Children's Museum

A couple weeks ago, the kids and I accompanied some friends to the Children's Museum in Richmond. I had heard great things about this museum, but had never ventured that way simply because I didn't know how to get there. (I know, I could find directions online, but I just feel more comfortable driving someplace new if I'm following someone who has been there before.) I am so glad she invited us!

Though we didn't have a chance to visit much (because our kids were going in different directions), the visit was well worth the trip. You'll notice that there aren't very many photos despite spending the entire morning there; I was so busy keeping an eye on Leah and Hunter that I didn't have many chance to take pictures. I guess that's how it should be, though, right?
 

A new take on puppet theatre: dress up the little brother and have him fill in for a puppet. (He repeats what big sis says anyway.)

"Everybody, get ready for the show!" The "show" didn't last long; Leah announced it, and then we headed off for another part of the museum.

Exploring the caves. This was a favorite exhibit for both kids.

Enjoying the outdoor clubhouse.

Look at the ape hangers on that chopper! He's ready to ride (motorcycles) with Daddy!

"Cheese!" He certainly didn't mind posing on the turtle. Playing outside might have been the highlight for Hunter (have I mentioned how much he LOVES being outside?). Well, that and the indoor apple tree where he could pick "apples". (Wasn't quick enough to catch a photo of him doing that.)

And this was one of Leah's favorite activities: digging in the sand. There's an archaeological dig in the museum, and Leah spent most of her time there (only because she could ride the carousel only once). With the variety of interactive and imaginative play exhibits, I was a bit surprised (pleasantly so) that she stayed at the dig site most of the time. (It certainly made it easier for me to keep tabs on her and Hunter.)

 

Before we left, Leah climbed aboard the triceratops for a "ride". (Way in the background on the left you can see the dig site where she spent most of the morning looking for dinosaur bones.)

Trying Something New

I learned recently that I can upload my blog at blurb to create a book. Seeing as how I don't have the time to scrapbook like I used to, I'm considering trying this feature at the end of the year. Since I didn't learn about this until a couple weeks ago, though, I feel as though I have quite a few pictures to include in a post in an effort to ensure their inclusion in a book.

I guess all this is to say that this post is really for me than anyone else. Not to say you might not enjoy looking at the pictures, but rather to say I'm including them so that I don't forget them later this year. So... here are some of my favorite pics and moments from January and February.

January

Hunter's new thing is sitting at the table, just like big sis Leah.

Playing hockey with Daddy.

And this is why we keep the cabinets locked.

Every so often, Hunter walks around holding his pant legs up. Not sure why.

Eating is a real experience for him.

A soft Frisbee makes the perfect beret.

My secret to getting the kiddos squeaky clean and fresh smelling. 

 February

Have I ever mentioned Hunter's fascination with tools of any kind? Scott was fixing the pantry, so Hunter had to help, too. He loves holding the drill (sans bit) while Scott presses the button. Sometimes, Hunter will even pick up the drill and press it to his belly in an attempt to tickle himself!

 

 Leah loves wearing her bike helmet. Funny that she doesn't bike (or trike) too often. Nope, most of the time when she's sporting the helmet, she's just running around and playing. You know, really dangerous activities.

 Moments that make me smile: Leah and Hunter share a cuddle and a story. Precious moments like this affirm my decision to stay at home with my kids.

Super girl and super boy!

Spring Snow

We woke up to a snowy morning March 25. Snow in spring? What is going on? No matter. We'll take the snow when we get it, especially after such a warm winter.

The kids kept me company as I shoveled the driveway. That really worked only so well. Eventually, I had to finish it while they cuddled under blankets and watched a show. Oh well. They enjoyed the time outside; well, let's be honest: Leah enjoyed herself. I'm not so sure about Hunter.

He decided to take off his mittens almost immediately, and his hat soon followed (because he's a boy, and apparently boys don't get cold. Have you seen the number of teenage boys who wear shorts in 30 degree weather?!). But surely he wasn't cold. Then I told him he couldn't play out back on the swingset, nor would I let him run around the front unsupervised.  (I'm so mean, aren't I?) So, needless to say, he fussed a good deal of the time we were outside (which really wasn't that long).

Thankfully, Leah was impervious to the cold and Hunter's fussing. Good thing, too; after all, she has to start earning her keep around here!

She really DID want to shovel... the entire driveway. (We didn't have that much time, though.)

What's missing? Mittens, of course.

Earning her keep.