The End of Summer Edition

Our summer days are melting away faster than a Popsicle left out in the sun. School starts in four days and we are trying to pack in as much fun as we can before it's back to the grind. This week we were constantly on the go, seeing and doing. Our mornings were filled with adventures, our afternoons filled with naps, and our evenings were spent at the pool. Isn't summer the best? I'm so sad it's coming to an end.

The highlights!

Noah's Ark

Marcus and I managed to slip away one Friday afternoon and hit up what I think is possibly one of the neatest children's exhibits in all of Los Angeles - Noah's Ark at the Skirball Center.

This giraffe was easily an entire story tall. Kids could crank a wheel and make it's neck and head turn.

So many parts of the exhibit were movable: the giraffe on the left side of the picture moved up and down and side to side with two different wheels. That gap in the ark? Kids could patch it up with puzzle like pieces. See that spider in the middle of the photo? It moved up and down with a pulley. These types of animals and features were all over! I didn't even capture a fraction of it all.

The photos simply do not do this place justice. EVERYTHING is hands on. Each animal is made from recycled items - see the owls? The wings are fans, the body is a coil of some sort, and the tail feathers are darts! Every animal in the place was constructed like this. It was mind blowing.

The Skirball Center currently has a baseball exhibit on display, so we took advantage of some of that as well.

We had the best day, just the two of us. Our one-on-one time was so good for us both. I wish we could carve out more time for little dates like this.

The Science Center

Places where I can take the kids and let them touch and try and learn (even though they don't really know they're learning) are easily among my favorite places to venture. The California Science Center has quickly become one of our choice places to explore.

I about died when Marcus insisted that he needed to wear a lifejacket on the boat where he was 'fishing.'

Julia loved cruising around the place while Marcus tried everything he could get his hands on.

Marcus had no idea what this cell exhibit was all about, but he went back to it no less than three different times.

Girl friend thought spinning that red tube was about the greatest thing since applesauce pouches.

Bonus points: the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum being just steps from the Science Center.

Kidspace

Because we have no choice but to drive through downtown traffic to get to Kidspace, we don't go as often as I'd like. But, the place is out of the world. There are so many outdoor activities, indoor activities, and a stream where kids can splash and play.

I wish I would have snagged a few more photos of all the amazing things this place has to offer. I guess we were just too busy having fun to bother with a camera!

More bonus points: Kidspace is located just across the street from the Rose Bowl.

The Beach

We met up with some friends this week for a little (or in Julia's case, a LOT of) sand, salt, and sea.

So many holes were dug and waves were jumped by the boys. Julia just wanted in on all the action, too.

Julia also thought the sand was a perfectly acceptable snack all morning long.

Did I mention our afternoons have been filled with naps... From both kids? It's been magnificent.

This weekend looks to be low-key, which I don't mind one bit. Next week we start Pre-K, and I think a mellow weekend is just what we all need before returning to the bustle of our regularly scheduled programming.

Have a great weekend!