Day 27- Hartford, Connecticut

We didn't stop in New York City this time, but it was still lovely driving by and seeing its skyline.  I do want to go back there soon!

I love visiting old towns that still have pieces of their history.

This one-room schoolhouse was so cute.

This house was on a street of mansions.  However, it's not a real house, it's just a facade.  Apparently, someone built this instead of leaving the lot empty.

These next 3 houses are all on the same piece of land.  This was Mark Twain's home.

This was where his neighbor, Harriet Beecher Stowe lived.  Her book, Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of my favorites.

This amazing building is the Katharine Seymour Day house.  She was Harriet's niece.

Such gorgeous little details.

I loved this flower, with mini-flowers in its center.

I think the Connecticut state capitol building is the prettiest capitol I've ever seen.

Another beauty- a gate to a park.

A pilgrim statue outside the Ancient Burying Ground that was built in 1640.

I wonder what their daily lives were like.

So sad to have died so young and of small pox.

The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Len and I were able to serve in the Hartford temple as well.  It was lovely serving in 10 different temples on this trip, and especially this last half- 5 in 5 days.

It was the last night of our vacation, so we had to make a Target run.

The kids had birthday money to spend,...

and I needed some American junk food, ha ha!  We took it back to our room to eat and watched the movie, Clue.  This has been a great (whirlwind) trip!

Day 26- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We arrived in Philly at lunch time, so...

we had to get some cheesesteaks!

I love all the cute boutiques downtown.

And I also love wildflowers popping up here and there.

My friend told me about Elfreth's Alley, and I'm so glad he did!

It is so charming and claims to be the oldest neighborhood in the USA (dating back to 1703).

Most of the 32 homes are still lived in (some are museums).  I love the pot this homeowner has.

Benjamin Franklin is stamped all over this town.

As well he should be!

The final resting spot for him and his wife.

One of my favorite quotes from him, "The noblest question in the world is:  What good may I do in it?"

We visited Betsy Ross's house.

I love the flag she created!  And I love how it has grown to have 50 stars, with its original 13 stripes.

Ali loves all cats, even ones made from stone, ha ha!

I love history and it was really cool seeing the liberty bell.

Ruins from the President's House that both George Washington and John Adams lived in.

Independence Hall, formerly the Pennsylvania Statehouse, is huge!

It was nice to see a statue of George Washington.

This is the main part of the hall, but there are wings on either side, it's a whole city block wide.

The Signer!  I'm so grateful for the hearts and minds of America's founding fathers.

I love all the classic architecture.

The Merchant's Exchange, is pretty interesting too.

I can't remember what this building is.  It is also huge and totally gives Ghostbuster vibes!

Everywhere you look there are interesting details to find.

That evening Leonard and I served in the Philadelphia temple.

I always love being in any temple, but this one is quite grand.

Good night, Philly!