Philadelphia

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Philadelphia for a work conference. I have never been before, and admit that when it was time to go, I wasn't terribly excited.  It was one of those situations where it seemed like a good idea at the time I registered for the conference...a few months ago...when I thought my husband was going to go with me and we'd make it a mini vacation...and we weren't closing on our house a week after I got back...and I didn't have out of town hearings scheduled the weeks before and after...you get the idea.  Nonetheless, I really did enjoy this historical city and wanted to share a few pictures with you.

Hands down, the best city hall I've ever seen.  I mean, there is nothing wrong with my local city hall, but if the urban designers here wanted to look to Philly for some inspiration, I'm just saying I wouldn't object.

 One morning while there, I went on a 4-mile running tour with City Running Tours, which was organized through our conference.  It was such a great way to see so many of the "must see" spots.  This was the Ben Franklin Bridge (over the Deleware River) at sunrise. 

Independence Hall

Doesn't it just give you goosebumps??

The Liberty Bell

(after hours, which is why I'm taking pictures from behind a glass wall)

 The Rocky steps...also known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art

 

View of Philly from the top of the steps.

 

Yeah, he even has his own statue.  Right there in the middle of all that American History.

Love the way we prioritize...

The tomb of the unnamed soldier from the American Revolution.

This.  Amen.

 

Even though I am not a huge history buff, I did enjoy the city very much.  I spent some time at a few pubs (where I was in good company while watching the Spurs throw away the NBA Championship, but I'm not bitter) and great restaurants.  I loved the Reading Terminal Market too, but didn't get a good picture of it.  I may or may not have been too busy stuffing my face.  Overwhelming food and market options all under one huge roof.  I think it's the oldest indoor market, in operation since 1893!!

 

I recommend a visit to Philly if you've never been.  The architecture and history are amazing.  It's also a very well laid out city that is easy to navigate.  Even I didn't get too lost!

Thanksgiving Round-Up

Wow!  What a wonderful Thanksgiving week we had.  I say week because although the actual day was awesome itself, we had several different events on different days that were just as special to us!  We had a Kindergarten Program on Tuesday with Justus, where he and his friends sang several songs about giving thanks that just melted my heart.  I have a video of one of the songs, but the quality is not good.  Similarly, my "good" camera and I are having a fight, so I only have a picture or two that came out.  You can spot him smack dab in the middle of the first one, looking at me.  I like the second one because it gets most of his class on the right side of the pic.  He's in the third row from the top, 4th from the right.    It was really, really adorable to see him participating in this.  The day before this event, the Kindergarterners went to a local senior living community and put on the same program.  He had a blast doing that!

Then, on Wednesday, we scooted over to Delaney's daycare, which hosted a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast where we all brought sides and desserts while they provided the turkey, dressing, and gravy.  In the words of Rachel Ray--Yum-O!!  I did NOT want to go back to work after that.  Technically, I didn't have to (we were given a noon release for those leaving town), but there was still work to be done so I did (see--I'm being a good steward of your tax dollars, Texas residents.  You're welcome!).  I only managed to get this one shot of Delaney and Kidd before the feast began, but there was plenty of entertainment.  I was just already shoveling it in by then.  The two oldest classes sang a few songs and told us what they were thankful for.  Sooo sweet!

That evening, we headed to SA to see my family, which was great, as always.  This is us after lunch.  Everybody smiling.  Except Kidd and Delaney.  Have I mentioned that she is his child, in EVERY way?!

 

It shouldn't be this way, but I'm pretty sure this is the second consecutive year this type of picture has been able to be taken.  Swimming.  On Thanksgiving Day.  This is not right (but was still kind of awesome).

Delaney and Darla had fun with sparkly shoes.  This is not surprising.  There will be more of this in Delaney's future, I have no doubt.  If she could only see and appreciate Darla's closet--it's like Mecca to shoe lovers.

 

Saturday, we had a wonderful lunch with Kidd's family.  Apparently, I was so busy eating, taking pictures never even crossed my mind.  Sorry (and yet, not altogether surprising)!  That night, we had a few friends over to watch the Aggies snap their 3-game losing streak to Mizzou, while Johnny Football made his last argument for the Heisman.  Again--fabulous!  For some, there was something more entertaining than the game, though.  Delaney had all kinds of fun with Ms. Tish, Ms. Glenda, and Ms. Sheila, while Justus and Tish's son, Carlos, ran off and played all evening.

