We left Pa mike and MR's house around 11am and drove to Phillie. We had a final breakfast with Grandma CC and Aunty Angie at the IHOP (surprisingly good - amazing waitress - always so many options). Got lost on the way and ended up in the ghetto of north central Phillie - amazing in a country of such wealth that there still exists places such as this.

Finally arrived at Mark and Melissa's place. The kids we're very excited to play with Sam and Max . It was great to see the Croker's again in their new house in Chestnut Hill. We "freshened" up with a few glasses of champagne and then out for fantastic local Mexican and a few (too many) drinks at Campbell's place.

The next day was a slow start and then another failed attempt at driving into Phillie to see the Rocky movie steps. We found another ghetto (this time around Temple University) and then we drove out to the King of Prussia mall to see Leigh's cousin Chrissie and the kids "American cousins". The King of Prussia mall is Yuge! Tried to get my Apple Watch but all sold out - walked around a bit and then had a lunch (five guys burgers - yummo) and spent some time with Christie and the kids (who have all grown incredibly since we saw them 4 years ago)

We were all getting tired so headed back to Phillie and to rest up for New Year's Eve celebrations. Takeaway pizza and a few drinks and a kids/parents disco were all we could muster for this New Year's Eve. We did have an ice cream cake for Spencer's birthday which was great. I stayed up with Eleanor and Spencer to watch to ball drop in Times Square (over-rated) and then off to bed.

New Year's Day dawned bright and warm. A little game of football toss in the front garden and we were on our way into Liberty Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles (fly Eagles fly, onward to victory.....) we parked in the car park and so began our tailgating session - great fun!

Some of the fans go to great lengths to enjoy their pre-game entertainment - dj decks, BBQ's, portable toilets - it was fascinating to watch. A Police presence was there but a lot less than in Sydney - everyone having a drink and good time but no one was unruly. We were with a friend of Mark and Melissa 's (Frank) and so joined his brothers tail gate party which was great fun.

We walked into the stadium and finally found our seats (after getting some crab fries from Chickie and Pete's of course). The eagles were playing the Dallas Cowboys today - the game itself didn't have a lot of meaning as Dallas had already qualified and the Eagles hadn't but it was still great to see the intensity and passion of the players and the fans! The eagles ended up winning by 27:13 so it was smiles all around back home (even after the crazy traffic home - could have done with some police then!)

Home for some of Franks beef ribs (delicious) and some Roasties before watching the Flyers once hockey and an early bed ready for New York tomorrow!