Cousins, and that Rope

Earlier in the week while Benton had an appointment, the older kiddos spent some time with their aunt and cousins. Benton was very disappointed and mentioned that they get all the fun. His initial disappointment was allayed when we returned and spent the rest of the afternoon playing and dining with them. It was a delight to watch them interact. Each is getting older and the dynamics are ever changing.





Bikes, scooters and the skateboard were pulled out of the car. Laps were done. Rollerblades were donned and help was provided. Of course, the rope was also retrieved from the car, and much hilarity ensued. The kiddos worked on tying the rope to each other and the skateboard. They would run as fast as possible pulling their victim cousin along for a speedy ride often ending in a crash into a curb. This combination of pulled and pulley involved the bikes, skateboard and even the rollerblades. Each walked away with the knowledge that if you don't like the speed instead of screaming for the puller to slow down, just let go of the rope! No one was hurt and the laughter was infectious.


Wheeled vehicles were eventually cast aside for more of the rope. After climbing the nearby trees, Eamon and Aine decided it would be great fun to tie the rope between two. They worked on either end tying grand knots. Eamon was the first to attempt the tightrope holding tightly onto the branches swaying above his head. He didn't progress very far the first time and his cries for help were a bit comical since he was only a couple feet off the ground. Each of the kiddos and their cousins took turns. Comments about monkey toes abounded. Soon the play turned to hanging from the rope and attempting to cross that way. Amidst all this fun, the sprinklers came on and children and mamas went running!

With water spraying, the children began running and dancing throughout the grass. They yelled and sang as they played in the water. Holding hands and running through the spray elicited such happiness. They enjoyed the moment and the spraying water as temperatures hovered near 80 on this fine fall day. It was such a fun time with their cousins. I am glad that they know and love these people and have them nearby to play with often.

Best Gift

Every year when prompted for gift ideas, we ask for memberships for local museums for our family. I love these gifts. One of my favorites is our membership to the Arizona Science Center. This little membership card gives us access to many museums nationwide. We used our membership last year during our trip to the midwest and coastal plains visiting a children's museum, natural history museums and another science museum. This year we used it during our recent trip to California.

The first use was at the La Habra Children's Museum. This fun little hands-on museum is located in an old train depot. There are many rooms filled with items to explore. The path to the entrance was lined with dinosaur prints on the ground as well as a few to climb.

 Benton was pleased to find a carousel inside and rode it for as long as he could. Nearby his brother and sister played in an bus mock-up. Eamon pretended to be a crazy driver, while we pretended to fly off our seats or jump onto the swiftly moving vehicle.

An art room was next. Aine spent quite a bit of time in this room studying the works of art and creating her own. While she created, Eamon was drawn to the train display. He has consistently expressed an interest in locomotives. It was a test, but he waited patiently for the 10 minute train cool-down between one minute runs.

 The animal room proved to be exciting for all three kiddos. The coolest past was that you were able to touch the taxidermy. This was so exciting for Benton who showed a bit of trepidation when he touched the ferocious, bounding lion. Eamon thought the antlers were cool experimenting with them as his own headgear.

A room with a stage and a plethora of dress-up garb was next. I think this was Aine's favorite room. She performed several song and dance numbers. Her costume changes were fantastic, and she know wants her own pair of high heels. Eamon worked the sound booth and then joined her acting out a play. It was truly hysterical.

The final spot was full of a tree house, trucks, puppets and building materials. Eamon built a large house and then took turns with Benton building boxes in which to hide. Eamon performed a puppet show, and Aine read a few books in the lofty tree house.

We left only when they announced closing time. The kids had so much fun; they wanted to return the next day.

The second time we used our membership's reciprocity feature was during our visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The trip to the museum was a bit arduous as we had to deal with LA traffic. The first portion of the exploration was a bit tough due to hungry bellies and too much time in the car. We stopped and ate our lunch in the open gallery area, and were recharged.

We were fortunate to view the new Dino Hall exhibit. It was chock fun of dinosaur bones and information. The coolest was a set of three T Rex skeletons. The kiddos were quite impressed, but the part that really amazed them was on the top floor.

 On the upper floor is a room with true paleontologists working. We watched two working on various dinosaur fossils. It was very interesting to see the tools in action. The kiddos wondered about the masks they wore and the loud machinery.

The upper floor also had a hands on children's area. Aine spent quite a bit of time assembling a dinosaur skeleton. Benton used the telescope to find birds and squirrels on the museum complex lawn. (yes, I did tell him to turn it around for better viewing).

This was another great trip due to our museum membership. The kiddos preferred the first museum. I think the combination of a long drive and hungry bellies overshadowed the dinosaurs.

They're Experts

While waiting for Grandpa to meet us, we visited a park near his home. After conquering the play structure, the kids immediately started climbing the adjacent large trees. They were excited to find large lush trees ready for their attempts. Eamon immediately located some small eggs in the bark. He surmised that the eggs were butterfly larvae.

Aine joined the hunt.Together we then found several small insects on the trunk and limbs of the tree. Aine and Eamon then began building a fairy house.Soon another child joined them in their search for insects and the creation of a fairy city. Benton spotted a lady bug which was passed around the kiddos.

They played in and around the tree for quite a long time exploring the habitat and creating one of their own. Soon the other little girl had to leave. As she left she told her mother, "But I want to play with them. They are experts!"

Been Ruminating

I have been quiet lately. I am not sure if it is the change of seasons or just a general funk. We are trying news things and exploring different options here. I finished cleaning up our main living areas. I still have our bedroom to tackle, but already the house feels better.

The kiddos are deciding what activities they want to pursue this summer. Unlike our big trip last summer, we are staying home this year. Eamon wants to continue with swim team and ceramics. Aine would like to join the swim team again as well as gymnastics and horseback riding. Benton wants to swim and play. 

I am devising ways to play, learn and enjoy the summer despite the heat. I am sure lots of time will be spent swimming, reading, going on day-trips and perhaps camping a bit. I plan on updating everyone a bit better.

Best Buds

Benton and William spent some time today on the tricycle.  Benton enjoys running after William trying to catch a ride.

Hideouts

Eamon, Aine and Benton created their own fort in the family room today.  They continued to enhance the fort with playsilks and pillows.  They quite enjoyed their creation and were very disappointed when it was time to put the room back together.

LEGO Mania

Everyone here loves building and creating.  Currently the media of choice is LEGOS.  Eamon has quite a few sets that he received for his birthday including two Star Wars sets from Craigslist.  He loves building with them.  Aine enjoys building with the plain blocks creating houses, buildings and vehicles.  Benton grabs for the Duplos and builds large towers which he can then knock down.  They will often be found with their heads together creating LEGO masterpieces.

Everyday Happenings