Carolina Reunion

The horse drawn carriage holding 2 Baby Boomers, 4 Generations Xers, 2 Millenials, and 3 Generation Zers (aka the Brandenburg family) made its way through Broad Street--one of the oldest streets in Charleston--this past weekend. Generational differences were lost on us and our horse “Earl” as we braved the 110 degree heat index. Our carriage guide kept our minds preoccupied as she dissed on the elite residents of the area south of Broad Street, or SOBs. Nonetheless as a resident just north of Broad she herself was a SNOB, which according to her was better than all the SLOBs living left of Broad. Neighborhood rivalry aside the Charleston streets were exquisite in architecture and lined with grand live oaks draped with Spanish moss, and the ubiquitous Cabbage Palmetto.

Our hosts for the weekend were the marvelous Elise Brandenburg, a princess at age three, and the mighty Sir Ethan Muhr the Gallant, who made sure we received some beach time on the Isle of Palm. Back in Charlotte the royal toddlers even recruited the peasantry—Bruce, John, Paul, Steve, and Ben—to build some lawn Castles for the big birthday bash. All in all, it was was a royal family weekend.

Thank you for hosting and celebrating your 3rd birthday with all of us Elise!


Ellie summing up the weekend :)


All the Brandenburgs together after 5 years!



The guys making the castle for Elise's 3rd birthday party.


The birthday girl blowing out her candles.


On our carriage tour of historic Charleston, S.C.


Family time on the beach to round out a great weekend!

The Greater Philadelphia Hipster Tour

When Kim and Rick (Toni and Kim are friends from their toddler days) visited us over memorial day weekend we aimed to perfect our Frommer's chops. Curious? This is what it takes.

1. Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin topped off with some Spanish Tapas at Amada, courtesy of this year's Iron Chef winner Jose Garces.
2. Happy Hour in the Northern Liberties Dog Park courtesy of a Weimaraner named Berlin.
3. Stroll on the High Line Elevated Park in the Meat Packing District (in that little suburb of Phila called Manhattan).
4. Be a saint and go to church, be a sinner and go to Atlantic City.
5. Accept cliches, and run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art Rocky steps.


The usual Liberty Bell photo with all visitors :)


On the Tkts Tkts steps in Times Square, NYC.


Our High School friend, Anne, in the Meatpacking District, NYC.


Overlooking the Atlantic City scene.


How the guys spent most of their free time.


On the Rocky Steps looking out at the Philadelphia Skyline.