We had planned to go to our "local" kid's museum last week, but since the kiddos were feeling under the weather we pushed it to this week. I have been 3-4 times before, but never with Sister big enough to run around. They went 2 different directions the entire morning! I had 2 reasons for trying to fit the trip in before the end of the year...(1) b/c we got a membership as a gift this year and we needed to get signed up, etc. and (2) they have a music exhibit that is only going to be there through the end of the year.
We had SO much fun this morning. It was crazy packed b/c of the holidays and I got a little frustrated with the lack of parents disciplining their children, but we had a lot of fun showing the kids around. One of the best things about the membership (besides it was a gift :) is that they are part of a program that allows you to go to other kid's museums for free if they are on the program too. We got a list and I am THRILLED b/c 2 of our other favorite kid's museums are on there (CDM in Chattanooga and INK in Gainesville). It is like getting 3 in 1, plus there are a ton more on there...so fun!
The kids loved the food area...it was all about growing food (hence, the tractor. I didn't get a picture of the cow you could "milk"), shopping for food (Sister liked the buggy) and a little house to set the table and cook in :)
They also have an area for kids under 5 (they say the museum is focused on kids 8 and under, but as you can imagine there were a TON of school aged kids there since they are out for the holidays.) The water area had a place to fish and a tree house to climb, run and slide in.
Hubby was pretty busy trying to explain to Sister that she couldn't jump in the water...
Peek a BOO!
Brother and I found some puppets in the tree house.
Next we went to check out the moon sand. The kids enjoyed making shapes and I enjoyed them not getting it all over themselves :)
After moon sand Sister was ready to check out the painting (Brother doesn't like getting dirty, so he opted for checking out the balls and "machines" with Hubby while we painted.)
She was very happy with her creation!
Brother putting the balls in and moving them around...
Next we headed over to the music exhibit. I love that they have "traveling" exhibits, so there is something new to see when we go. It was a lot of fun!
Sister singing...
The had a show called "ImagineIt Rocks" that was really cute. They taught the kids about different types of music. The both sat and listened to the show. I think they loved every minute of it, but when the host asked for volunteers I once again saw the glaring difference in my kids. Brother hid his head when they tried to give him a high 5 and Sister was practically jumping up and down waving her hand to get the opportunity to be on stage. She was picked...and LOVED it. She seemed to take her job very seriously ;)
She kept her eyes on the director and shook her bells!
Another great thing about the museum is they let you bring in your own food. The only cost to us today (and each trip) will be parking...not bad for a fun filled family day in the ATL. We ate a yummy lunch and went on to do more fun stuff.
More fishing...b/c once is never enough.
Brother building an obstacle ...
More groceries...
and a little bit of trouble. She likes to stress me out. (As I sit here she is watching a movie with Hubby and Brother and every few minutes we put her feet on the keyboard and ask me to tickle them. So silly...)
Another cool thing about ImagineIt is it is across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. The weather was actually pretty nice and the museum was getting pretty tight, so we headed over to check it out. I knew they had a couple of playgrounds...we just had to find them :)
City view
Found it! Sister loved climbing on the large "rocks". I love these "soft" playgrounds. The kids bounce back a little quicker if they fall down :)
The "bumpy" slide was a big hit!! The kids cracked me up every time they slide down. It was great!
Sister & Brother being silly on the bumpy slide...
They also had these really cool seats that would spin you around like crazy. Sister LOVED it. I tried to take a picture, but I had to keep catching her when she fell off. Finally, Hubby came over and got a couple after he finished helping Brother on the monkey bars. My attempt...
Hubby stepping in...
Sister was "hiding" from Hubby and Brother...
All smiles!
Family fun day = success!!
We got in a little traffic on the way home, but the kids napped and we ran by a couple of stores to get some deals with gift cards Hubby and I got for Christmas. We ended up grabbing the kids a quick "snack" at QT then headed home for pigs-n-blankets and "The Sword and the Stone". Hubby has been looking forward to this movie. I don't remember it much from when I was a kid, but he says he loved it. I am sure Brother will too (and I get to catch up on my blogging!) I love family fun days!! They remind my how perfectly the Lord has woven our family together and even when they stress me out there is no other place I would rather be. You rock Jesus!
