March 18, 2016

Mini ROAD TRIP

Now that we are leaving we wanted to do something with the kiddos- one last hoorah! Off to Philly for an overnight adventure. We let the kids skip school and left early on Friday morning and came back Saturday eve. It was a whirlwind but it was worth it.

We hit the road at 9am (1. because we wanted to miss rush hour and 2. we were really slow getting outta there!) and got to Philly around noon. We went straight to my favorite restaurant, El Vez. We are talking big drinks, lots of guac, pimped out bikes rotating above the bar and a photo booth. What more could a girl ask for?!
Cayenne and her suitcase
Cayenne ready for a road trip!

"El Vez" restaurant in Philadelphia, PA
El Vez (and yes, this is the best pic from many)

"El Vez" restaurant in Philadelphia, PA

Wall decor at El Vez restaurant in Philadelphia, PA

"El Vez" restaurant in Philadelphia, PA

"El Vez" restaurant in Philadelphia, PA

"El Vez" restaurant in Philadelphia, PA
The photo booth session in El Vez. Even Cayenne is sticking her tongue out!


After lunch we headed to The Franklin Institute. I am NOT a museum person. I would rather eat chalk. In this instance it was interesting and fun for the whole fam. Am I getting paid to advertise for the Franklin Institute? NO. But I wish I was. It is super interactive, hands on and modern. We are used to the old buildings in DC. We were literally kicked out of the museum when it closed and we missed a whole entire level of the place.

Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA

Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA


Reno is always pumped about hotels so it was fun when we pulled up at Le Meridien that was right near the City Hall building. We hung out there for a while as the boys were ready to put their feet up and get cozy. Not this mama! We got some recommendations from the Concierge who told us about Frankford Ave. First Fridays. She also told us about the standard bowling alley and blah blah blah. We went the new and unusual route. We headed to dinner first at another restaurant she recommended that was 'kid-friendly'. HA! We walked in with our 3 kids to what looked like a strip joint as it didn't have any windows just glass brick out front. We made our way past the bar to an area where we asked for a table for 5. Oh yeah- did I mention it was Friday? We must not get out much as the wait was 30 minutes. There was no seating anywhere so our family of 5 parked ourselves near a ledge by the bar and got a couple beers and a few kids-cups. Niko proceeded to get teary-eyed because all he wanted to do was sit down. We had a beer and then realized we weren't hungry and left.

Philadelphia Cty Hall

The view from our hotel room at Le Meridien

We went to Little Baby's Ice Cream on Frankford Ave. They were auctioning off ice cream- it was nuts! It was jam-packed and people were buying things like Prosciutto Fig Ice Cream for $40 a pint. I made my best mom face, told Cayenne to make her best cutie pie face, told Reno to hold on and we made our way to the counter to get our own ice cream (not the auction stuff)/ We got Chocolate Salt Malt, Oatmeal Raisin and Rose Pistachio. The store is right next to Pizza Brain so we ordered a pizza to go. As we waited we ate our ice cream for dinner. Yep- that's how we roll. Dessert for dinner.

Counter at Little Baby's Ice Cream on Frankford Ave
When we finally got to the counter. The line for bidding was crazy!

Pizza Brain in Philadelphia, PA
Pizza Brain- full of Ninja Turtle memorabilia and other rando stuff.


We did a drive by the Rocky Steps and headed back to Le Meridian to eat our pizza. YUM!

Saturday morning we got up, walked to Reading Market and ate our way through the place. My favorite was the grilled cheese stand. You have to go!

Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia, PA

Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia, PA

Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia, PA
Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia, PA




The Philly Flower Show was next on the agenda and conveniently located across the street from Reading Market. I've heard so much about the flower market and I really do love flowers. So when I found out that it was opening weekend I knew we had to go (much to my kids dismay). It was beautiful. It was beautiful and way-overcrowded. We started at the butterfly area for a $3 per person upcharge but it was nice. I don't think I'd go again. Maybe sans kids and during the day during the week to hopefully avoid some of the crowds. Anywho, we left outta there after Reno was in constant complaint mode that his feet hurt from walking so much. PUUUUHHHLEAAASE! He got a lecture.

Philadelphia Flower Show

Philadelphia Flower Show

Philadelphia Flower Show


Philly is the 'City of Brotherly Love' and we felt it this trip. Everyone we met or even ran into was so nice, warm and welcoming. I almost got a ticket while sitting in the car waiting for the boys to get cheesesteaks on South Street but ended up talking to the woman for 30 minutes. We talked about kids and relationships the whole time. She even ended the conversation with "Ok, I think you've convinced me." She was referring to me convincing her to have kids! OH boy-- I should've had her sign a disclaimer that I am not liable for any BS those kids put you through.

Our last road trip from Northern VA. Here's to many more in other locations!

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