East Coast Adventure

'Adventure' is an understatement- wow! What a trip!

My parents wanted to take us all to Philly to see the reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence with is read annually the Sunday after the 4th of July on the steps of Independence hall. That was the rendezvous spot, and the rest of the vacation was up to each family. Because of Dave's work schedule, we arrived two days after the rest of the group an caught up on the family fun when we arrived.

We had so much fun exploring Philadelphia, it was really fun for me to explore with my dad as he loves American History, the kids loved being with their cousins in another city. We did Independence Hall, the Mint, had picnics on the lawn of a museum, Embassy Suites happy hours, historic dinners, fountain swims, bus rides (all 14 of us given my dad's senior discount, aka. free- genius), dance parties, random lobby people = family members(?) ;), and of course, last but not least, Philly cheese steaks. Overall, it was a success, but don't get me wrong, there are always the hiccups. Like a 'smart' elevator system which resulted in many trips up and down 11 flights of stairs (three kids in tow + a three kid stroller), an absolute zoo of an Embassy Suites free continental breakfast (but its soooo worth it, right? ;) my dad didn't think so! hahah). It was a week with family I will always cherish.

On Monday, everyone parted ways. The Olivers and my parents went to NYC via the train, Shelley and the kids went back to Sioux Falls, and the Munces went to Cape May on the Jersey shore. We happened upon our plans sort of late to the game, and I'm happy report, it was incredible. We stayed across the street from the beach, which was appropriate as that was the bulk of our daily agenda. We peppered in a few meals, mini golf, a horse and carriage ride, a promenade arcade, ice cream and a daily stop at the local candy shop (which Greta and I had scoped out online the previous week). The highlight for Dave and I was daily happy hour on the lawn at Congress Hall, this amazing historic hotel across the street from our condo. We felt like we had hit the jackpot when we stumbled upon it.

We had full days of sand, waves, stroller ride naps, and beach boardwalk jogs. It was a full dose of family, which was just what we needed as our day to day home life keeps us so busy. Its also so good to enjoy the family fun as the kids get older.

The whole group on our first night together.  

Oliver Munce gals seeing some history. 

Bus ride. 

This girl loves gramma b. 

Dave and I.

Group photo at the fountain. 

Grandkid photo. 

Little Miss Independent in front of Independence Hall. 

Greta and the G-parents before her bus ride home. 

Declaration of Independence participants. 

Big Ass Slice. 

Sully and Dave at the Natural History Museum

We have arrived- Cape May! 

The Sweet House with these sweeties.

I love group photos. 

On the beach. 

Greta. 

Sully + the sunset. 

Beach day- one of many. 

Congress Hall

Dave and the kids. 

Burying the toddler. 

Beach photo. 

Me + the kids. 

Horse and Carriage ride. 

More candy and treats on the Washington Street Mall. 

Congress Hall family photo. Christmas photo? Maybe! 

This sums it up- so much beach fun.