Two days off
Two days off and two days of Revolutionary War focus. Went to Monmouth Battlefield Park yesterday with Ellen and the kids - we walked for two hours around the park, which is just west of Ellen's house about 3 miles. There is a small museum there, with information on the battle. It was great - the park remains largely rural, which is one of the delights of New Jersey. Much of it is in corn fields and apple orchards. I want to go back when the apple trees are blooming - I think it will be beautiful. What was amazing is that the kids walked the whole time, and although Simon got a little worn out, it was mainly due to a blister that started to develop due to his new shoes. Even little Seth walked about half the time! He was so adorable - he really wanted to walk with the big kids, so off they go, and he's running behind, as fast as his little legs will carry him. Finally, he'll hollar for Hannah to come and walk with him, and she'll come back for a bit until she wants to run with Paul and Simon. He walked with me, and had Ellen carry him - I have trouble carrying him in my arms for any length of time and he doesn't particularly like to be on my shoulders.

Today, Paul and I went to Philadelphia - we had discussed the Franklin Insititue - it is a science museum for children, but I really wanted to see Independence Hall, so I prevailed and we went there. I found it to be very interesting - the Park Service has quite the operation there. No charge, but the parking cost about what train tickets would have cost, so it was a wash to drive. I've always been interested in the Revolutionary War, but now, it is literally in our back yard. We're watching the HBO series on John Adams - very well done. It reinforces the museums and visits to parks here. I'm really hoping all of this will jell for Paul and he'll understand it. In the meantime, it was pretty exciting to be in the place where the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Articles of Federation were signed. Learned a lot about Ben Franklin, too. All in all, pretty good trip. AND, it's only 45 minutes away!