Larry B and Stacie invited us to go to Philadelphia with them this year to the NCAA tournament. It all began last year after we filled out our brackets... we got to the final game, and it was a close race between myself and Larry B as to who would win. There was about a .0001 chance of me winning, so Larry B said that if Kansas won (therefore I would win), he would take us to Philadelphia for the 2009 NCAA games. Well, miracles do happen. Kansas won, and we found ourselves looking forward to a fun trip!
(Honestly, Larry B and Stacie still didn't have to take us with them, so we really appreciate their doing so...)
After much thought, we decided we should leave Brooklyn so we could really enjoy the trip without having to worry about what she might need, and we're glad we did so. Thanks to Grandma Shurtliff and TraceCe (and family) for helping watch her for us.
We started our trip on the 17th with a cinnabon (what better way to start!), and made our way to Pennsylvania. We had a full day to enjoy downtown Philadelphia, including the constitutional sites, and really enjoyed this. As a welcome to Philadelphia, we also decided to try the "best" cheesesteaks around. Pat's and Geno's got a lot of attention, so we started there. We each ate half of a sandwich from both, and then we headed to Jim's, where the locals suggested the best cheesesteaks could be found. Well, they were right. Jim's was BY FAR, the best place to get a cheesesteak. Geno's took an easy 2nd place, and Pat's followed. We all agreed on this order, there was no question about it. So if you're heading to Philly, Jim's is where you want to go. By the way, the cheese wiz really is good on a cheesesteak. I was definitely grossed out by the idea, but it's different cheese wiz than you think it's going to be. Try it!
Thursday we went to our first basketball games. We watched BYU/Texas A&M (I even took my BYU sweatshirt just for this game... such a disappointment), Villanova/American, UCLA/VCU, and UConn/Chattanooga. Most of the games were blowouts, but it is exciting to say that we saw Villanova and UConn play (both of which are now in the Final Four). After watching UConn play, we realized they were a team that could take it all. But we will see what happens.
On Friday we were able to visit Lancaster County and spend some time in the Mennonite/Amish Community. We had an "in" and were able to meet some wonderful people and see some amazing things. This was one of my favorite days.
Saturday, we headed back to the Wachovia Center for 2 more basketball games, UCLA/Villanova, and UConn/Texas A&M. Still good games, but there were clear winners.
Sunday we found a great ward to attend, and then we went out to Valley Forge. We didn't have time to make it to Gettysburg because it was getting late and the traffic was horrible, but Valley Forge was fun, and very interesting.
Monday was our last day and we spent it in downtown Philly again. We found a great market to look around, and enjoyed our last sights and smells.
Tuesday we came home very early. It was good to get back to Brooklyn and be back home, but it was an AWESOME trip. Thanks Larry B and Stacie!
She struggled for a few minutes before she realized that she was really stuck, and then she started to cry. But I couldn't save her too fast, because of course, I had to find the camera first. Not to worry, it wasn't too far, and didn't really take me that long to get it ready and document the moment. Then I realized I REALLY needed some video too. I could only video for 10 seconds or so before I felt too bad about not helping her....
Oh I get it. It's the tooth thing huh. Take a good look, this is the only one you're getting!
You DIDN'T SEE IT? You're kidding right. This is hard work you know...
They want me to smile eh.... Good luck seeing my tooth now!
Wait a minute, I know what you're saying! No way are you going to do that to me for a picture!
