We saw sooooo much today.  I haven’t had time to process everything. 

Independence Hall was emotional.  I closed my eyes and saw the Founders sitting among the wooden chairs debating the future of our country.  I was very moved by the visualization.  I love the ornate Senate and the room size beautiful rug that covered the wooden floors.  I was surprised by the size of things.  Everything seems so small compared to today’s standards.  I visited the Liberty Bell when I was 12, and I believe it was outside at the time, so I was impressed by the information and displays leading up to it.  Christ Church is beautiful and the speaker touched me.  I would like to go on Sunday.  The Betsy Ross house was so authentic, so small…I hope it was the actual house.  I was disappointed that they tore down Franklin’s house, but impressed at how many historical buildings they do have.  I plan to explore Franklin’s Court soon.  The history seemed to go on and on. 

The highlight of the day for me was the Quaker Meeting House, and Neil.  Neil is what makes history exciting…he is history.   He was so kind and genuine and he lived the life about which he spoke.  I could have listened to so much more and I was sad we had to move on.  I had so many misconceptions about what being a Quaker means.  I love their philosophy and wonder what our world would be like if we all adopted the SPICE life.  

I bought a ton of stuff for my kids.  I want to make this part of history come alive for them.  This is exactly what we study most of the year in 5th grade so it is amazingly relevent.  I bought old games for them to play.  I bought a timeline in a puzzle.  Old money and coins to trade for merchandise like old playing cards and marbles.  I bought Quill pens, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitiution and of course Tavern Rules.  I am going to create a walking tour of Philadelphia.  I bought a map where I’ll mark ”You are here.” and then I will recreate the walking tour that I took today with pictures and activities to do at every historical stop.  

I am going to attempt to add some fancy text and clipart, maybe even a picture or two tomorrow, but I couldn’t figure out how to log on until after 10, and it was a wonderfully long day, so I am going to call it good for my first attempt at blogging.