Spring Break in Philadelphia: Day Three

Our final day in Philly was my very most favorite day.  And it happened to be Easter Sunday, which made it even more special.  

While walking to our brunch destination, we stumbled upon this picturesque park and took full photographic advantage.

The {someday} happy couple.

 The yo-yos.

 The fabulous(ly good looking) friends.

 We're super angelic.

 We brunched at Nineteen, a most spectacular venue with buffets (yes with an s, they were everywhere, and everything was stupid delicious) that only dreams are made of.  Hello, there was an entire room with only desserts.  And I tried every one.  And then, my friends, I had the puke chills.  And I ate more.

 The kids ate the fanciest meal ever.  I ate my weight in crab legs.  And dang, I want to do it again.

Bonus: We got the party room all to ourselves.  

Pressure-free fine dining?

  Yes, please.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for more photo ops.  

Because, listen, the architecture.

 And the oversized game pieces.

 The major benefit of staying at the Four Seasons, as usual, is simply the way they cater to the kids.

In addition to the treat trolley, the toys at check-in and the cookies and milk in their room at bedtime, 

every afternoon they had Easter-themed activities for the kids to participate in. Decorating cookies, Easter crafts, a hot chocolate bar, games, an egg hunt, Easter baskets, and the most exciting: pony rides and live bunnies!!  

My expectations are always high and they never disappoint.  Also, they should probably pay me for this advertisement.

 And of course, there is no visiting Philly without running up a bunch of steps while humming "Eye of the Tiger".  And this statue.  Which I'm sure has some major historical significance (but mostly was in front of the parking lot of the Rocky steps).

Rising up, straight to the top.  Had the guts, got the glory.

 Dear Philadelphia, you may not be shiniest city, but we sure did manage to find your sparkle.

Spring Break in Philadelphia: Day Two

Day two was spent touring the history of Philadelphia.

But first:

We explored The Franklin Institute:

 Posed in front of Independence Hall (the kids were full museumed out by this point).

And visited the Liberty Bell.

Not pictured: a quick stroll through The Reading Terminal for lunch, and then ditching the kids (perks of traveling with a dreamy teenager) and having an adult-only dinner at the super fancy Fountain restaurant in our hotel.  

Another day well spent, I say. 

Spring Break in Philadelphia: Day One

When Spring Break is 4 days long (including the weekend) options are limited.  Like, really limited.  

So, we drove.  To Philly.  

And, you know, you can't polish a turd, but you sure can have fun trying.

We started off our vacation in Camden.  Because we thought it would be cool to take a stop in the most dangerous city in the US.  We are so street.

Also, because there is an aquarium and battleship located there.

Meet, the USS New Jersey.

This puppy has walls of steel.

  (Sidenote: we vacationed with some of our favorite friends, and she played photographer most of the trip, so be looking forward to Brothery Love 2.0, featuring legitimate photographs of things like boats. Until then, the dregs...)

 Next up was the Adventure Aquarium.  Which was cool, but, after going to Georgia's, not that cool.

This child was not my most favorite travel partner.  But, she did sleep through most of the aquarium, so there's that.  

 After dinner day one, we took a leisurely stroll to the temple construction site.  

Hey. I'm a Mormon.

 We ended our night (and every subsequent night) at the pool.  Which, true to form, was the kids' favorite part of the trip.  That, and the unlimited goodies at the treat cart in the hotel lobby.

 **How can something so beastly look so positively scrumptious?!?!**

#BecauseOfHim

 Easter.  Jesus.  The reason for the season.  Happy and hopeful. 

It's one of my favorites.    Equal parts sunshine and spring and The Resurrection.  

So when the church launched a weeklong social media campaign requesting posts with hashtag becauseofhim, I was all over it.  Like white on rice.  Because Jesus.  And Easter.  And happy and hopeful.  

I need all of it, all of the time.  And, because I believe.  Big time.

My week, in review:

#becauseofhim I can be a better daughter.

 #becauseofhim I can serve others. These 4 happen to be my most favorite projects.

 #becauseofhim I have been given a glimpse into how my Father in Heaven loves me. As a result, I am able to love more fully.

 #becauseofhim I can be a better me.

 #becauseofhim I get to live in this beautiful world and stand in holy places.

 #becauseofhim I am inspired. And speaking of inspired, how about those forefathers?!?!? And while we are on the subject, freedom is: beautiful and America and God and the gospel and hope and forgiveness and no children in diapers (soooo I'm not completely free yet).

 #becauseofhim I can get answers to my prayers. The details in this life I am living are a direct result of countless answered prayers. And if my phone works after Eden threw it in the toilet an hour ago, that will be an answered prayer as well. And on that note, Happy Easter!! I love Jesus. Everything that is good and happy and real and meaningful in my life is truly all because of Him.

In summary, #becauseofhim, I know love.

Meet April. The Tease.

 Here's the thing about April.  She can shine bright like a diamond and melt the shivers on your skin and make your soul sing.  She can cause you to pull out your shorts and slurp on a popsicle and smile to the heavens. She will make your heart flutter until you are absolutely certain you are falling in love.

And then, when you least expect it, she will punch you straight in the gut and laugh in your face.

I think it's time we break up. 

More March Musings

And now for some randomness...

 Ryder caught a nasty cold.  Baking and sweet cuteness ensued.

 The kids spent yet another freezing cold March day at the batting cages.

 We got us a new baby.

Which inspired a little decorating (like those wall tiles?  SHAMELESS PLUG: Get them at Donny Osmond Home)

Ryder presented a story at school.

THE DEB CAME TO VISIT.  

She's always such a pleasure.

And this girl.

Now, good riddance March.  You were mostly stupid.