So I wasn’t the one to take this picture. In fact, I wasn’t even present when it was taken. On Wednesday of this week, my father and stepmother (affectionately known to my children as Poppy and Néné) took Tommy for a big blowout day in Philadelphia as a belated birthday gift. They took my little history buff on a tour of Independence Hall, showed him the Liberty Bell, and spent hours with him in the new National Constitution Center, which is apparently absolutely worth the time (and had lots that was of interest for a kid as young as Tommy, who is seven). I gave Tommy an old camera of mine and he returned with a slew of pictures that he took, some of which I feature below.
The statue of Ben is in a room where there are life-sized representations of all of the members of the Constitutional Congress, painstakingly created so their faces not only resemble portraits of the participants, but their height and girth are accurate as well. Tommy was careful to take pictures of both Gunning Bedford and George Read, signers of the constitution from his home state of Delaware. Later in the day, he also got to vote for his favorite president of all time (Franklin Roosevelt) and to share his thoughts about what it means to be free (“I get to do what I want.”)
The best part of the day for him? Seeing the room in Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Oh, and getting to eat a hamburger and Cocoa Krispies for lunch and a licorice lollipop as both a pre- and post-dinner snack. For that meal, he also enjoyed a full regular sushi and a California roll followed by some wonderful ice cream confection involving hot fudge and strawberries, all topped with a lit candle. What are grandparents for? My only regret is that I don’t have a picture of the three of them enjoying their day together. A picture of their food will have to suffice.
For Photo Friday at Delicious Baby – hope you’ll visit and tour the other pictures as well.
I've taken with my children and those I want to take. Explore and you'll find family travel tips, information about vacation destinations, and lots of stories about our adventures! 
Aack! We didn’t go to the National Constitution Center either. The kids would have loved a photo with Roger Sherman, who is in our family line somewhere.
Linda’s last blog post..World’s Largest Sandhill Crane in Steele, North Dakota
What a great birthday treat for him!
Amy @ The Q Family (Dreaming of: Cruising)’s last blog post..The White House from Afar
Wow! That looks like a fun outing. I bet you’re bummed you missed it. I love seeing kid taken pictures. They often have such great perspective. Thanks for sharing!
Bridget Smith’s last blog post..Photo Friday: South Carlsbad State Beach
Ben is one of my favorite of the framers. His written plea to the Convention in 1787 during its final days, to approve the constitution was masterful. He was a complex man, brilliant, and creative but still flawed. like many of us.
Tim Marks’s last blog post..Photo Friday: Cape Bonavista Lighthouse – Newfoundland, Canada
Wait…..they had *sushi* at the Continental Congress?
Peter Carey’s last blog post..Panorama Crazy!!
Great photos, Mara. My little school is named after Benjamin Franklin. Our literary magazine is called Be Frank. Cute, no?
Tommy has a great eye for photos. Thank him for allowing us to share some of the memories from his trip :0
Dominique’s last blog post..Photo Friday
Me again.
I just want to let you know that I gave you ‘One Lovely Blog Award’
http://www.theqfamilyadventures.com/2009/06/in-which-im-honored/
It has been fun following your trips whether day trips or dream trips.