Popeadelphia

The kids and I took a last-minute trip into Philadelphia to see the spectacle yesterday.  While we didn't see the Pope, we had a great time enjoying the empty streets, friendly people and empty restaurants.  I know the city so well -- Joshua and I shared a car for the first three years of our marriage, with him using it every day for work while I happily navigated the subway and streets to get across the city every day for graduate school -- so it was fun to see all my old favorite haunts again.

Most importantly, the kids finally got to ride the subway, a huge item on their always expanding adventure list, see the statue of William Penn on the top of City Hall and ride on the express regional rail line.  While our trip didn't transpire exactly as I planned, I'm so proud of my two go-with-the-flow adventurers.  They are great, enthusiastic, flexible traveling partners. It was a great day in the city.

Recent Quotes

Darth Vader

The other day, as our family was riding in the car together, Alma told us how her school friend Taylor said that Darth Vader was a bad guy and that he wears a mask because he is bald.  Alma was somewhat mystified that someone could get these basic facts wrong.  She told me she didn't correct Taylor "because she didn't want to brag."

Truthfully, I kind of agreed with Taylor.  But, giving Alma the benefit of the doubt, I asked her what the truth was behind these statements.  She informed me that Darth Vader had fallen in a volcano (hence the mask) and, most importantly, that Darth Vader is both a good guy and a bad guy.

Joshua was so proud.

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Hair Color

A parent helper at James's school was intrigued by James's very blond hair color and asked him what color hair his mother had; he said red.  When ask what his father's hair color was, he said that Joshua didn't have hair so didn't have a hair color.  Ha!

Pope's Visit

Love Pope Francis.  It's great that he is visiting Philadelphia.  What an honor for our city.    We don't have plans to attend but, on a whim, that may change.  We'll let you know if we run into him. ;)

Grizzly Adams

Alma took Grizzly Adams to school as her class plant.  She was excited to tell classmates that it is a plant from her Godscottles [sic].  This plant lived with Uncle Scoot and Joshua at the University of Portland nearly 20 years ago.  

Back in Philadelphia

So fun to be back in Philadelphia.  Honestly, I didn't want to move back to a city where I had already lived.  However, every time I'm back downtown, I'm reminded of how much I like visiting the city.  It's nice that we are far enough from it that I don't have to deal with the hassles of city life every day.  But occasional meetings downtown which require riding the train and time in a high rise are a delight.

The Full Thompson Family

Here we are in all our glory at the newest Thompson's baptism.  Another special and fun day with family.

Harcum College

Along with our other changes, I started a full time position at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA (approximately half way between Malvern and Philadelphia for our West Coast readers).  I am the new Director of Foundations and Grants.  

Things at Harcum are off to a good start.  It is comical how different this Advancement Office and school is from Northampton Community College.  Productively informal might be a good way to describe it.  My office is on the third floor of an old building, which reminds me of my cozy third floor retreat in our Bethlehem house. My boss is the nicest, most encouraging person in the world.  Totally hands-off management style, which feels so freeing.  I think that I am going to really like it here. 

  
My office building (I sit next to those cute little square windows on the top floor) and the reception area on the first floor

Freckles

All summer long we saw a few more join the party every day.  Love this sweet face so much. 

First day of school