On the go with the Caviezels

We landed in Philadelphia on March 8, having no travel issues!  The weather was warm and sunny, the grass was green, and the daffodils were blooming.  Perfect!  When Ruby came home from day care, she greeted each of us with big smiles and a long hug.  MORE THAN PERFECT!

Thanks to Sam and Felicia, we enjoyed the Philadelphia Orchestra's performance of Tchaikovsky's Suite from Swan Lake.  We also heard Stewart Goodyear's beautiful rendition of Rhapsody in Blue.  This is such a beautiful piece, but it felt especially warm and comforting to me because it elicited memories of my Dad playing it on our piano at home.  His version was much slower and somewhat choppy, but it was fun to remember it anyway.  As we were leaving the concert hall I said to Rusty, "After hearing such beautiful music, I feel filled up with wonderful."

Felicia took us to the National Constitution Center; I encourage all Philly visitors to check out this fabulous, interactive representation of the history of our country!

On special exhibit is The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen.  I loved his 1960 Vet.

This room had life-size statues of all signers of the Constitution.  Rusty and Ben have much to discuss.

Sometimes Ruby gets to ride on the back of this very cool urban chic.

Other times she has to walk.

 We spent much of our time just hanging out and visiting.  This was the best!

Ruby enjoys her big bear.

I'm not sure who got the most out of the back scratch--Ruby or Rusty.

Ruby is enjoying her new book, Good Night, Baby Ruby.

Sam often plays music for Ruby and she really enjoys it.  Here is just a brief clip of Ruby, Bear, and Sam dancing to Rossini.

On Sunday, after church, we had a big breakfast.  It reminded me of so many Sundays when the girls were little and we all had jobs to do to prepare the big breakfast.  Felicia said her job was to grind the coffee.  Here Ruby helps Mommy prepare the eggs.

Felicia and I had fun shopping for new clothes.  We bought items for spring and summer, including a new swim suit, and of course, a new Easter dress.

We'll be watching Felicia's blog to see Ruby in this.

 Sam and Ruby took us to the Please Touch Museum in Fairmont Park.  There was much to do!

Ruby helps the Three Little Kittens hang their mittens.

Ruby put the bunny on the racetrack.

Papaw helped Ruby get a bird's eye view of the bunny on the racetrack.

Ruby offers tea to Mr. Bunny.

GiGi shares tea with the Mad Hatter.

After the ride on the carousel, I decided that future rides will need to be without GiGi.  The motion sickness thing is just too great for me.

It was a very long and delayed plane ride home, but a terrific visit!