Virtaland

This post comes live from my parents house up north in Mass. My mom took the train to us and made the drive with me (despite my best protests). The ride was fantastic, timed for nap and filled with chicken nuggets they slept for 3 hours of the 4 hour trip! On the way my mom mentioned that she and my dad had been talking about taking all the kids to Disneyland. Although it would be fun, I think they will appreciate it more in a few years.
So, we pulled into the driveway and in the first hour the kids were given the tour of the new "Kids Room" complete with new beds and filled with toys, books, dolls, and anything a kid could dream of. Then they were introduced to chocolate milk for the first time. Before they took their coats of my father wheeled two new bikes into the room. Did I mention the new guitar, drums and harmonicas?
Seriously. Disneyland has nothing on this place.

New Jersey Childrens Museum

We spent the morning at the New Jersey Children's Museum, the perfect place for a rainy day. Of course, growing up at the Boston Children's Museum sets a pretty high standard, but this place is nice too. We went there once before for a birthday party 6 months ago. Wow, what a way to track development! 6 months ago they didn't talk nearly as much, had difficulty climbing on some exhibits, and had a lot more hesitation while exploring. Tyler slept the whole time we were there before, today he was all over the place! All 3 loved the sand box, although Tyler ate a little more than I was comfortable with, ick. Another hit was the music room, grocery store, and pizza shop. Im looking forward to returning this winter.

Bedtime Stories

Im about to load some pictures on to the computer for a post about the children's museum today - but their little voices floating down the stairs are killing me. They are into reciting their favorite books to each other before they go to sleep. Two of the top choices from the library this week are "Shaggy, Waggy Dogs" a book of photos and little poems about different breeds and Goldilocks. Here is what I hear:

"Shaggy, Waggy Dogs! Im a dog that likes to play. I can play all day. Catch that Frisbee. That's a Peedle, Drew." (she means poodle)

"Unsa ona time, there were 3 bears in the woods. The Daddy bear, mommy bear, and the wee little baby bear. Too Hot! Just right! She broke the chair to pieces! No one knows."