We were planning a 75th birthday party for Mom-Mom on Saturday, July 24.  Then by chance the Wayne Mahoney cousins planned a surprise wedding anniversary party for their parents on July 22.  So we decided to go down early and make it to both!  We stayed at a hotel in Conshohocken for Thurs and Fri nights and while Andrew worked remotely from the hotel the kids and I spent Friday being tourists in Philadelphia!  First we reserved a tour at Independence Hall.

Blaine had lots of questions for the park ranger after the official part of the tour was over.

Then we went to lunch at the Independence Beer Garden.  We happened to be right by Uncle Tim’s office so he joined us for lunch.  Yum!

During lunch we had a visit from this baby praying mantis (seen below on Aunt Jane’s hand).

After lunch we walked a few blocks to Franklin Square for some Philadelphia-themed mini golf.  Sarah got the first hole in one of the day, which was followed by many other holes in one, hence all the pics.

Sarah was kind of tired of it, by the end.

The next day we got ready for the big party!  And the kids braved this stair slide!

Andrew made two delicious whole tenderloins and a horseradish sauce for sandwiches, caprese salad, and green beans with shallots and almonds.  And I made a yellow cake with chocolate icing, and variations on chocolate/vanilla cupcakes.

The kids enjoyed these bubble gloves, and playing in the yard.

Mom and her siblings gathered for a fabulous photo!

Happy Birthday, Mom!  We love you!