Philadelphia

Our second stop on the trip was Philadelphia, PA. I haven't been there since college, and Sandy had never been there. I must admit, I was a little bit nervous about going to Philly. Let's just say that I didn't have the fondest impression of the place.

We had to see the Liberty Bell which little did I know was such an important symbol of our freedom and democracy.

We also stopped in to see Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was debated and ratified. George Washington actually sat in the chair up front. It was quite an inspiring place.

We went on a big bus tour with the open top deck. Lots of crazies in Philly, watch out!

Philly was surprisingly a beautiful and scenic city with a lot of impressive buildings and architecture. One of our favorites was City Hall.

I had never seen a statue of Joan of Arc before. Nor had I seen a statue that was actually covered in gold.

We also went running up the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rocky style.

Sandy was the champ. It was hilarious how everyone and their mother was doing the exact same thing.

Amidst a super busy and hot day, we managed to take a break for some popsicles.

And a dip in a fountain.

You could feel the LOVE. Or at least see it.

We even had an authentic Philly Cheesesteak with an authentic Philly experience of being yelled at. Although the lady at the counter lady apologized and was nice to me. It wasn't very authentic after all.

Philly ended up being a very nice city for the Lee's.

Baltimore, Maryland

We had the privilege of returning to the east coast for the first time in 14 years (for Sandy) and the first time ever for the boys and girl, for a family vacation. It was exhausting but awesome. The first stop on our 17 day journey was good old Maryland.

If you didn't know, Baltimore is famous for it's blue crab. Don't ask why the crabs they sell are red.

We visited the Inner Harbor on a blazing hot and humid day...good old Maryland.

We took a cruise and saw the global headquarters for Under Armour, founded by a University of Maryland alumnus.

We also saw Fort McHenry, where during the war of 1812, it was the inspiration for our national anthem. It was a very poignant moment of many on the trip.

And last but not least, we took a trip down memory lane and visited our very first home - the Plum Tree Apartments!

After living here for 3.5 years (that's what we're doing in the pic), we left the Plum Tree apartments for California 14 years ago. They don't look that much different though I think we look A LOT different!

Hi Ho Cash!

Why? You ask? Because the horse's name is Cash.

Matt and Emz started horseback riding lessons. I am very proud of Matt because he is naturally hesitant of animals. And considering how ginormous a horse is compared to any human being, let alone Matt, he has done well to control his fears and learn to enjoy these fine animals.

Emery is drawn to all sorts of animals so she's having a blast as usual.