We Arrive in Philadelphia

I was forced to write the last two posts while my kids and Brian were waiting to leave the hotel room in Palmyra, anxious to get on the road. Tonight I should be able to give a few more details. We are enjoying our downtown Philadelphia room on the 19th floor overlooking Town Hall. William Penn is standing on the spire of this clock tower and looks like he might be trying to peer in our window. :)

On the way here we made a stop in Oakland, Pennsylvania (formerly known as Harmony) where we saw the place where Joseph and Emma met, married, and lived and where Joseph and Oliver worked on the translation of the Book of Mormon. It was also where the Aaronic Priesthood was restored and where Joseph and Oliver were baptized.

The kids were also very interested to know that Joseph and Emma's first child was buried in the nearby cemetery. They couldn't leave until they found the gravestone. They were deeply touched by the tribulation that this couple endured.

It was a long day of travel again, but we broke it up with a picnic along Lake Seneca where many Saints were baptized following the organization of the church at the Whitmer farm. We also had to stop for an ice cream cone. We have had a few squabbles, but for the most part the kids are doing really well. Before we left home I bought a roll of tickets that I am using to reward happy and positive behavior, writing, and whatever I choose to praise. They are responding really well to this. They know that the tickets can be redeemed for money (we cashed in our change jar before we left home), so they know that if they want souvenirs, they better be nice to each other and listen to Mom and Dad.

Here they are relaxing in the big bed. Brian found "Night of the Museum 2" which is all about the Smithsonian. They are getting really excited to go there.

Tomorrow we spend the day learning more about our Founding documents, the Declaration and the Constitution, and as much history as we can find in this interesting city.