Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.

For those interested in the history of Longwood Gardens, the following is a brief but delightful summary of how my relatives, the Quaker Woolley family, is connected to this beautiful 1,000 acres of garden and forest.

Five  very well to do Quaker families, including Edward Hunter, David Brinton, John Dilworth and the Woolley's along with Peirce joined the Church after living in Chester county. When the call came each of these families sold everything and took their fortunes to Nauvoo. Peirce was approached by Eleuthere du Pont de Nemours who had made a fortune in gun powder mills. He purchased the land and preserved the arboretum and gardens. Peirce, along with the combined fortunes of the Woolley, Dilworths, Brinton, and Hunters helped build the city of Nauvoo. And the fortunes of Dupont grew and grew to this beautiful garden. 

Our Senior Couple field trip was great fun for all.

These Seniors really likes the construction

Jim, of course, loved the drafting table.

We all loved the dogwoods. And we didnt have any rain that day. After our great visit we shared more fun with and at  Hanks Homestyle cooking.

Tim and Rita's visit

We love having family come to visit as each time they do, we get to learn more about our Nation and the freedom that we have inherited.

  I got to see the Dogwoods  in bloom at Old Swedes church, This is the first church in Philadelphia, way before William Penn came and settled. 

We are at the Delaware River enjoying the fresh air and light rain.

At the top of the Art Museum we look out over central Philadelphia.

Amor in Spanish , Amour in French. all the same, we are loving our chance to show our visitors our city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.

Much of our scanning at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania has been records from cemeteries. We are happy to be at Old Swedes church knowing that the freedom of religion which started in America and especially in Pennsylvania, paved the way for Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. 

Mother Nature/Spring has sprung

The beauty of Spring is all around us. The trees are blooming, flowers are blossoming and the creeks are flowing freely. When I grew up in Devon, overlooking Valley Forge Park, the goal to get the first tan was very important on my list. Not only did I like the warm tones on my skin but the sun lightened my hair. My junior year in high school I got to go to Fort Lauderdale, Fla for spring break. That really did the trick for beating out my friends for a tan! But, the real reason for the love of spring was being outside. I love walking along creeks and hearing the water and smelling the sweetness and freshness of the air. I love looking for the different shades of green as the trees open up to the warmth of the sun.

Of course, the goal centered around trying to get into the sun before my birthday. I remember sitting by the side of the pool all wrapped up, hoping the air would warm up. Most of the time it was never quite warm enough to go swimming until May, but, being outside before that, in April, was and is always a joy.

Independence Mall

William Penn settled in the Philadelphia area  and wanted people to have the freedom to worship. Many religions came from all over Europe. Our Woolley family  also Quaker, like William Penn came in the 1700's. They settled in Chester County, near downtown. They were merchants, shop owners, even opened the White Horse tavern on Elbow street. Jim and I found the location right in old town Philly.

 As America struggled for its freedom. Philadelphia became a very important keystone in uniting the various colonies by holding the Continental Congress, and even being the capital for a season.

And now the Mormon Temple is nearly completed in Central Philly

near the area where Independence was born.

The Reading Terminal provided the much needed energy to keep on walking back to our Apt in the very, windy cold day.

The Miracles of this day are never to be forgotten in my mind. This was the last day before heading back to Utah. Many never did adjust to the 2 hour time change. Many were teenagers and not used to the rigor of me being their tour guide. The night before many were not sure they really wanted to walk yet another day. We adjusted the depart time and left later. I had tried to get tickets for the Liberty Bell but they were all booked. Until we got there and there was NO LINE! We walked right in from the cold wind (usually there is a Disneyland type line). then we crossed the way and walked right to the movie about Independence. Some one was praying very hard besides me!! Our prayers were answered and we got to see much.

The Bell and The Chocolate

Monday and Tuesday we toured the areas around Philadelphia and Center City. Hershey is about 1 3/4 hours away. On the way back we went through the Amish farms, Intercourse (which of course opened up plenty of discussion as to why all the adults kept making jokes about the towns name),

The covered Bridge at Valley Forge. George Washington wintered there which was one of the turning points in the Revolutionary War, More important. it is the road that I drove to Seminary and church each week. This is where my testimony and beliefs in the Gospel of Jesus Christ were firmly planted. Thanks to the good members who taught me in my youth and my family who introduced me to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

No family trip is compete with out hot tubs and fun swims

One more day, and we are off on the shuttle to see the Independence mall

From NYC to Philly

 Most of the family took the bus from NYC to Philly. Sadly, the Mercados drove back to Michigan. Missy drove our car to give us a little head start for our next adventure

Sunday morning the grandchildren were too tired to sightsee! NOT

We watched our General Conference broadcast out of SLC keeping the children quiet with pedicures, hair braiding, and legos.

Then off to the Rodin museum with the THINKER

Rocky and the Art Museu

The Philadelphia temple

m

Another session of Conferen

Spoons, a family favorite, using skiddles. Later the kids played Poker with skiddles, but they had to teach me which was the highest ..a run, flush, a royal flush? I never had played poker. 

So what was the miracle today? We saw both sessions of Conference and could take notes and hear it too! What a joy!

ce