Our next big day trip was on July 2nd to Philadelphia.  Rock was wonderful and once again watched all the kids at home so we could explore.  Hmm I think he deserves a vacation to the Caribbean! 

It was a lot of fun to be there on the 2nd because that is the actual day that the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Congress.  It was tweaked for 2 more days before they finally agreed upon it and then signed several days after that.  Here’s what Independence Hall looked like while we were there:

Alli was quite miffed.  Wonder how much that special scaffolding cost! 

George Washington’s chair in the background.  We also got to see the copy of the Declaration that they read from the steps of Independence Hall on July 4th 1776.

Liberty Bell. 
Ya know, they won’t even let you touch it! 

Now for all the firsts we saw in Philadelphia.  These first 3 were created by Benjamin Franklin and are only a few of the many things he did in his life.  What an amazing man he was!

 
Sight of the first fire station.  You can’t see it well, but that’s Ben with a fire hat on the brick wall to the right.

First Post Office-the guy in costume was our tour guide!

First Library

Here’s the list of all Ben’s accomplishments.  His tombstone and grave are just behind me here.

Other firsts:

First official US Court room

First US Congress.  The Senate was upstairs, the House of Reps was downstairs, thus the term upper and lower houses.

Home of the First Continental Congress

First National Bank

First Stock Market

Betsy Ross home, sight where the first US flag was sewn.

Beautiful old colonial homes.

Signing the Constitution

When this summer trip was in the planning stages we were hoping to get to Washington DC while the girls were here, especially because Sarin is taking US History next year.  But when DC became too expensive we decided on Philly.  And it was perfect.  Philadelphia is oozing with history.  Every nook and cranny has some great event attached to it.  All three of us decided that between the beautiful buildings, both modern skyscrapers and  historical landmarks, and the wonderful history in Philadelphia, we like it much better than New York City.   I can’t wait to go back!  Who wants to visit next?