news, there was one literally on the road we were going to drive down. So Monica dropped Winry and I off. Winry was a good sport, and a visit later was diagnosed with croup. I'm so glad we went, and were able to get it before it got really bad. The doctor gave her some steroids to help, and while it did get worse over the next two days it never got that bad.
Meanwhile Monica and Brooke were partying on the beach!! I guess that's just a mattress's life...
After we grouped back up we went to a restaurant recommended by the doctor and then headed to the Cape May light house!
We also headed over to the beach which was received with mixed reception. Winry was very interested until her feet got wet, and I think it was just too cold for her. While there we were also able to collect some sea shells to put in a jar we have back at home.
On the way back we stopped in Gloucester City to visit where Monica's grandpa grew up. We went to one of the cemeteries in town and were able to find some family history graves too!
After, we headed to a nearby park for the kids to play. They had so much fun at the park. I went down one of the slides to dry it off for them, and they went down a ton which made my wet butt feel more useful! Winry super loved it and would slide down and then run around the whole playground, climb back up the stairs and slide down again. There were also some swings, and Brooke took a turn pushing Winry.
After that we tried to get back to our hotel. We knew it was about a 15 minute drive, but when we put it into maps it said it would take about 2 hours!! It was also avoiding the two closest bridges. Turns out they were toll bridges, but only one way. We were able to get to New Jersey just fine, but to head back we had to pay the Pennsylvania tax. Anyway, we were more than happy to pay $5 to save over an hour and a half on our drive. That night Winry had a little bit harder time sleeping and was coughing a bunch, and ended up in our bed to help her stay calm. To be honest this isn't how we slept most of the night. Most of the night she was laying on my chest and I was sitting up partially. That seemed to help her cough, so I toughed it out and woke up rather sore.
On Friday we headed to Wilmington, Delaware. We figured if we were only 15 minutes away we should probably make the trip to Delaware. While there we went to some gardens on an estate. It was very pretty to see, and there was one part where it looked like they let the garden take over part of the house.
After that we headed downtown to the opera house. Unfortunately, it was only open during shows, so we weren't able to go inside and see anything. After we headed to a Mexican restaurant that was just simply amazing. How amazing? enough for me to mention it here!
On the way back, I was able to get a picture of the welcome to Pennsylvania sign. This is the only such picture of a sign that we got. Sorry New Jersey, Delaware, and all the cool town signs that we passed...
Instead of heading back to the hotel we headed back to the airport to pick up Niki! We asked if she would come hang out with Monica and the kids when I was at lacrosse stuff on Saturday, and she came in Friday afternoon. We immediately hit the pool while Monica laid Winry down for a nap. We had a great time while Brooke gave us swim lessons, including blowing bubbles, and doing ice cream scoop arms!
After Winry's nap, we headed out to Penn's landing, and there happened to be a carnival going on!
The kids got to go on their very first carousel ride. Brooke has had other opportunities, but has been afraid before now. They both had a blast riding their horses.
There was also a huge chair. It's not as cool as our Parker huge chair, but we had to get a family picture in it. Also, anyone know of any other huge chairs? Seems like a good picture collection to start.
The next morning (Saturday) I was dropped off at the stadium for lacrosse, and everyone else went to the Wilmington Zoo. It was a pretty small zoo, but Monica said it was great and the kids loved it. It even had a petting section. Winry got to pet some baby goats, fearlessly.
I was a little more surprised to see that Brooke also pet them! She loved it too. Good job Brooke!
Brooke even helped push the stroller around, because that's what a big sister big helper does.
Meanwhile I was watching lacrosse. I had a lot of fun at the games with Brad and it was great to catch up. I only wish they hadn't taken away my sunscreen. It was the spray kind... :( I did get sunburned, but not too badly. I did put it on real quick before they threw it away.
After the lacrosse games, we headed out to one of Pennsylvania's covered bridges. I thought of this after we had gotten there and told Monica I really wanted to go. We were able to find one not too far away, maybe 30 minutes, so we stopped by. This one isn't used any more, and a new road has been paved next to it. Maybe sometime we'll come see one that's still in use.
After that we headed to a Japanese restaurant, and the kids had a great time playing with chopsticks while we waited for the food.
The adults all got sushi to share, and things were going great until Niki tried to steal my sushi!
On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Rita's for water ice. There is one in Colorado about 20 minutes from our house, but we've never been there and it's originally a Pennsylvania thing. As they've expanded they started calling it Italian Ice, but the locals call it water ice. They had that and custard and you could get them mixed too! Brooke was so excited for her Unicorn ice cream!
And Monica was excited too! This picture is mostly here because I felt bad leaving Monica out of the pictures from the Japanese restaurant... so this is how I made it up :). So what does water ice and custard do to children at 9pm? This! Also, I was just thinking about it and figured I'd explain that we tried to not shift our kids sleep schedules. They typically go to bed by 7 at home which would be 9 in Philly. We did keep them up a little late several times, but I think all in all it was a good idea to try to not shift their schedules, and it made the transition back home very easy!
On Sunday we found a ward to head to in town and had a great time. The people there were so nice! There was one man who came up and started kissing Brooke and Winry's feet and telling them he was their Aftrican Grandpa! I really wish I had gotten a picture of him, especially if the kids would have let him hold them! In Relief Society Winry kept going to see the clothes and bracelets of the woman sitting in front of Monica, and eventually she picked Winry up and Winry was perfectly happy with that! They played for a little, and then she set Winry back down and she came back to Monica.
Sunday night we headed to the temple grounds. There was a little building open next door too. I don't think it was the visitor center, but it had a nice picture in it.
