Sorry for the late post this time; when we arrived back at the hotel we watched a movie with the kids (on the computer) and then I was so tired that I went to bed with them at 7:00.

Yesterday we actually (are you ready for this?) followed our itinerary!  We drove to the historic part of Philadelphia.  Fortunately there were good signs for the Visitor Center, because it’s not on any of our maps or GPS yet.

With a 40 degree temp in the morning and a forecast of 50, we each wore two layers of shirts instead of wearing our winter coats; this made the day much easier.  Does it surprise you that we were the only ones not bundled up?  There must not have been a lot of Minnesotans around Philadelphia yesterday.

We got tickets for the 9:00 tour of Independence Hall, and then worked our way back to the Liberty Bell.  Did you know that it was used for over 100 years before it cracked?  And that the bell in the tower at Independence Hall now has been there since 1876?

Then back to the Visitor Center to inquire about trolley tour prices. (We decided not to spend the $80 for our family.)  As we were there, the fire alarm went off, so we got to practice a calm and orderly exit from the building. (”Weally, weally, woud, mommy.”)

We walked through Chinatown to Reading Terminal Market and got some lunch, then saw the (unimpressive) holiday train display we’d seen advertised before heading back to the historic area.

Carpenters Hall was where the 1st Continental Congress met; they were offered use of Independence Hall but declined.

Franklin Court is where Ben Franklin’s house stood; we watched an informative film in the museum about Franklin’s family.  Did you know that he went to England to help negotiate peace and ended up staying 10 years? His wife died just before he returned. Also at Franklin Court is Ben’s print shop, where the park rangers demonstrate printing as it was done in Franklin’s time, and the post office next door offers a unique postmark.  We had the kids send their postcards for the day to themselves so they’ll have special mail when we get home.

Then we walked to the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest residential street in the USA), and Firefighters Hall before returning to the visitor center to get the kids’ Junior Ranger badges, and heading back toward the hotel for an early supper.

Some general notes about our trip:

Souvenirs–We don’t buy much in the way of souvenirs for the kids.  Usually postcards and souvenir pennies, which are cheap and portable, and of course new books that serve the dual purpose of being informative and keeping the kids quiet in the car.  The boys each got a tri-corner hat and the girls a t-shirt when we found reasonably-priced ones.  Hubby and I occasionally buy a Christmas ornament.  Other than that, the trinkets usually stay in the shop.

Junior Ranger programs–The National Park Service has created these workbooks at each NPS site.  The kids complete a certain number of activities (depends on how old they are) and return it for a certificate and badge.  Some are more fun than others, and a few have been too difficult for the kids to complete, but they’re a neat way to keep them interested in things along the way.  As the kids get older, they’ll work even better; our 7-year-old is just starting to get the idea of it and complete the pages on his own.

National Park stamps–The first time you go to a NPS site, buy a souvenir passport and have it stamped.  We’ve been collecting the stamps on this trip, but I regret that I hadn’t done this when we visited Pipestone National Monument this summer, thinking I’d never get anywhere to get other stamps.

Traveling with kids–A few people have commented that we make this look easy.  Truthfully, we really enjoy 90% of the time when we’re out with the kids seeing the sights.  (There’s still some work to do in the “stay by us and watch where you’re walking” department.)  The most trying time for us is when we return to the hotel.  Trying to keep kids quiet and calm in this small space isn’t much fun.  Even with the a two-room suite, it’s difficult.  And though we love how flexible the kids have been with when we get up, where we go, etc., their bedtimes have been all over the place so they haven’t settled into a good routine.  We’ve also discussed switching carseats around for the return trip because the boys have been getting pretty silly in the backseat.  So, yes, for the most part this is fun, but it’s not without its moments.  Still, we’re glad to have had the chance to take this big family adventure.

One week yet before we get home–let’s see if we’re still having fun by then!

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