Lapinskas Family Vacation - Philadelphia....

On day 2, we drove through Pennsylvania from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.  One long drive through a very pretty state.  We spent the drive watching more Frozen and answering the question "What state are we in?" about a hundred times.  We did make one detour into Harrisburg or Capitol City to stop at an Old Navy and pick up some jeans for Olivia that would actually fit her.

Once we got to Philadelphia, and checked in with cookies (thank you, Double Tree), we explored the hotel.  Then, Tony took the girls, ordered a pizza, and set up a pizza picnic complete with a Frozen viewing in the room while I tried my luck on the treadmill.  I was able to run a mile, which is awesome considering the deep runners block I had been working within.

The next day, dawned bright and chilly.  We spent the day touring the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, walking through the Italian Market to get to South Philly and try Geno's and Pat's steaks.  We trekked back to the hotel for a nap (Mia and Tony) and a swim (Olivia and I).  Then, went out again to check out the city hall and a little more Philly.

I was really enamored with the downtown area.  It's got beautiful architecture, is so full of history and is just a lovely city.

Vacation Destination 2: Philadelphia

We walked out of the hotel in the morning, and this is our view.  Straight down to City Hall.  I believe that's Ben Franklin on top - but I could be wrong.

At the Liberty Bell.  Both Mia and Olivia had to pose at the first picture.

Some enticing quotes at the Liberty Bell Museum.

This women's lib quote hit home for me.

Can you guess what this is?  This is the back of it.

Amazingly enough, here's Mia posing at the front of the bell.

After the Liberty Bell, we stopped at the gift shop to warm up and get tickets for the tour of Independence Hall.

Across the street from Independence Hall, the sidewalk notes history.

Independence Hall (as if you didn't know!) :)

Waiting for the tour to begin, we played around some.  Mia raised the roof!

Olivia photo-bombed a family pic.

Inside Independence Hall, a lovely window.  If you want to see Independence Hall, you'll have to go.  My pictures, while numerous, are not too good.

From the other side, yet still Independence Hall.

I'm sorry I don't have more pictures of Independence Hall, but it had to end some time, right?

We made it to Geno's and Pat's.  According to Tony, Pat's is the winner.  However, Geno's is more photogenic.

We found these mosaic covered buildings walking back to the hotel from Geno's and Pat's. Aren't they pretty?

After a break to nap/swim, we left again and this time went to check out City Hall.  It's huge, and you can walk through it.  Here's the view from inside.

Looking up at the tower from below.

And from the other side, here's City Hall.

This is the Masonic Temple.  We tried to go inside, since I really wanted to see this building from the inside too, but we were too late and it was closed.

I really found Philly to be gorgeous.  I loved the architecture.  People didn't seem too bad.  Cheese steaks do not compare to a good Italian beef sandwich, but we had a good time.  Next stop? NYC, baby!