Happy Independence Day!!

Chad and I had a fun-filled 4th of July. We went with our friends (the Baughs) to visit our other friends (the Crutchfields) who live in Philadelphia. It was fun to have the group of friends together again! And we even met up with our other friends (the Jensens) for the day in Philly. So, it was quite the little reunion. It was so much fun, and reminded us how grateful we are for such good friends!

We spent the 4th of July in downtown Philadelphia. It was really fun to spend Independence Day in a city that is filled with so much U.S. history. We were able to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the U.S. mint, a Quaker meeting house, the resting place of Benjamin Franklin, and several other historical sites/museums. We also saw a parade. So, our day was cram-packed with lots of traditional 4th of July activities! And of course, we enjoyed some dang good Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches!!

Rachel, Deb, Tara & Shannon

Independence Hall...where the Liberty Bell used to hang (this may look familiar to those of you who have seen the movie "National Treasure!")

The Liberty Bell...we saw them ring it, which they only do once a year. Decendents of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence were the ones who tapped the bell.

Shannon and Chad

Benjamin Franklin's final resting place

The next day (Saturday), we went to the Big Apple! We drove from Philly to Staten Island, and rode the ferry across to NYC. Despite the rain, we had a great time. We walked around the city and enjoyed all the amazing sites and crazy people. Of course, Shannon and I made a stop in Chinatown to get new Gucci purses. We also walked up Wall Street, and around Time Square and the theater district. In addition, Chad, I and Jude all went to see the Yankees vs. Red Sox game that evening. It was so much fun to watch the all-American rivalry! It was especially cool since this is the last year games will be played in the old Yankee Stadium (as the new stadium will be opened next year, and they are tearing down the old stadium). Although the Sox lost, it was a great game. And, we of course enjoyed yummy baseball treats--dippin' dots, hot dogs, pretzels and soda! :)

Chad, Deb & Lady Liberty!

The New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street

Take me out to the ball game...

NYC skyline with the Brooklyn Bridge

After cramming so much stuff into a short weekend trip, we came home completely exhausted. But, it was definitely worth it! We had so much fun. There's definitely no place in the world like America...God Bless the USA!! Happy Independence Day!