Just Cookin

So as some of you may know I have had a bit more free time since we moved to Philadelphia. (wink, wink) I have been enjoying cooking dinner for Michael and I when he gets home from practice. Tonight I made this fabulous chicken dish, a friend directed me to this website with lots of yummy recipes. It is www.getoffyourbuttandbake.blogspot.com I know kind of a funny name but honestly if I can follow these recipes anyone can. Check it out and GOOD LUCK!

Reading Terminal Market

This morning Michael and I explored a few local markets, the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Reading is an indoor farmers market with stands filled with lots of yummy homemade goods. We enjoyed walking the isles together and trying lots of delicious samples.

This is one of the flower stands. There are also lots of fresh produce stands with locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Many Amish families sell their baked goods here as well. SOO Yummy! It is not nice to stare but the some of the Amish kids are a sight to be seen. 

We had already had enough treats for the day or else we would have tried some of these rolls. We have heard that one of the amish stands sells the best peanut butter cookies. We are going to have to try that next time.

Those of you who know me well, know that the candy isles were by far my favorite part. Michael and I bought chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels.

All and all it was a fun day. Just more spots we would love to share with you guys if you happen to come and visit.

Seeing Philly's Sites. What a day!

I love Michael's new job because he gets every Tuesday off and that means we get to hang out together. I haven't hung out with my hubby this much since we got married. I love his job schedule.

We decided to walk a few blocks from our apartment and see some Historical sites. Here we are at the liberty bell.
This is us at the National Independence Historical Park.  Below, Michael is sitting in a chair where congress once met before the capital moved to the District. Michael wanted me to point out that he is sitting on the right hand side of the room. 

Next we went on the famous "Philly Duck Tour." The tour is given on a six wheel amphibious vehicle that cruises on both land and water through the historical district of Philadelphia. Sounds way dorky but it was really fun.

                    

When you first get on the boat they give you your very own "quacker." When you blow on it, it makes a sound just like a duck. Michael enjoyed that.

There was a lot to see on the tour. We saw the grave site of Benjamin Franklin, the US mint, the home of Betsy Ross, and a number of other historically significant sites. Below is a photo of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to New Jersey from a ducks-eye-view in the Delaware River.

Below are some water front apartments. The tour guide said that after Will Smith, and native of Philadelphia, bought his father an apartment here after filming Independence Day.

Weekend Visit

Another great thing about living on the east coast is that Michael's older brother Daniel and his wife Kristin live a few hours away in Virgina.

We drove down to see them this weekend. 
We all went to NRA range in Fairfax, Virgina. This was my first time shooting a .40 and a 9mm. It was a lot of fun and crazy to see some of the federal agents that frequent the gun range, some of them were shooting with silencers and all that stuff you only see in the movies. VERY LOUD
Our gun attire
Michael has a good AIM! 
While on our night tour of Washington DC we stopped to take a picture in front of the capital. We had a great time and it was fun to be with family. Thanks again for all the great site seeing and all the yummy meals.

THURSDAYS

                           ONE.......

                                      TWO........

                                   THREE............

Three reasons Michael and I have decided to stay in on Thursday nights. 

HIt and Run

Michael was on his way to "work" yesterday morning and some IDIOT Philadelphia driver HIT his car and then RAN off. Michael pulled over to the side of the road and was waiting for the car to turn around to exchange insurance numbers and the GUY DROVE OFF! That was my sweet Michael's first accident ever and he was fine, but the car has a little bruise now. 

PHILLY BABY!

We made it! Michael has been in Philly for about 6 weeks now and I have finally been able to join him. I got here this last weekend, the city life is very different then what I am used to. I grew up as a country girl from a small town so all of this is a BIG Change. I am very excited about it though, we live in the most adorable but small apartment. We have been busy all weekend getting all set up. 

This is a view from our front door steps. Michael and I have been making dinner and eating outside on the steps to people watch. There is always so much going on in our neighborhood.
I had to take a pic of this down town. These eagle fans are CRAZY!!! They love their football team! So fun to see.
This is a view as we sit on our steps and look straight out. They have small roads were only bikers and walkers can go. The streets are all cobblestone. AHHH so pretty!

This is it, our place. I still need to get a wreath and some flowers but until then this is what you get. We are so happy to finally be together in the same place. This city has so much to offer and I am very anxious to get to see it all. We have been walking everywhere it is such nice weather right now. I love you all and miss all my AZ family and friends. COME VISIT!