 Sunday was an uneventful, yet productive day.  We I got up in the attic and got down the Christmas decorations and put them out.  The only thing left is the tree, which will require Kidd's assistance.  He is not thrilled about this, so I must approach the issue at a time likely to result in a favorable response.  I'm thinking after he's had a couple of drinks.  Don't worry--I'm still the one getting up in the attic.  I just need someone to wait at the bottom for falling tree parts.  Our house lights are going up today (thanks to professional assistance)!  We even went to Toys R Us yesterday and let the kids create a wish list.  I know it's very commercial, but grandparents and other people LOVE having a list to choose from when they don't know what your kids want.  Plus, they both have birthdays right around Christmas, so it's all there.  Don't judge--it's a fantastic idea. I think we should all be able to create registries at our favorite stores...and more than just for wedding and baby showers.  I just wish they had it at Target because I kind of hate our local TRU.  Shhhh, don't tell the kids. 

Work is so busy right now, and is about to get even crazier, so there are no words to express how thankful I am for such a wonderful long weekend to reflect on the many blessings I have been given.  I hope that you and yours had as great of a time, and may that warm heart feeling carry you through this very busy holiday season.  CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

**This post has already been too long, so I will do a separate one for the rest of what I want to share with you.  Just a hint--Sarah Giles, of Butterfly Chaser Photography, has been busy with our kiddos and you know what that means--gorgeous PICTURES that I can't help but share...even at the risk of ruining Christmas cards for some**

The week in review

 Here's what I INTENDED to post Tuesday night (fail) and Wednesday night (fail), but now I'm home and can just add in the pictures:

I tried to post something last night, but I ended up having a fight with my iPad instead. Sadly, it won. I cried "uncle," went to sleep and vowed to try again today. So, here I am. Here's hoping this works...

Well, the time has come-- Mommy's first business trip since Delaney has joined our family. We knew it was inevitable, but that doesn't make it any easier on any of us. After a wonderful weekend of visiting potential summer camps in the hill country and celebrating G-Daddy's 70th birthday (pictures coming, they are stranded on my camera until I get home), Kidd headed back home with the kiddos Sunday, while I stayed to begin my 4 day trip 'round the hotbox (also known as South Texas). I'm not sure who's more frustrated-- me because I miss everyone like crazy, or Kidd because I've left him with the kids for 4 days. Thankfully, Miss Shanon is there to help, so it's not like he has to do everything ALL by himself. 

 So, what happens when Mommy is away??

Dinner dates, of course... Miss Shanon worked her magic and multi-tasks with Delaney and the King kids while Justus is off at swim lessons.

 And don't you think Delaney looks like she's in a barbershop, waiting for a haircut?

This is one I took Sunday morning at G-Daddy and Darla's house. I melt at how they are each other's favorite person in the world right now. I know it won't last forever, so I'm soaking it up while I can.

At least I got to spend one day with this as the view from my "office"  

But, can you believe I left this face at home?? MacLaren should pay me for this advertisement....

And, now that I'm home, I can share the pics from G-Daddy's 70th birthday weekend!  I was remiss in not taking pictures of the summer camps we visited for Justus, but I think I was just so busy soaking up our few precious hours in the Texas Hill Country that I totally forgot.  So, you get birthday fun only.  

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this man and can't believe he's 70!!  I do have a great pic on my phone of him with his birthday breakfast and "70" candles, but given that he was still in his robe, I will not share.  Nobody's every accused Johnny B. of being shy, but at some point you just earn the right to not be on the Internet in your "home" clothes.  So, Dad, you're welcome.  It's my gift to you.  Anyhoo, here's his wonderful cake with sparklers.  So fun, and totally acceptable, even in a burn ban because we were inside and there was plenty of waitstaff at the ready in the event of a sparkler emergency.

Family had a great time visiting and telling stories (about Dad as a young lad, no doubt)...

 As expected, Justus gets bored and finds his own way to keep busy (thanks Uncle Jason and cousin Cyndi).  Don't mind the high water pants, they looked ok when he was standing up....really, they did.

I'm working backwards here, but  this is Delaney and Daddy getting ready for the party.  So excited about using this picture when her dad walks her down the stage at her sorority pledge presentation in, oh, 18 years.    Do they even call it pledge presentation anymore?  Hmm..

To prepare, Justus cozied up with a good book.

Delaney and the birthday boy.  You'll notice no picture of Justus with G-Daddy, and I'm pretty sure that's because Justus didn't stop moving once we got to the party.

And finally, a great picture of our favorite birthday boy and his beautiful bride.  Aren't they cute?

G-Daddy, we hope you had a great birthday!  We are honored to have celebrated with you and Darla, and appreciate you letting us invade your otherwise peaceful abode for the weekend. xoxo