We also got a picture in front of the temple.
After that we headed to some parks that are close by. We headed to the LOVE park, and the kids played in the fountains while we waited in line to take a picture.
What a happy cute family we are!!
Across the street was the giant board game park! An attraction made for me. Unfortunately it was swarming with homeless and wreaked of pot... so we didn't make it over to those giant dominoes for a closer look/picture.
However, I did roll a 12 but never quite got my piece to move... not even one square...
On the way back we stopped by a cool fountain with a cool name. I don't know what that is, but we'll call it the Fountain of Poseidon. There were even kids in there swimming... with Poseidon... and other mermaids.
We headed back to the hotel and on the way we ran into a west Philadelphia basketball court. In fact, this may be THE west Philadelphia basketball court. I'm looking at you, Fresh Prince.
Oh, while we were at church the girls were selling cookie dough for a fund raiser for girls camp. We of course had to oblige. Gotta help the cause. Now, the issue is that I, in the minority, don't really like to eat cookie dough. No, the suite did not have an oven. I know, what kind of suite is that?! Anyway, after a quick look online you can indeed microwave cookie dough. The golden number seemed to be 30 seconds per cookie, and you have to let them cool for a while. They were rather good, and chewy too! Don't knock it till you microwave it.
Winry had a rough night again that night, but we made it through together.
By this point in the trip, Winry and I had really bonded. How much you ask? Enough that she thought she could muscle her way in on my cereal the next morning! I think I shared... not sure.
This brought us to Monday, which was the last day of our trip. We had a little time before we needed to head to the lacrosse championship game, so we hit the pool! Someone had left this little kid floaty behind, so we let Winry use it. You may be thinking "what about germs?!" Well, yes, there is a good chance Winry got croup all up on that thing.
When we got there we showed Brooke our favorite pool game. Someone gets ready to jump in the pool, and as they jump you yell an animal and they have to try to act out the animal before they hit the water. We had animals such as flamingo, elephant, and snake. Nailed it.
Brooke and Niki had a great time swimming together. The kids loved getting to spend time with their aunt. Also, throughout the vacation Brooke really wanted to expand her picture taking and wanted the camera as much as possible.
After we all got ready, it was time to head to the lacrosse game! When we got there I ran and grabbed the tickets from Brad, and then headed back to the car so that we could eat our lunch before we went in. We got into the stadium right as the game was starting, so perfect timing.
It was a pretty hot day. At first Brooke and Winry got really hot and were not having much fun, but after a little I think they both got used to it more and were happy and having a blast. Brooke and Niki played and high fived and danced and walked around together.
Winry also had a blast with Monica and me. She even got up and did some sweet dancing!
At one point they played the Simba song and I lifted Brooke up. We didn't make it on camera, but I think Brooke still loved it!
Virginia won the championship, which meant that the teams I was cheering for went 0-3 at the tournament. Good thing I don't bet. Anyway, we grabbed a family picture before we left.
After that we headed out to Hershey PA! It was about a 2 hour drive, but the kids hadn't had naps, so it was a well timed 2 hour drive. The kids woke up a little before we got there and were happy and ready to go!
The first thing we did was the how chocolate is made tour. It had some sample/fake machines that showed the process of making chocolate.
At one point the ride stopped, which was a special treat. That's not supposed to happen, I guess someone was being a little too crazy. Anyway, it did give a good chance to get a picture of all of us together.
After that, Niki was kind enough to us to sponsor a trip through creating custom candy bars! It was a lot of fun!
Brooke got to make her own, and she loved it. You got to pick things to go in the chocolate, and then a chocolate tray would come out and be filled with those things before getting super drizzled with chocolate.
Then they were cooled down and boxed up. While they were cooling, etc. you got to design your own box.
Here we all are with our finished product. I haven't tried mine yet, but Brooke and Monica both really like theirs! Oh yeah, we also got those sweet hair nets and aprons.
Also, this one is a little more obvious, but the Hershey factory also contains the largest Hershey chocolate store in the world. There's also an amusement park there, but we didn't go there at all.
However we did get a picture with all our favorite candy bar statues!
As well as proof that we were at Hershey's chocolate world. I also got a shirt that says this. It's in classic brown with white letters. It would probably have been cooler if it had this logo...
It was pretty late after that, but we headed to Soda Jerk and we only got there like 15 minutes before they closed, but the cook said he'd stay open for us! What a bunch of nice guys. They were very nice to us, and we tried to be quick and left a good tip for them! The food was terrific, and it was super cheap. Honestly, I'd consider moving to Hershey, they even have a camp ground in town! Anyway, after all of the candy experience and our super dinner Niki had the great idea to run some ladders in the parking lot to prep for opening our new candy!
When we got back to the hotel we put the kids to bed and started packing up. On Tuesday morning we took off early for the airport. We had a great airport experience again and ran into many helpful people. I'm sure none of them will ever see this, but thank you so much! Your help in moving bags, etc is much appreciated, and you made our trip much easier. On the flight home I took my final stint as a mattress for this vacation, though this time I was a larger mattress and had two sleepers actively engaged.
Anyway, we made it back safe and sound, and Niki made it back safe later that night too! The kids have been really into their toys since getting home, and I think they missed getting to play. I won't complain about that, because they've been really easy to watch over the last day and a half. Anyway, I don't want to get into this week as that post is still coming. We had a wonderful time out in Philadelphia, and we may go back again sometime to visit the west side of Pennsylvania and see the places where I grew up. Anyway, thanks for sticking through this whole post. Have a great week!
