City of Brotherly Love

So long, central Pennsylvania. Hello Philadelphia! We got to town today just after noon. En route we were told that HERO Elijah was about to be 'sprung' from the hospital already after one more scan. He is just awesome! So we took the bit of scan time to go and try what was told to us to be THE best Philly cheese steaks: Geno's. It is a walk-up place where you have to speak fast, yell loudly and have your money ready!

I think Chasen would volunteer to take Elijah back to Philly for the chance to return to Geno's.

Next we made our way to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We had to see our little hero!

This was our gift to the Talley Family (along with cheese steaks). Elijah was super excited to see the chocolate!

I, as a pregnant woman, was NOT allowed to enter Elijah's room. However, since he was being 'sprung' I was allowed to get within 3' of him. That was nice! But Chasen went on in.

Notice Elijah's handmade name sign on the glass. And people, prior to check-out time, have to wear special duds to pass the red line into the room.

Chasen had a nice few minutes with Elijah. He asked him what was the first thing he was going to do when he got home. Elijah's answer was to grab his cat and watch TV with him on the couch!

Chasen should have put covers over his shoes, so he had to have the radiation level checked before we could leave. He was OK.

Our hero was sprung! He looked like the picture of health. What a guy!

After we all said goodbye and arranged to probably meet up tomorrow, we headed to the historic district.

Liberty Bell, obviously. The visitor's center was a very, very informative place. Two thumbs up!

Independence Hall, taken from the rear.

Here we are standing in front of Independence Hall AND George Washington.

After these monumental places, we walked a zillion blocks down to Penn Landing. Thank heavens all I brought is my running shoes! After the zillion-block walk back to the car, I was definitely ready for some sitting time. The traffic up to the Valley Forge area provided LOTS of sitting time. Now we're all settled in and resting up to tour Valley Forge tomorrow.