Cheesesteaks, Rocky, and the Declaration of Independence. D.C. Too! Day 5 is in the Books.

Day five found us in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We started off with the first tour of the day at the Pennsylvania State House. It is now more commonly known as Independence Hall. We got to see the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed way back on July 4, 1776.

Inside the Independence Hall. The room the Declaration of Independence was signed

Inside the signing room

Independence Hall

After being inside Independence Hall we got to go see the Liberty Bell. What a line. It seemed like a million other schools decided to go on a field trip today as well. That's okay, more kids being able to experience history the better. The line went by fast anyways. Seeing such an iconic symbol only feet away is pretty neat. Our tour guide Murray said he had for the first time ever, a student last week reached over real far and touched it. He said it was an ugly sight as security was on her real fast and wasn't good. But of course, our Kualapu'u children did a great job and looked at it and got their pictures taken with it.

With the Liberty Bell

Sally

Lia-Chae

Shia

Shekinah

Ayden

Namaka

Kawana'ao

Saige

Pono

Nicole

Kawena

With Murray, we then walked around historic Philadelphia. We went to Betsy Ross' house, Christ Church, Benjamin Franklin's grave, and an old printing press. Betsy Ross showed us how to make her five pointed star. She was also very adamant about not recording her doing it!! Betsy doesn't seem to like technology. Inside Christ Church some of our group lucked out. They were sitting in the same box that George Washington used when he was a member of that church. And at the end of our journey through the historical district, we got to see Benjamin Franklin's grave. And even though old Ben said, "A penny saved is a penny earned," many people place their earned pennies on his grave.

The middle group is sitting in George Washington's box

Independence Hall

Benjamin Franklin's grave

Looking at Benjamin Franklin's grave

 We then said bye to our terrific Philly guide Murray and it was off to lunch. We got to go to the famous Philly Cheesesteak shops. You either went to Pat's or Geno's. The are across the street from each other and battle. Many people partnered up and one went to Pat's. One went to Geno's. Each got half to decide who they thought made the better cheesesteak. It seems overwhelmingly the people said Geno's. Personally, I liked Pat's better. After trading my Pat's for a Geno's, I wanted my Pat's back. It worked out. Mrs. Link wanted her Geno's back as well! We ate our cheesesteaks in a park next to the stores and got to swing and play basketball. Fun lunch.

Eatin'

Nice table

Pat's or Geno's?

Yummmmmmm

Shia went for Pat's

They both went to Pat's as well

Enjoying our lunch in the sun in a park

Swing time

Good fun

All four swings in action

Question is... Is it a swish?.....Or an air ball?...... You'll never know!

Going for the basket

After putting these awesome sandwiches in our guts what better thing to do than run! Before we departed the City of Brotherly Love, we had to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But we had zero interest in seeing art! We're talking 'bout the Rocky Steps!!! We replicated the famous run up the Rocky Steps. The kids ran up the steps and found their inner Rocky. Then, it was on to Washington, D.C.

Lining up for the run

They're off

Do you see Rocky?

Up they go!

Celebrating Rocky style

Champs!

After driving fairly slowly south to Washington, D.C. with lots of traffic we arrived. What was the first thing we did? White House? Memorials? Arlington Cemetery? No. We ate again! Ha, sometimes it seems like we are on a food tasting tour! Eating three big meals a day. Good thing we have been walking a lot or we'd come back ten pounds heavier. There still is that chance! We had a fairly healthy dinner at Boston Market. The main question being asked was why is it called Boston Market if we aren't in Boston?

Turkey and chicken dinner

Yum

Dinner time

Boys eating up

After dinner we went to three memorials. We started at the newest one. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. There are many quotes from Dr. King all around that the assignment was to find one that you like a lot and be able to explain it and why you liked it. Before we read them some students already knew some by heart! Kawana'ao was able to recite the below quote from her head. We got some smart kids on this trip. Kids chose different quotes and different reasons when asked. A lot is going into these kids heads. That's great.

Kawana'ao and her quote

Dr. King Memorial with the Washington Monument peaking over the side

Looking out towards the Jefferson Memorial

Kids with the Dr. King Memorial

 We then walked to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. This is a unique one as well. They all seem to be unique though.... FDR is the only President to have been elected four times. This memorial has four rooms. One room to represent each term that he held. He was President during the Great Depression and during World War II.

With F.D.R.

Standing in the bread line during the Great Depression

With F.D.R.

This is in the WWII section and the fallen blocks actually represent Pearl Harbor and America's entry into WWII

Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial

Washington Monument

We then went to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. A very large Memorial with a giant statue of Thomas Jefferson on the inside.

With Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson Memorial from the front

Sally, Saige, Shekinah, and Shia with the Washington Monument in the back

We had a fantastic day staring in Philadelphia and then moving south to Washington, D.C. Tomorrow will be another day of excitement. Starting with the Captiol Building. Time to get some sleep and off again tomorrow! Have a great time. Thanks again!