The Circus and the Museum

What a nice weekend we had. Through a friend of the family (my second cousin-in-law's boyfriend) Nan was given tickets to the circus. The only downside was that I had to drive into Harrisburg - Nan doesn't have a license. But I did it and I am very proud of myself. The kids had a blast. It was a pretty small circus, very friendly atmosphere. It is fun sometimes to go out with extended family. Nan's sister and her whole clan was there. The babies got to play with their cousins, Nick and Carly. They are a year older than Boo, but my kids just adore them. The circus itself was fun, with trained tigers and lovely acrobats. The toys were overpriced but the food was quite reasonable for a live event. The kids were pretty good, except when I took Lij to the bathroom and left Liv with Nan - then she was naughty and hit the lady behind her (ouch - that's what Nan says anyway).



The next day, after work, Lee had to go to the State Museum to see a planetarium presentation put on by his Astronomy Professor. It was a movie about black holes. usually, you have to pay to get into the planetarium, but Lee has been able to get in free for school a few times. Of course I wanted to go to the Museum, too! Mommi, do you remember when we would go as kids? Lee took Boo into the planetarium with him, and Olivia and I headed off for the Mammal Room. She was a little upset that Daddy and Boo left without us, but we still managed to have a BLAST.

The Mammal Room was and is my favorite part of the State Museum. It is full of dioramas (just the word diorama gives me the Flash) of animals native to PA. I like to sit in front of them and pretend I'm right in the scene. Sitting right next to the white tailed deer. Listening for the little tweet of the cardinal. And best of all, the Mama Beaver and the four baby beavers, with the little dam you can look inside. *happy sigh* Olivia literally ran from one display to the next, telling me about them (too young to ask question but old enough to make it up as she goes along). It was pure delight for both of us. There was nothing on the third floor she did not love. She even liked the different crystals, telling me their colors.



There was also an exhibit of gowns from previous Governor's wives. Olivia LOVED this! She thought she was in princess heaven. I thought that this was rather mature of her :) She got very upset when Daddy did not want to stay and look at the pretty dresses.

So, anyway, after Lee and Lij got down with their movie, we all explored some more together. Lee and I both have childhood memories from the Museum. We talked about how walking through the Longhouse with the indians reminds us of our childhood. It took Lee years after Pap died to be able to go back at all, and he still sees things and says "Pap loved that." (Ouch)

I love museums. I think we are overdue to go back to the Smithsonian (yes already) and I have a fantasy about going to Chicago together someday so Lee can see the Gotham skyline and visit the aquarium and the museum of Science and Technology. *sigh* :) :)