Jack Gets a Cast

Jack had his first hospital visit (since his birth). Sarah and Jack were going down a slide. Jack's foot flew out the the right, & his trip down the tall, slick, slide went very wrong! After 2 doctors visits and 2 trips to Children's Hospital, an orthepedic specialist discovered 2 bones in Jack's right foot were fractured. He was put in a cast and will wear it for the next three weeks.



Jackson has been very resilient. He has gone back to crawling for the most part. However, he can stand and balance very well. We expect once the cast is off he'll be back to running, dancing, and climbing immediately.




To make the best of Jackson's time on the ground, we went to the Center City Toy Library and checked out a Thomas the Train set. He loves the trains, and it is the perfect activity for him to do while he heals.

Matt & April Visit Philly

Our friends April & Matt visited us for the week. We spent a lot of time at local monuments, historic sites, and restaurants. None of the tour companies were open for the season yet, so Sarah served as tour guide. She drove Matt & April around the Art Mesuem, City Hall, the Liberty Bell, and through Philly neighborhoods.




In the Italian District, where we stopped to get Matt an authentic Philly Cheese Steak, we had a Sopranos moment. This huge guy, with tattoos, and a handle bar moustache came into the little restraurant where Sarah and Jack were getting a snack. He presented the owner with this “trash bill.” It was so sketchy. It was not a city bill. It was from a private company. The bill was on a piece of yellow copy paper, and looked really low end. The owners seemed really nervous. He said, “I’ll be back next week for the money.” Then he left. Good times in Philly!






"Was that the mafia I just saw?"

Spring Break in Outer Banks, North Carolina

We spent a wonderful break from the cold of Philadelphia in the Outer Banks, a popular vacation area on the coast of North Carolina. It was fortunate that the Peyrons, a fellow Wharton family, were willing to join us. We practiced a little French speaking during the week to prepare for our time in France this summer. While it wasn't tropical conditions, the temperatures were warm enough for a lot of outdoor activities with the kids.



We particularly enjoyed some kite-flying because of the prevalence of strong breezes in the area.




We also enjoyed the beach . . .








. . . a visit to an aquarium . . .



. . . and a pilgimage to the birthplace of modern aviation.





You can find the rest of our photos from the trip here:

http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/2562501
http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/2562610