In Philadelphia!

Pictures first today.

St. Rita's Shrine, Philadelphia 

Liberty Hall, Philadelphia - Both the Declaration of Independence
and the Constitution were signed right behind us.

Liberty Hall and the Founder of the Navy

Enjoying the day.

Not sure why he is getting his picture taken with a big broken bell.

Haha, just kidding.

Philly cheese stake!

James was happier with his own meal.

On Monday we went on a mini-pilgrimage to Philadelphia to the shrine of St. Rita, the wonderful saint that helped up through James' pregnancy, surgeries, feeding issues, etc.  We didn't know it existed until our friends gave us a perpetual membership to the St. Rita Society as a Christmas present.  We made it in time for Mass and were able to explore the basement of the shrine that contains two relics of St. Rita.  As we attempted to get upstairs to the main church a woman flagged us down and said she wanted to say "hi."  She had seen us in Mass (who hadn't, our kid is loud, but everyone loved having him) and told us that she grew up with friends and relatives with Downs and loved "God's little angels."  She was so kind and took us over to the rectory to help us get the key for the upper church where the parish secretary was so friendly to us as well, telling us about her son with special needs.  Needless to say we felt welcomed.  The upper church was absolutely gorgeous, but we couldn't stay long because we had a hungry baby (and a hungry husband).  

We got Philly cheese stake #1 at Pat's King of Stakes, the original cheese stake place in Philly before heading to Liberty Hall for a tour of the historic buildings.  James was really good during the tours, although loud.  We think he liked being around lots of people.  

We drove around, found the St. Cardinal John Henry Newman shrine and found Philly cheese stake #2 at a little shack that is rated in the top 10.  We took a nice long walk along the Delaware River after dinner which James loved before hopping back in the car and heading home.

James absolutely loves car trips.  And music.  

With love.