Alpha's wedding

Last weekend we headed to Effingham, IL to witness Katie Alpha's wedding. We decided to crash the rehearsal dinner party (after the dinner part) and see some friends. Sarah was quick to remember George and gave him a big hug.

George was not sure what to think. It wasn't long until our kids were running around with the two Cronk kids.

The next day as we waited in hotel lobby we took a couple of shots of our beautiful children.


George showed us how strong he is by pushing the sliding doors open and shut. He was a little frustrated when they opened all by themselves and he had to shut them again.



Here Dave and Colleen sat with our kids. Patrick wanted to show his Godfather how good he could be.

The best man and maid of honor/sister of the bride, Ann, also a ND trombone.

Here's Alpha coming down the aisle with her dad. Wasn't she beautiful?

George did not take a nap before the wedding and it started rain while we were in the church. We allowed the pacifier outside of nap time so everyone could enjoy the wedding.

Becca loved sitting with Colleen. Thanks again.


Sarah was very excited about something. Somehow we did get a picture of Austin, sorry buddy.

Becca checking out Colleen's camera.

The final blessing from the priest.

Here they come down the aisle, and yes, he's wearing a kilt!

The happy couple.

A special thanks to the Stolz and Madden families for a wonderful time. We wish all the blessing in the world for Katie and Loren.

Ding Dong the Tooth is Out!

While we were in route to Pittsburgh, Patrick announced from the backseat that he had a loose tooth. And today, after two and a half weeks, Patrick finally lost his first tooth. It has been hanging on by a thread the past few days so I had Patrick snack on some apples. That got it really loose but that stubborn little thing just won't let go. With a tissue and Patrick's permission, I wiggled it around a bit and it popped out! Here are some great pictures of our newly-toothless boy.



And the tooth. I don't remember baby teeth being SO small.

Patrick is very excited about losing his tooth and asked to share the news with the family. We decided to wait on his Godfather and Aunt Annie until this evening. For those we will see this weekend, please be prepared for Patrick and his crazy mom who is almost as excited as he.

Old City/History Dork Stuff

Friday was the big day. We started the day by jumping on a bus right outside Patricia's condo and going downtown to the "history dork stuff" as Mike called it. After getting our tickets for Independence Hall, we walked over to Ben Franklin's grave. Here is a brief list of his accomplishments.

I'm showing Patrick the grave.

Patricia tells us its a tradition to throw pennies on his grave. Someone got "A penny saved is a penny earned" mixed up!

We then walked over to Independence Hall. Their restoring the bell tower but put up this screens on the scaffolding to simulate the real thing.

The Hall as we approach.

After having our bags search, we had to wait a few minutes for the tour to start. George was asleep before 9:30AM.

Becca found some leaves.

And Patrick just did his own thing,

Mike took several pictures of Old Glory flying outside the Hall, I just picked one.

This is a painting depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the East wing of the building. This is how they close the show of 1776.

This is a painting hanging in the Supreme Court. There's a great story about the painter of this but you'll have to go there to hear it.

Little Lady Liberty.

This was by far the highlight of the trip for me. To be in the Assembly Room where 55 men debated over the Declaration of Independence and then signed their death warrant upon losing was magnificent and humbling.

There was a lot of standing around and the kids found the floor more comfortable.

This was our tour guide through Independence Hall. She was very good but misspoke about the 3/5 compromise. Mike has since told me to let it go but that's one that a lot of people don't understand correctly and therefore is important to get right.

This is the chair George Washington sat in as the President of the Constitutional committee. The park ranger pointed out the half sun on the back of the chair. Ben Franklin is said to have found himself wondering if the sun was setting or rising over the new nation and ultimately decided it was rising.

Me with the kids.

This one was taken for Mr. Moses, my high school American history teacher who always talked about his pocket Constitution. I got mine at the Lincoln Memorial in DC 9 years ago.

Here is a balcony in Independence Hall. I could see John Adams pacing back and forth in frustration with the rest of the Convention.

We learned that the kids could collect trading cards throughout the city. We often had to wait a few minutes and let a school group clear out because they only have so many cards.

I don't remember what this is.

Here is where the first Congress meet in Congress Hall, right next to Independence Hall.




Becca cheesed it up for the camera.

A great shot of the seal in the first Senate room.

This is the secretary's office .

The history teacher in me just had to come out at some point and Patrick was the target.

A printing press in the office.

I'm showing this old water pump to Patrick.

This is John Barry "the Father of the American Navy".

We then headed over to Washington Square to let the kids run around for a bit. Turns out this square is also a burial ground first for undesirables and later for the unknown solider.

George was very very happy not to be in the back pack.

There were carriage rides all over this part of Philly which the kids thought was really cool.

Mike and George waiting in line to see the Liberty Bell.

And here she is. The kids were so excited to see the bell. Becca asked Patricia if Osama bin Laden cracked the bell and then she got very concerned it would crack more.

We moved around to the back of the bell.

Here you can see the pendulum.

This wood is over 200 years old and you can see the engraving on the bell.

George Washington.

Again, George Washington, this time in the Second US Bank.

Ben Franklin was all over town.

Patrick and Becca posing in front of a painting, not sure who this is though.

Me with my main man, Mr. John Adams!

This is the Marine seal in the military building.

Patrick loved this ship and asked serveral times if he could bring it home.


As Becca and I found a bathroom, everyone else enjoyed a tale of a bank robbery. I caught the end and he was great!

I have to say the kids were awesome. We left Patricia's place at 8:30AM and it was almost 4PM before we got back. There was very little whining and NO breakdowns. They got to ride a bus and the subway. They even got M'n'M's from a friend at "Tricy's" work. A big thanks to my sister Patricia for making room for us and putting up with Patrick's nightly thrashing and Becca making her bed at 2 in the morning. We had an incredible time and I think kids will remember this trip despite being only 3 & 5.