We flew into Philadelphia, PA where most of Marty's relatives live (or nearby). Cousin Matt picked us up and introduced us to the area. We had a wonderful hotel in downtown Philly, but Matt actually lives and works about 8 miles from there. Matt owns a bar and grill, so that is where we hung out at night. Our daytime in Philly, consisted of the typical tourist areas. We found this fantastic market ( we ate there 3 times!) called Reading Terminal Market (Reading Railroad on Monopoly). This market was incredible, with so many unique food vendors. I had a nutella and banana crepe for breakfast on our way out and on the way back, I had my first original Philly Cheesesteak. Delicious. I also got a dessert to go. I could have taken so many more pictures in there.
First night at the Brick House with Marty's cousins Nicole and Matt
Our view of the Benjamin Franklin Pkwy from the 8th floor of our hotel.
Shot from our hotel balcony before touring Philly.
Ahhh....The Market.
Some action inside the market.
The market was 95% food with one cute flower shop.
We visited the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center, Ben Franklin's gravesite and The US Mint.
Independence Hall
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Amazing architecture on the Philadelphia City Hall Building.
City of Brotherly Love
Can you find Marty?
After 2 fun filled nights and 1 day in Philadelphia, we ventured over to New Jersey where Marty's grandmother and some other aunts, uncles, and cousins live. We got to visit with Uncle Marty, Mom Mom, Aunt Nancy and Aunt Jackie.
Then just about 24 hours later we headed to NYC via Greyhound Bus from Mt Laurel, NJ. This is where the only mishap of the trip occurred. I left both of our cell phones at Mom Mom's house. Thankfully we already planned to come back there the following day, but once you are dependent on a cell phone (especially when you've left your kids in another state) it is hard to do without it. We felt slightly disconnected from the world (is that possible in NYC?!?) so we purchased a prepaid cell phone just in case.
My first time to New York City - and it did not disappoint. It was raining the day we got there, so we had to trek through some puddles and avoid getting splashed.
First (rainy) view of Times Square.
No skating in Rockefellar Center due to rain.
Love this picture. Looking at one corner of Central Park right at dusk.
My share is what?!?
From our hotel room on the 37th floor looking down at Times Square.
Rows of M&M's at the M&M store. It sure smelt like chocolate in there.
We ate a fabulous dinner at an Italian restaurant called Amarone. The hotel desk clerk recommended it and even made our reservations for us. Marty really wanted eggplant parmesean, so the clerk called the restaurant to see if it was available. It was not on their menu, but the chef said he'd make it for him. It was one of the best Italian dinners ever eaten.
New York Cheesecake and iced hot chocolate for dessert.
The following day, we hopped on the subway to the Financial District to see Ground Zero. We visited the small, temporary Memorial Museum and also saw all of the construction going on around there to rebuild the area.
Rebuilding at Ground Zero.
Bull.
We peeked over the water and this is what we saw!
Due to rain on the previous day, it was so cold and windy. We couldn't stay by the water long. Our legs were numb!
Marty is "lifting" this huge block. Can't you tell?
Getting gyros at a street vendor.
Marty neglected to go to the Empire State Building, so I went by myself.
On top of the world!
Ok, just on top of the Empire State Building.
We caught a bus back to NJ, tucked Mom Mom in bed and headed back to Philadelphia for one last night before our plane back to reality the next day. Matt gave us one final Philly tour and we hit up a couple of more hot spots. Of course, one more time at the Reading Market, as Marty had since found out that one bbq pork place had been on the Food Network (And that's why their lines were so long!). Marty got some pictures with Rocky and ran up and down the same steps as in the movie. Then we headed to the dueling Philly Cheesesteak eateries. These 2 places are on opposite corners, open 24/7 and both claim to have the BEST Cheesesteaks. So what did we do? Tried them both.
Rocky
Steps at the Art Museum where Rocky ran.
And last but not least, the famous cheesesteak corners. 
Pat's
Pat's cheesesteak
Geno's
Geno's cheesesteak
We chose Geno's!
And that was literally the last thing we did before heading to the airport.
Big thanks to everyone who watched our kids for 6 grueling days and for Matt and Nicole for their awesome hospitality in Philly. No doubt we'll be back!
