Girls Weekend

I just got home from Kendra & my 'girls weekend'. This year we went to Philadelphia. We both loved the city and agreed the weekend was way too short and we needed more time.

On our flight, we met Nick. He's from Philadelphia and is spending 4 weeks in Columbus on business (works for Red Roof Inn). He'd been here for 2 weeks and was going home for the weekend. He gave us suggestions on where to go/eat.

We stayed in the Center City part of Philadelphia. It was the perfect location since we could walk to everything we did. Friday night after we checked into our hotel, we ended up at Field House for a philly steak sandwich and to catch up on olympic highlights (and another Michael Phelps win).

The first stop on Saturday was to check out Reading Market (1 block from our hotel) and have breakfast. We then walked to the historical area. We lucked out and went to see the Liberty Bell first, before the long lines appeared. We also toured Independence Hall (had an amazing tour guide), Franklin's grave (that cemetery is huge and beautiful) and just walked around that area. By early afternoon we were ready to sit so we took the 'Ride the Duck' tour. If you're ever in Philadelphia, you must take that tour! Part of the trip is driving through the streets of Philadelphia, then you end up on the Delaware River for a short ride up and down the shore. Once again, we had a great tour guide.

On our walk back to our hotel we once again stopped at Reading Market. We'd seen this fabulous salad bar and got some to take back to our room. After naps and showers, we went for pedicures before dinner. Nick had suggested The Capital Grille but it had a 2 hour wait, so we went across the street to Marathon Grill. The atmosphere was as nice as the food. The weather was perfect and we just walked around a bit. On our way back to the hotel we had dessert at Maggiano's. We were back to our room in time to watch Michael Phelps win his 8th gold metal.

This morning we, once again, ended up at Reading Market and grabbed a bagel and muffins to take with us. The subway was right across the street from the Market and we headed back to the airport. Nick ended up sitting with us on our flight back to Columbus so we gave him some restaurant suggestions for his last two weeks in Columbus.

Even though we didn't go to a single yarn shop, we had a wonderful time, despite the fact it was too short. I definitely want to go back to Philadelphia.

Oh, Kendra survived being away from her puppy for the weekend...and they were both very excited to see each other.

Ravelry Swap

Yesterday I received my package from my ravelry 'swap' partner. What thoughtful items she sent! It was all so beautifully wrapped that I didn't want to open it. My swap partner & I 'got each other' and literally 'swapped' gifts. Now I'm anxiously awaiting another swap.

Puppy Info

Ok, I know it's been awhile.

First of all...I have a 'grand-puppy'!! Last Thursday (8/7/08) I drove Kendra (Parker tagged along) 2-1/2 hours to pick up her little girl. Darby (black/white Springer Spaniel, of course) is absolutely precious! She's so soft and pretty. We're all wondering when she'll realize how lucky she is to have Kendra for a mom. Uncles Marshall & Parker are already spoiling her rotten, not to mention Grandpa. Marshall's being a very over-protective uncle, which is no big surprise!

My sister, Susie, has been visiting since last Saturday from southern Illinios. It's been so great having her here. I'll be sad when she leaves tomorrow. We didn't do much, but have had a wonderful time, as usual. Our nephew, TJ, is getting married Sept. 20 and on Sunday we went to Meghan's bridal shower (she got some great gifts). Today I left work at noon and we went to Cheesecake Factory for lunch (Parker tried, but we didn't let him go along). Other than that, we've just been hanging out watching the Olympics. I tried to give her knitting lessons, with no luck...maybe some day...

...more later. I've got to watch Michael Phelps win another gold!!