3rd grade multiplication facts!

We received this message today from Elizabeth’s teacher, Ms Chang

ELIZABETH PASSED ALL HER MULTIPLICATION FACT CHECKS!!! Super proud of this girl!!!

70th Birthday Celebration!

 As we were approaching Dad's 70th birthday, we threw out different ways to celebrate. Mom suggested taking him to a Phillies/Braves baseball game but none of the weekends they were playing in Atlanta worked with our schedules. So we decided the next best thing was to head to Philadelphia and take in a game at the Phillies home stadium! It was an AWESOME trip!! I am so glad we all made time to get away and spend time celebrating Dad's big birthday!

I am not sure Dad slept a wink the night before we left. He was at Emily's house early to pick her up; my house early to pick me up and then we arrived early at Lipscomb to grab Susan! 

After navigating the BNA parking lots, we arrived at our gate with plenty of time to chill!

We landed in Philadelphia and took a cab to our hotel
The Notary Hotel

Settling in and resting up for the full day ahead!

Our first stop on Saturday was Reading Terminal Market. We had heard great things about this place and it did not disappoint. In fact, we came back two more times during the weekend!

First Visit - Breakfast on Saturday 
Amish Omlette

And a blueberry donut!

Our second visit was lunch Saturday for Philly Cheesesteaks 

Third visit was brunch on Sunday
Dad wanted to try pierogis ...

We opted for bagels!

After breakfast, we navigated the Philadelphia transit lines...it was a difficult task! But we soon were on a bus to the Eastern State Petitionary. Emily and I had heard great things about this tour and it was a neat experience!!!

We then walked over to the "Rocky Steps" and wondered down Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The nice gentleman who took our photo at Love Park left us a special surprise photo of himself!

We got back to the hotel and had time for a quick rest before we were off to the game! 

We jumped on the subway right outside our hotel and traveled to the stadium with the Phillies fans!

Emily finally found a Coke Zero!

Ice Cream in a helmet was dinner for me!

Dad and Emily had another Philly Cheesesteak!

At the end of the game we had to put our Rally Caps on!

As tough as we looked, it still didn't help.
The Phillies lost :-( 

Before we left, Ryan told us to be on the lookout for "Way-der" Ice...we didnt try it but we did find it...Lots of it!

Sunday we hit some more tourist spots...but not before Brunch at Reading Market and another donut stop for me :-) 

Independence Hall

Emily and Susan waited in line to see the Liberty Bell

Elfreth's Alley

We took a tour of one of the homes and HEARTHSTONE was written over the fireplace!
Combine that with the fact a Susan and an Emily were our tour guides, we felt right at home!

Betsy Ross's house - we didnt go in but we stopped for a picture! 

We logged 15 miles, devoured 3 cheesesteaks and several donuts and made countless memories. It was a great trip and a wonderful celebration with Dad!