That time we went to Philly for 4 days, sweat off no less than 3lbs a day, and knocked 2 things off of our to-do list

I have a few posts that reeeeeally need to go up on this less-than-lively blog, but first I need to recap this weekend, before I lose all track of time. It was a short visit (we left early morning July 4 and got back early morning today, July 7), but we managed to cram in a lot of activities and visiting. Behold, photos.

Day 1 

Leaving Nashville. Pointing out "aye-panes!" to complete strangers. Molly did a 10-point inspection on the baby wipes situation. Sam studies airplane safety features.

You know it's 2013 when.... the adult is reading a board book and the toddler is doing puzzles on the ipad.

I'm smiling because when I cry it makes me look so ugly! (And notice we have not even taken off and I've resorted to dishing out all sorts of snacks. NEED. MORE. COFFEE. PRONTO.)

We made it! The kids wasted no time destroying my poor in-laws' living room and traumatizing the dog.

Isn't their backyard amazing? Molly can't get over the size of the trees.

Molly received a (pink!) purse. She is a full-on GIRL now. So sassy.

After enough sweating playing in the backyard, we decided to sweat play with chalk in the driveway.

And somewhere in there, we had late lunch/early dinner with my mother-in-law's side of the family.

Day 2

A morning trip to Linvilla Orchards to feed the animals. (Molly sampled the duck pellets and was not impressed.)

"Chi-chins!"

Aunt Amy used to bring little Stevie here when he was Sam's age. "It's changed," according to Steve. Adding four feet can really make a difference, I suppose.

Girlfriend gets her sweaty genes from me. And her curls. Geez I love her hair.

My favorite three.

Sam- could hardly contain himself on this new-to-him playground. The rest of us- how much more can we possibly sweat?!

Date night in the city! (The Philadelphia skyline is beside Steve's head.) We had to decide for ourselves who had the best cheesesteak, so we got a cheesesteak from Pat's and Geno's, split them in half, and chowed down. Geno's won by a land slide. YUM. Also, I LOVE CHEESE WHIZ. (#79)

Phillies vs. Braves. (#83) It was "Salute To Veterans" night. We also ate a real hot dog. Not a turkey dog, but a hot dog. I now feel like I'm lying to my kids when I tell them turkey dogs are good.

Philadelphia at sunset.

Day 3

Rocking in Steve's and his brother's old rocking chairs. Also, Molly wreaking havoc on the living room.

Molly willingly going to Pop-pop. This is huge for this girl, folks.

Possibly my favorite photo from the whole trip.

After a big lunch at Pop-pop's house, we returned to my in-laws' house to have dinner with my father-in-law's side of the family. Due to cranky children, I didn't snap any pictures at this shindig. But trust me when I say that I ate enough dessert foods for all of us. Trust me.

Day 4

We woke up super early, got to the airport late just KNOWING that there wouldn't be many people traveling so early on a Sunday morning, but wouldn't you know the whole city was there, checking bags and takin' names. We made it though. I had Molly on my back and picked Sam up like a sack of potatoes and speed-walked/jogged to our gate. (I imagine that wasn't a very pretty sight.) I told Steve that running late meant we didn't have to stand around at the terminal, waiting to board. See? My lateness is HELPING US. ((eye roll))

Once on the plane, I watched a mother feed her children all sorts of foods- donuts, grapes, string cheese, etc. I thought, "Ah we have the same game plan. Just keep feeding them and they'll shut up. Good plan, lady. I'm with you on this one." Then before takeoff, her son horked up the entire contents of his stomach into her hands, all the while her husband is sitting in front of her, oblivious. (Men!) This instantly made my kids look easy, and they were for the most part. I strapped Molly in and immediately ignored her (this seems to help with the sleeping process, as she has no one to whine at). She passed out until we landed in Nashville. Sam wasn't as angelic, but he did manage to figure out how to work the ipad, so whatever floats his boat.

Comfy enough, you two?

We got back to Nashville at 8am. The kids are currently still napping. I've got to go wake them up because they've been sleeping for four and a half hours now. (!!!!) Bedtime might be REALLY REALLY SCARY tonight.