While in the Philadelphia area we had the chance to visit several NPS sites.  Hopewell Furnace, Valley Forge and Independence.  Since we’ve lived in the area, we’ve been to them before, but now we have our passport book stamped and made it official!  It was pretty interesting to see these parks through the new eyes of visitors to so many national parks. 

I didn’t take my camera to Valley Forge or Hopewell Furnace, but I did on our trip to Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park.  We toured the city with my son Scott and his girl, Ally.

The colonial history and revolutionary significance…

 … mixed with big city modern life…

… there is a flavor to Philly that must be experienced.

This is where our country first established itself and seeing places such as the first bank established in 1795 by Alexander Hamilton really brings home an appreciation of how lucky we are to be living in this country.

To top it all off we spent an awesome Fourth of July with the kids at the campground.

Good times.