PHILADELPHIA

Although Sesame Place was the girls' primary focus, we did visit other places in Philly and the surrounding areas. Since the girls have been watching "Liberty's Kids", it seemed only appropriate that they should see some of the places mentioned in the show.



The first place that we visited Valley Forge; AJT04 attempted to complete the Junior Ranger book for the park, but was a bit overwhelmed. The girls did learn about the hard times experienced there and AJT04 toured the Potts House with Mommy and actually touched some banister that George Washington would have touched -- she was very excited about that.


We spent the better part of a day at Independence National Park; not only was it a very warm day, but there were several school groups touring as well, so AJT07 grew a bit tired during the day. We did tour Independence Hall, saw the Liberty Bell, entered Congress Hall (where Congress met while the capital was Philadelphia), stopped at Carpenter's Hall (where the First Continental Congress occurred), visited the Chemical Heritage Society Museum (Daddy grew a bit frightened since he recognized many of the chemicals and devices displayed), and ate at Old City Tavern (the original tavern was a meeting place for the likes of many of the Founders of our nation). Mommy was thrilled with the history (what a surprise, right) and both girls were excited to recognize the places from "Liberty's Kids". The girls were also excited to receive their first Junior Ranger badges at Independence National Park -- AJT04 had now said that she wants to collect badges from all of the national parks, I think that might be a while yet.


We also took a day trip to Easton, PA, home of the Crayola Factory. The girls were thrilled to visit that facility, even with all of the other school groups there. We learned how crayons are manufactured, how markers are made, and played with clay. With our admission, we received several tokens so that we could pick up souvenir crayons (including the special crayon known as "macaroni and cheese") and markers. We did tried to allow our clay creations to dry so that we could bring them home; unfortunately, some of the creations had some minor problems and did not quite make it home in one piece. Even with that, the girls had a great time at the Crayola Factory and Mommy was able to pick up some presents there as well.


On the way back to the hotel, we also stopped at Washington Crossing Park in New Jersey, so the girls could see where George Washington and the Continental Army made the Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians. AJT07 seemed to enjoy the boat as much as anything there and AJT04 had a good time at the museum especially talking to the docent and receiving some really neat booklets. Since the park on the Pennsylvania side of the river was closed, we were only able to drive by the monuments and park on that side of the river. Once AJT04 saw the "Liberty's Kids" episode about crossing the Delaware, I think the visit there was even more special.

We had a very enjoyable time in Philadelphia and I think the girls did learn more and I believe that at least one girl appreciates the meaning of Independence Day a little more.