New Jersey

After Philly we had one night (July 1st) that we didn't have reservations for. We found a place to park on Harvest Hosts and spent the night at a farm in New Jersey. They had a farm to table store and made their own brick oven pizza, which we got for dinner. They also had huge bagels that were great for breakfast! We went to a small church right down the street on Sunday and then headed out for the Poconos. 

There were all kinds of animals to see and pet as well.

The ostrich didn't seem too happy

But the goats enjoyed the attention.

We also hiked the hills and the kids sat and watched some fire works. 

Philadelphia

After Delaware we headed up to Pennsylvania for the 29th & 30th and went into Philly. We went to the mint and got to see how coins are made, Nathan and the kids enjoyed Philly Cheese Steaks for dinner and we went to Independence Hall and did the tour there. There was a bunch of stuff going on around independence hall because it was just before the 4th, they had a military band playing music and we even got to see Miss America. She walked right by us. 

Outside Independence Hall

Inside Independence Hall

During the tour

We also stopped by the Liberty Bell for the kids to see it. 

Here is everyone after we went through the US Mint

In general you weren't allowed to take pictures in the mint, but there was no sign by the pay phone saying I couldn't take a picture of it, so I thought I would 😀 Do people use these still?

Waiting for cheese steaks! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them. The kids ate outside and watched the people go by, Nathan and I were inside. I know I got a picture of them with the cheese steaks, but I'm not sure where it ended up......

Delaware Seashore

June 26th through 28th we spent in Delaware at their seashore state park. The ocean was a short walk from the campsite and the kids loved it. Along with the ocean being right there, it was the time of year when the female turtles were coming to the campground to lay their eggs. There were lots of turtles around! There were also a lot of horseshoe crabs, bigger than I had ever seen. The kids found one with a fish hook in it and Nathan helped them get it out. They found another trapped in the rocky shore area and got it out and set it free. The kids really enjoyed being able to go to the beach on their own and loved jumping the ocean waves! 

The campsite was basically a large RV parking lot, but there was a nice view of the bridge.

Hannah at the beach. 

Some shells the kids found the first night we were there

Hannah with one of the horseshoe crabs

Damen hanging around by the bay