Philadelphia

[Chocolatl]

We don't have TOO much luggage. Two suitcases (one is carry on size, the second a bit bigger), a backpack, a diaper bag, and a camera bag. It's the carseat which is a hassle, but I'm too grossed out by the possibility of other children's bodily fluids to consider renting one.

ETA I realize that sounds like a lot, but I think it's pretty light considering we have two formal events to attend.

[glatt]

That's nothing.

[Chocolatl]

Both flights went really well yesterday -- no crying from Beans! The worst part was being stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.

Checked in at the Ritz-Carlton around 5 pm. Very fancy bathroom.



They had the crib already set up for us, and inside was a gift bag with baby bath items and first aid supplies. Very thoughtful!

We had dinner at the Marathon Grill at 16th & Sansom. Delicious! I had a grilled chicken dish with basil olive oil; Kitsune had the meatloaf. For dessert, blueberry pie a la mode. Too tired and hungry to take pictures of anything.

[Chocolatl]

This morning we headed to the Reading Terminal Market for breakfast at the Dutch Eating Place. It's set up like a bar, so we got take out to go eat at a table nearby with a high chair.

I had blueberry pancakes with a scrambled egg. Not pictured: enormous scoop of butter that I moved off to the side.



Kitsune had apple French toast with turkey bacon.



Here is a very happy baby at breakfast.

[glatt]

Nice hotel!

[Chocolatl]

After a quick walk around the market, we walked down to the historic area. I had hoped to go see the Liberty Bell, but it did not occur to me there'd be a line. Unfortunately, there was a long line and we were on a time crunch, so we just took a gander at the Old City Hall then headed back to the hotel.





All checked out and headed north for he wedding rehearsal, now.

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Chocolatl

They had the crib already set up for us, and inside was a gift bag with baby bath items and first aid supplies. Very thoughtful!

How cool! It never even occurred to me to ask a hotel about a crib. We just dragged along the Pack-n-Play everywhere we went. Although now that I think about it, most of those places were relatives' houses anyway, we actually only stayed in a hotel with Minifob one time when he was 9 months old. Still, that's really nice of them to do that for you!

[Chocolatl]

Yeah, most hotels have a pack n play available upon request at no charge. The Ritz had a proper crib, but it was too tall for me, so we ended up pulling out its little mattress and laying it on the floor. It worked out well!

[BigV]

good work!

And less far to fall. that alone would help me sleep better.

[Sundae]

I don't know why I am constantly surprised at how beautiful you are, Choc, or how happy a baby Beans is.
But it's a lovely surprise every time.

Now have a cheesesteak so you can take a picture!
[pleeeeease?]

[Chocolatl]

Thanks Sundae!

Unfortunately that's about it for the trip. Not much of a travelogue, I know.

The rest of the trip was spent in a whirlwind of wedding events, so no reason to go into detail there. It was a very fast trip and we are safely back home.

Quick informal pic of some of the bridal party. There's me on the left in the red and white! Bride's in the middle in the white skirt. Veeeery casual wedding.


Thanks again for the suggestions, native Philadelphians! I wish I'd had enough time to meet up!

[Kitsune]

Y'alls good people up there. Everyone in the city was very friendly. No Jersey accents, either -- thanks for that.

[BigV]

Very pretty!

Glad y'all had a good time (and nice to hear from Kitsune; hiya Kitsune!)

[Sundae]

I wouldn't say it was an especially informal wedding... but then I have been watching the US version of Four Weddings, and my general impression is that American weddings do seem to be more structured than UK ones. Wedding rehearsal/ rehearsal dinner? Never ever been to one.

Regardless, it looks beautiful.
I can't get over your dress. I know I should be looking at the bride, but I don't know her.
Sitting on the step it has even more impact as it looks like it's actually growing up around you.

[Clodfobble]

American weddings are insane. A friend of mine has loaded parents, and they shelled out $50,000 for her wedding a few years ago. It was nice, but nowhere near $50,000 worth of nice, that's for damn sure.

In addition to wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, other pre-events that are commonplace are an engagement party/wedding shower (used to be called a bridal shower, but we're all equitable about it now,) bridesmaids' luncheon... and of course baby shower if it's a shotgun wedding.