Nice Surprise

We are lucky to have a children's science museum in town, but previous visits have been kind of disappointing.  Some of the exhibits, in the past, were broken and not really engaging for children - especially younger ones who couldn't seem to reach or see anything.  This time, though, things seemed to be in better working order and they decided to mimic the popular area at Discovery Center (that is too far away for regular visits) that includes an area for pretend play for the younger ones.  The kids loved playing in the market, kitchen, garden, cave, tent, and little playhouse but also really enjoyed some of the other areas this time too.  A lot of it may be because they are getting older and taller, but all of the exhibits were in noticeably better shape.  The main reason we went today, though, was to see the trains - which the kids always think are cool!

This panel allowed them to make the trains and some of the other figurines go! 

The kayak was in the market/kitchen area next to the "campfire" and tent.  The light orb has probably always been there but it was a new discovery for us! 

Ray-Ray came with us and we had fun checking out all of the stuff, then when he had to go we spent more time in the market.  The kids just love playing check-out, waiter, mom/dad, and anything else they can come up with.  I'm really glad we went today - it was a lot of fun! 

Speaking of fun, extra thanks go out to Ray-Ray and So-So for keeping the kids last night.  We had a blast watching the Vandy victory and the kids certainly had a great time hanging with the grandparents!  We definitely stayed up way later than usual - but a home victory against UT for the first time in 30 years was worth it.  We also went to Red Caboose Park after the Science Center (Lance had to work and we were just killing time).  We ran into a friend of the kids from school and they played with him for an hour or so - on the playground, kicking around a soccer ball, and playing tag.  I just love that benefit of them being at the "new" school - we are always running in to people they know when we are out and about, especially at neighborhood or area parks and they think it is so fun to see friends outside of school.  Hopefully some of the kids will also be at the elementary school with them - some will go to private schools, but surely a few will be at the local school that is supposed to be fabulous!  Still no absolute decision on the school thing, but I do think we are leaning toward starting them in Kindergarten when they are almost 6 (so another year at their current preschool after this one).  I think the time to catch up socially will be good, and I don't want to start them out too soon just based on a financial decision (although I don't feel bad at all for letting a $17,000 expense sway me somewhat)! 

When we asked the kids what they wanted to do this weekend more than anything they said they wanted to have a fire in the firepit again and tell spooky stories.  We planned out it, but all of us are exhausted and I for one am tired of being cold (it was pretty darn cold out there at the game last night) so we are watching a Dora special instead.  We'll do it again sometime - it is a good time in lieu of camping (although we still really want to get a family tent and get out there soon)! 

This was last time we sat around the fire.  It was a lot less cold then, and they still thought they needed a blanket.  The camping will probably need to happen with them when it doesn't get much below 60 at night :-)!