Friday, October 3, 2014

September 28~Our CHOP Walk, Philadelphia~

After Dad's funeral on Friday we spent the day with family just reminiscing about years gone by.  We had dinner at the Red Brick Tavern, food was good but the service, mainly the wait time for the food to arrive at our table, was not so good.  However, the extra time just gave us more time to enjoy each others company.
Saturday morning I flew back to Dover with Trish.  I had decided that I wanted to participate with Lily in her 4th Cancer Walk and I invited Sharon to join us as our original trip had finished in Philadelphia for the walk.  Trish's car was still at the airport so we flew out at 6:45 and by 10 we were at her home in Dover.  In the afternoon, we drove up to Philly and checked in at the Windsor Suites on Ben Franklin Parkway.  We were looking for a place that carried the Big 10 network so we could watch the Ohio State vs Cincinnati game and decided on The Field House near the Philadelphia Convention Center. It turned out to be the perfect venue as we had a large table right in front of the big screen and there were a few arcade games nearby for the kids to play at while we watched the game and took turns playing games with Luke and Lily. The Buckeyes pulled off a win, Luke beat Gram at hockey and Chad made it up from the farm in time for dinner so there were multiple happy individuals in our group as we all packed into Chad's truck and rode back to the hotel.

Stopped for a photo at Love Park on the way to dinner, Peg started yelling, "Jesus, Jesus!", and low and behold behind us was a Jesus look alike walking in the fountain!
I think he may have been John the Baptist as he was actually convincing people to walk into the fountain to get baptized
The next morning we were up and ready for our walk.  This is our 4th year in the Four Seasons Parkway Run/Family Walk that supports pediatric cancer research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP for short).  Lily did her first walk at 16 months.  This year in April she got a great report after her scans, she is now considered a survivor!  The walk is a celebration of sorts for our family but it is also a very sobering experience as you see many that are walking in the memory of loved ones or those who have children undergoing chemo, some of which are being pushed along Ben Franklin Parkway in wheelchairs and hooked up to IV bags.  At the top of the Art Museum steps red heart balloons were released, and I can only guess, for a loved one.  But the walk also has an air of hope that someday there will be a cure for all pediatric cancers.  I am always so humbled to participate in the CHOP Walk and I thank those who supported me by their thoughts, prayers and donations.
Luke was not happy about wearing a shirt with a pink unicorn on it. And if Luke isn't happy, Lily isn't happy!



And Lily takes the lead!!

My favorite pic of Lily this year, she's on Carlo's shoulders!!

Team Lily 2014

Luke gets his second wind

Crossing the finish line

Sharon on her first CHOP walk

What a perfect day

Team Lily, minus Carlo and CJ, they were getting Dunkin' Donuts
After the walk we went back to our rooms and checked out and stored our luggage before hopping on the PHlash bus to head down to Independence Square.  We opted to eat at a different steak sandwich place and we all agreed that Jim's was better. Had a great afternoon seeing the sights before heading back to Dover in the evening.
Independence Hall

This year's Philly Cheese Steak (not as good as Jim's!)

But it was next door to a great little sweet shop. Luke got a FroYo with lots of toppings

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