rehearsal dinner

Daddy got some time with Bennett on the trampoline this afternoon before we headed into the city center Philadelphia for Tony and Erin's wedding rehearsal.

The rehearsal was at the Christ Church downtown.  I did not realize before we got there all the incredible history behind the church for their wedding.

Christ Church was founded in 1695.  Christ Church's Bells are one of three rings of bells which were installed in the United States prior to the American Revolution.  The Bells were cast by the foundry at Whitechapel, England owned by Thomas Lester and Thomas Pack, the same firm which first cast the Liberty Bell two years before Christ Church's bells were cast in 1754.  Church's bells were rung on July 8, 1776 to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  The bells's remain at the church to this day.  Christ Church's congregation included 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence. American Revolutionary War leaders who attended Christ Church include George Washington, Robert Morris, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross (after she had been read out of the Quaker meeting house to which she belonged for marrying John Ross, son of an assistant rector at Christ Church).  Brass plaques mark the pews where these individuals once sat.  Bennett is eating his goldfish in George Washington's pew.

Benjamin Franklin's pew was taken so Bennett couldn't explore into that one but he did manage to climb in and out of many others.  

He did not let the fact that the wedding rehearsal was taking place stop him.

Bennett and his godfather, Scott, catching up.

When the rehearsal went into full swing, Bennett and I headed outside.  Several notable people are buried in the church and adjacent churchyard, including George Ross, James Wilson and Robert Morris (three of the signers of the Declaration).  Many other notable people are buried at nearby associated Christ Church Burial Ground including Benjamin Franklin and five signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.  

We enjoyed strolling around the courtyard and we made a friend.  A squirrel was following us around because Bennett was dropping Annie's Bunnies all over the ground.  Apparently squirrels love chocolate bunnies.  Bennett also chased some birds and made several attempts to walk though a puddle.  After the rehearsal was over, Bennett got some snuggles from his godfather, Scott.

Shortly after, we headed out for some drinks and dinner at a place nearby called "The Four Fathers."  Bennett was tired at this point so we didn't last very long.  We left right after eating.  I was glad too since it started to downpour right after we got to the car.