Phabulous Philadelphia

We woke up this morning and trotted to a Starbuck's across the street from Betsy Ross's house. She never would have imagined since she told us this afternoon when we visited with her in the courtyard that the drink of choice for all ages was beer, "It helps the children sleep well."

Our hotel was in the center of the Historic District where horse-drawn carriages strolled by and our legs could carry us to all sorts of interesting venues.  We began at Independence Hall. All of this early American history actually chokes me up while it is perhaps gagging other members of the family.  Kipp and I are hoping some of this precious history is somehow sinking in by osmosis while they lean on the bricks or sit in the congressional chairs.  Anyway, Independence Hall is an experience for every American soul.  

This is Independence Hall in the original capital of the United States- Philadelphia. This is where the Senate and House of Representatives first met. The Declaration of Independence was signed here, and the Constitution was both written and signed here. It is considered as the birthplace of the nation. We toured inside and saw the rooms where very important things happened to form our new country. 

Here's the Liberty Bell we saw in Philadelphia. It once proclaimed liberty on top of Independence Hall before it cracked (the bell, that is). This was a fun stop.

Here's Kipp by Betsy Ross's house. Betsy Ross made the first American flag.

This is Sam by "Betsy Ross" and another colonist. These actors were great.  They called Sam a "red-coat" and had no idea where Alaska was.  They thought Hannah was wearing an awfully bright frock--a tie-dyed shirt--and was a nearly an old maid at fifteen.  We visited Benjamin Franklin's home and the first post office of the United States which he initiated.  

On the train and in New York City looking at Lady Liberty's lighted torch by sunset...

You Alaskans are having warmer weather than we are.  Sounds wonderful.  The shooting at the Holocaust Museum was shocking--we were there just five days ago.  Glad Mom made it home.--Ann