Smokey Mountains...etc.

Ben and I are home after a dozen summer days in the south. We started out our vacation in the beautiful Smokey Mountains in Tennessee with the Brandenburg family. We had a ridiculously large cabin for all ten of us overlooking the mountains with a hot tub, pool table, and even air hockey! But these luxuries paled in comparison to the entertainment received from our one year old niece and seven month old nephew.


Brandenburg Family at the Falls


Our view from the cabin

It was a fun time for all of us to be together and enjoy the mountains. We spent most of the days relaxing around the cabin and doing little day hikes. For the other half of our vacation Ben headed out on the Appalachian Trail for 4 days with a good friend while I headed back to Charlotte with the rest of the family for a few more days of R and R.


Silas and Ben ready for the Appalachian Trail


Ice cream and live music in Charlotte

On our way home we were able to spend time with some good friends in Durham, NC and then lunch with Ben's brother Paul and wife Jodi in DC.


In Durham with Silas and Laura

Hot Week in Philly!

This week has been a hot one in Philly...with temperatures into the 100s many of the days. So when it was only 89 today it was a relief.
We also had a good friend, Katie, staying with us this week. We were able to get out and show her all the sites around the city in her short time here. Thanks for making the trip out Katie!

Cheese Steaks on Market Street