~Day 2• 13: Just be happy it's water, mom.

This morning I had a meeting with Cailee's 1st grade teacher. She wanted to discuss Cailee's progress.  She has made improvements, but still has a long way to go.  We are struggling with some issues, so I hope we find some answers to help her out.  I know we will.  I just have to be patient.

The kids were allowed to leave school today.  I missed a picture of Ashton, but I caught Brookie outside the school.  She looks so grown up today.

The kids wanted to take grandma and grandpa to the science center today.  That's why I let them miss school.  There is a giant telescope as you walk into the center, and you are shown different pictures, but everyone around you can see your giant eye on a screen above.  They all needed to take a turn. And while we waited for our tickets, Cailee found a vent that was making her skirt puffy.  She kept twirling and twirling.  It was cute.

We stopped in the building section first.  This section is usually very busy when we go, so we skip it.  We all had fun building and learning about structures. 

We found a table that contained a bunch of different shaped blocks.  Most of us sat down and just put shapes together.  It was actually very therapeutic and enjoyable.  Brookie was happy with her 'smiling flower.'  I was just happy that my shapes fit together.  I had no real shape.

While we walked to the next room, I stopped to get a drink of water.  It tasted kind of nasty,and I said as much.  Cailee piped up and said, "Just be happy it's water, mom."  Yes.  I was happy it was water.  I need to look at life more like my cute 6-year-old.  Be grateful for what we have.

We then went to the planetarium.  We saw a cool picture about the planets and the universe.  (this is the green picture in the center) After it was over, Ashton had to go and ask the presenter a question.  He was very enthusiastic and knew a great deal about the universe.  I'm always amazed at what knowledge he has stored away.

The next stop was the kids' favorite place: the forces of nature.  There is a long, steel bathtub-like thing with water and sand.  It represents erosion.  Ashton and Cailee gravitate to that thing EVERY time we go.  Today was no different.  While we were in the center of the room experiencing the different elements of the earth, Cailee (upper left picture) was all by herself at the bathtub.  She doesn't mind doing things on her own.  It's kind of cute and I like that she can entertain herself.  

Brookie and grandma were reading about the Roosevelt Dam in the top right picture.  They look very serious.

Next room was the digital room.  The kids love this too.  Top left they are 'virtual kicking' little minion-like robots.  Then Cailee and grandpa went to catch the virtual water.  I love that one!  Then the kids learned about the HAM radio and morse code from two very nice volunteers.  (side note, I work for the company whose founder created the HAM radio.  Avnet.  So this was fascinating to me)  The kids were able to send their names across the radio waves, or whatever they go across, and became certified for sending their names.  It was fun.

After 2 1/2 hours, you get a bit exhausted.  But we couldn't leave without visiting another favorite room.  This is the electric room, or the motion room.  I don't remember the exact name.  The kids went straight for the turnstyle in the center of the room.  They had to go on that one two or three times, at least.  My favorite thing is watching the iron dust trees dance to music.  I could sit there all day to watch them.  (and we spent about 3 hours there today... the kids would have stayed longer, but the adults were tired)

Apparently the kids were tired too.  This was the view of the back seat.  My dad was asleep in the seat next to me.  I think my mom was probably close to dozing... it was a very fun day.  We were going to drive up to the summit of South Mountain so my parents could see the whole valley at once, but the road was closed until the middle of February for construction.  I was bummed.

Cailee offered to help me make dinner tonight.  We were making Chicken Roll Ups.  She helped stir the mixture for the center of the rolls.  Then she helped put the mixture on the rolls and then roll them up and put them in the pan.  What a good little helper!

And B had Activity Days tonight.  She dressed herself and brushed her hair.  She just looked so grown up today.  As she was running out the door, her hair flying behind her, I got a glimpse of what things might be like when she gets older.  She is growing up too quickly.

Today was a great day with my family!  All the kids were bouncing off the wall, and having meltdowns tonight.  They ended up having to put their ice cream in the sink because they couldn't quit messing around.  So they all went to bed unhappy. Maybe next time they will calm down when I ask them too while they eat.  Then they went to bed and promptly fell asleep.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day and it won't end so dramatically.  I still love my kiddos.  Very much.