Philadelphia!

We decided to go to Philadelphia yesterday, before the crazy 4th of July crowds. We got there at 9AM, before many of the tourists showed up. It was so early, there was no line for the liberty bell, and hardly anyone around it.

Three boys by the bell



This is the room where they signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson and the boys

Ben next to Ben

We are sitting in George Washington's pew at Christ Church. Benjamin is in the Ross pew.

Betsy Ross' house - the only place we paid to get into all day.

Kutztown Folk Festival

Benjamin and Alexander made leather bracelets, assisted by Gram.

Stamping his name

Our kids and the Scott kids. Doesn't benjamin look thrilled???

The adults - Greta, Jim, Karen, and Chris

1,000 quilts in the quilt barn. All for sale.

Camp

On Saturday, we drove up to Bear Creek to pick up Alexander and Benjamin from camp. We left camp in a rush, with Alexander crying and being held back while we got into the van. We knew from experience to make a quick getaway and not prolong the "goodbye" part. On the way there, at first he refused to put on his seat belt so I couldn't drive (I did anyway.) Then he wouldn't put his shoes on so he wouldn't have to go (we made him go anyway.)

Jack, their cousin, was there, too. Jack and Alexander were in the same cabin, which helps a lot. Benjamin was promoted to the "middlers" unit for 5th and 6th graders. He and Jack had a great time.

Jonathan can't wait until next year, when he's old enough to go to "try-camp," a 3 day program for first graders.

So, how did Alexander do? This is Allison, a floating counselor for the juniors. She was his pal throughout the week, helping him when he got worried. She came in handy the one day that another boy in his cabin threw up - right in front of Alexander!!! He got through that episode, which is pretty amazing, given his anxiety about throwing up.

We asked Alexander how camp was, and he didn't rave about it. He didn't hate it, either, which is typical Alexander. He had a good time overall. Our challenge will be to get him to remember the good times, not the bad. As he gets worried about things, he tends to block out the good memories and focus on the bad.

Will he go back next year? We'll see. It's ultimately up to him, and he has until December to decide.

Joey and Jonathan

With their siblings at camp, Jonathan and his cousin Joey got to hang out together for a few days. Yesterday we took them to Easton to the Crayola Factory.

Jonathan's hungry caterpillar

Using magic clay

After lunch, playing around by the fountain

Learning how canals work.

OUR HOUSE IS SOLD!

On Saturday, we got an offer on our house, and today we came to agreement!! The buyer, who originally wanted to close on July 31st, has agreed to close September 25th, hopefully fairly close to our finish date of the new house. We signed the papers and they've been faxed to our agent. Then we bought two bottles of wine to celebrate tonight!! Hooray!

Reading Phillies Game

Pictures are in reverse order, for some reason. We had a great time at the Phillies last night. They won 4-0 and we were treated to fireworks after the game. Getting home at 11PM also meant the boys slept in until well after 8 this morning - quite unusual!

A long, long car ride

We left the house Wednesday morning at 4:38AM. We arrived in Allentown at 9:27PM. It was a long, long drive. But, I'd rather do it all in one day than stretch it out over two days. The boys, as usual, were great. They watched movies most of the time, plus played a little Trivial Pursuit. We only put the DVD players in the car for long trips, so it's quite a treat for them and keeps their interest.

When we pulled up, Jonathan was right there at the front door waiting for us. He gave me the biggest hug ever. He had a great time with the grandparents, but definitely missed us and his brothers. In fact, it took until about 9:00 the next morning before they started to fight. They must have really missed each other!

Yesterday it rained all day, so we just hung around the house and unpacked. Today the weather is nicer, and we're going to the Reading Phillies this evening. Should be a nice night for a ball game, as long as the coming storms stay away for a few more hours!