The Kiddos Visit (Part II)

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he[she] grows up."

Pablo Picasso

Today, Buddy, Turkey, and I went to the Children's Museum.  We saw dinosaurs, visited Santa's Wonderland, slide down the Yule Slide, and got to see the wonders of the sky with Big Bird and Elmo.  We had such a blast, and I hated when we had to leave. It was so much fun to see Buddy and Turkey run around the museum with excitement and joy as we went from exhibit to exhibit. It reminded me of how I used to be when I was there age; I couldn't get enough mental stimulation and knowledge. I was a sponge soaking up everything and wanting more, just like they were today. Why do adults lose that as we get older, and better yet, how do we get it back?

I think the highlight of the day, though, was the One World, One Sky Planetarium show with Big Bird and Elmo. We sat in a small IMAX theater and watched our favorite Sesame Street characters teach us about the sun, the moon, and the stars along with their Chinese friend (whose name I can't remember). I couldn't help but feel like a kid again when the lights went down. Turkey sat in my lap the whole time and every time she got excited, I did, too.  Buddy kept pointing our stars and things like he was a pro, and it made me realize just how much he has grown and how smart he truly is for his age. We were all pointing at stars, clapping, singing along with "Twinkle, Twinkle", and just having a blast! I really hated it when the show was over because it was completely worth the price of the admission ticket for the day.

Although I am going to keep today's post short, I have a few highlights and funny moments to share:

1. You are never too old to go down a slide on a bean bag mat. :)  Having a kid with you only gives you an "excuse" to do it without looking childish or like a creepster in a children's play zone.
2. I am starting to think I need to get yearly membership to the museum because one day is just not enough time to see and do everything, and with the cost of daily admission, it would so be worth it.
3. Beware of the train exhibit with kids who hate loud noises. We lasted all of like 2 minutes before I had to rush a crying 3-year old out of there.  Although once we got just outside the exhibit, she turned and waved to the train and said "bye-bye train" through her sobbing.
4. Make sure to avoid automatic flushing toilets for the reason mentioned in #3. Turkey was going potty and moved on the toilet just enough to set off the auto flush, and the next thing I know she leaps off the toilet with pee trailing after her bawling her eyes out in fear. She would not go near the bathroom for the rest of the day and would cry when I made her come in with me. I felt so bad.
5. Kids can be so easily amused for cheap! We went to Winter Wonderland, and the kids really wanted a pair of the elf ears that the other kids had. All it took was us going around the Wonderland and filling out a fun game board. Those kids couldn't have been happier with any toy we could have bought in the gift store. I am thinking I need to start making them special hats for coming to visit me...I would be the coolest Aunt ever!

At the end of a very long day, I came to a big conclusion: either I need to start popping out kids so I can have some little ones to take to these places, or I need to start "renting my Auntie services" out more often. I love going to museums, parks, and fun things with kids, but don't often have Buddy and Turkey enough to go places with them.  So, if you ever need a break and want to "loan out" your kid, I'd be happy to "borrow" them for the day to spoil rotten and send them back home with you. ;)

P.S. My sister-in-law came up with a great idea that maybe I should consider writing a series of children's books, entitled The Adventures of Buddy and Turkey, because we have some funny stories that I could share. The idea is definitely intriguing and sounds like a fun, creative project to work on.  To be continued...