An afternoon in Philly

After a busy couple of weeks at work wherein Bruce worked many late nights, we all decided to accompany the DVC food club to the Reading Terminal market in downtown Philadelphia.  We wouldn't normally consider this a final destination, but it's good to know where this food court is located because I hear about it all the time.  Any kind of food you crave from any country is available at this food market. 

Both children were pretty excited about riding the train.  Every time the train stopped, Eliza would say, "Don't stop! Let's go!"  I had to explain over and over again that people needed to get on the train so we have to wait for them.  Zaby just smiled and waved at everyone he came in eye contact with. 

When we first stepped into the market, chaos ensued.  This market was HUGE with people and vendors everywhere!  I've never seen so many people crowded in a such a small place.  We found out later that the market was extra crowded that day because 2 conferences and a race were going on.  It was difficult to maneuver our double wide stroller through the crowded aisles.  In all of Eliza's excitement, she quickly darted away.  It's a good thing I was able to squeeze past people to catch up with her.  When I finally caught up with her, it took us about 20 minutes to find Bruce and Zaby again.  I didn't now whether to be relieved that  she didn't get separated from the rest of us, or furious at her for running away.  I'm very shocked that she ran away from me anyway.  Normally when we are in a busy, unfamiliar place, she won't take a step away from my side.  This was a first for her.  I didn't care that we lost track of the students or the other professor.  I was just hoping to keep my family safe and together throughout the afternoon. 

 We managed to get some food and find a place to eat it.  Eliza insisted that we take a picture with this piggy bank.  Seriously, it's like a wishing well. 
 

After lunch, I needed to get some fresh air out on the streets where there was a little more space.

I wanted to see some different areas of Philadelphia - something I haven't seen before.  We walked through China town. 

Bruce and Eliza at entrance to China Town

Both children fell asleep in the stroller.  It wasn't cold, but occasionally the wind would put a slight chill in the air.  I draped my jacket over them to make sure they stayed warm.  As we strolled by the front of a small Chinese shop, the shop owner (who only spoke Chinese) acted concerned that my children were cold.  She spent about 5 minutes, rearranging my jacket and tucking it securely around the kids.  Since we couldn't really communicate, I let her have peace of mind that my children were snug and warm. 

We headed over to Franklin Square.  Zaby woke up just in time to participate in the family paint a pumpkin activity.  I set him down right behind to a pumpkin, thinking he would try to pick it up.  I often forget that even though my children are young, they still have opinions, likes, and dislikes.  Instead of picking up that pumpkin, he crawled across the patch to choose one for himself.

 After finding the perfect pumpkin, we tried to paint it.  Zaby was much more interested in holding and putting it in his mouth than he was about painting it.  It's a good thing they used washable crayola non-toxic paint, because whatever I managed to get on the pumpkin was licked off by Zaby shortly after.  That boy certainly has a strong grip, and a loud scream when something is taken from him. 

Zaby played plinko at the B101 tent, our favorite radio station here.  His three chips spelled out 101 and he won a T-shirt - too bad they only had adult larges. 

Then we headed over to the playground.  Zaby absolutely loved the swings.

 

 

 Eliza woke up shortly after and didn't take long to join in on the fun.  We had to snap some shots next to the shooting water fountain.

 

 The weather was great.  Not too hot and not too cold - the perfect fall day.  Long sleeved shirts with no jackets is the ideal. 

One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching my children play and observing the complete joy they seem to have over such small and simple things.  The innocence of a child is honestly something to marvel over. 

 Really, who else would get so excited about a tiny pumpkin? 

I guess there really are fun things to do in Philadelphia that doesn't center around the historical sites. 

Soon it was time to head back to the market to grab dessert, then walk back to the train station and head home.  Bruce choose a peanut butter whoopie pie, me a peanut butter brownie, and despite all the dessert options available, all Eliza wanted was a sucker - the cheapest dessert of them all. 

We hopped on the train.  Both children charmed all the other passengers the whole way home.  I get complimented all the time on how happy and adorable my children are.  I definitely agree.  It may have been another day Bruce had a "work" based outing - but at least we were able to spend the day as a family.