field trip

Posted on by

 

I drove into the city today to get the kids out of the house for a little while.

We went to the science center.

Years ago, when I first learned to drive, I was scared to death.  I hated every minute of driver’s ed.  It took me three tries to get my license (because of my nerves).  I was sooooo scared to drive.  I was scared to drive today, into the city, but I did it. It was much easier than I anticipated and the Lord was with me (really.  I had written down the wrong directions but still got there w/out getting lost, I credit the Lord for that!).  I had to park in a parking garage, I was nervous again, when I pulled in.  I drove up to the drop down bar and it did not lift up and I thought idiotically, “Oh no, it’s closed.”  Then, to my embarrassment I realized that I had forgotten to stop and get my ticket first, I had driven right by it.  The big man in the booth had to get out, walk to the ticket dispenser, and give it to me through my window.  I just said thank you like it was supposed to happen that way.  

So we parked and then got out the mammoth double stroller from the back of the vehicle, which I am very thankful for because it gives me an upper body workout.  I pushed it from the garage right straight INTO THE SCIENCE CENTER..so convenient!  so easy!  I was quite pleased that I did not have to walk outside on the streets of the city with the kids at all.  It will be nice to go back again on a rainy day.

Driving there was the most stressful part…once we were there I had a great time watching the children’s faces as they learned and explored a variety of scientific topics.

First stop….water play for David, Caleb, and Seth.  It was precious to see Sethie having fun, too.  Water and balls, you can’t get any better than that.  

They put on these little water proof smocks…so dear….and played around to their heart’s content.

This water went whirly whirly as the depth rose and fell….the little ones could throw balls into it and watch them move in the water.

The gray lego bases in this table had water flowing down them….Caleb is on the right hand side…doesn’t that other little boy look like his twin? 

After the water play, we explored some of the other rooms and then had lunch.  Rich works not far from the science center so I gave him a call so he could meet us for lunch.

It was such a treat to see him in the middle of the day.  So handsome and nice, my man is.

This was a marble run sort of game…only it used a few golf balls instead of marbles.  David LOVED this (and the other runs that they had)…he worked on it for quite a long time.

David has gotten calm and mature in the last few months.  He had a wonderful time today and was the first to say THANK YOU, MOM when we left to go home.

I had Davy take my picture, so I could remember that I was there, too.

By the way, as I was sitting with Sarah, I was also watching Seth and David play with the golf balls, and helping them when needed.  The four other children were in a different section of the room (in outerspace, if you must know).  Anyway, a nice lady came over to me to encourage me,  “You are so brave”, she said, “for venturing out with three children!”  Ironically, she didn’t seem impressed when I told her I had 7 with me, I don’t think it quite registered in her mind. 

 

After we explored and played, we went and watched a 3D movie about airplanes.  We left at 2 and my eyes were so tired.  I stopped and got myself a iced mocha from McDonald’s.  And 7 ice cream cones, one for each of us.

PS.  I just checked on baby Sarah.  Jacob is holding her on the couch and the two of them are sound asleep together.  I must go take a picture………

 

 

okay.

 

 

I’m back.

 

 

 

Are you ready…..

 

 

to see a very heart warming sight?

 

 

 

 

 

Here you go………

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace.

 

0 thoughts on “field trip”

  1. Good on’ya, Shanda. I have the same driving nerves here in Melbourne, but in spite of the occasional bad experience,it is usually worth getting out, although I am sure I have been honked at more in the last three months than in my entire previous driving life. I couldn’t figure out how to operate the gas pump yesterday and had to get help, but I am sure if I hadn’t been nervous about it, it would have been obvious.

    Reply ↓

  5. What a great time!  I’m glad you braved it and I’m wishing I was closer so I could take you up on that offer of joining you the next time with your membership.  My boys and your boys would have so much fun together!  And that last picture…oh my heart.

    Reply ↓

  6. you are much braver than i…never have got my license…would be terrified to drive here in the traffic we have…so much fun to watch the joy of your family in life…the kids are growing soooo fast…all so beautiful…suppose i should add handsome too as boys don’t really like to be beautiful huh…heheheh…>^,,^<

    Reply ↓

  8. Good for you driving into the city!  I was the opposite about driving.  I learned how at about 12 or 13 from my grandpa, and I couldn’t wait to get my license.  I took my test and got my license the day after my 16th birthday.  But I did grow up in the country.  I still don’t like city driving so much.  Looks like you and the kids had a wonderful day, and it is always nice to meet daddy for lunch (I was able to meet Ryan for a quick lunch today, too).  I really like your jacket- great color!  Don’t you just love those frosty cold mocha things from McDonalds??  We don’t get McDs very often, so it sounds really good.  Have a great weekend!

    Reply ↓

  11. That science center looks amazing, my girls would love the water play especially! It is so encouraging for me to hear that you were able to overcome your nerves enough to drive into the city – I hate, hate, hate to drive, and haven’t done it in two years, and I know that I need to just start again, but it is so hard to nerve myself up for it. Reading about other people’s bravery always inspires me!That last picture of Jacob and Sarah … one for the memory books, for certain!

    Reply ↓

  14. First off that last picture is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! And you’re thing about driving — I use to be like that with ladders. I just could not do them, but thankfully with lots of prayer I am no longer afraid of ladders!!!

    Reply ↓

  15. So glad you all had a great time and very happy that driving into the city wasn’t the challenge you expected it to be. It’s always refreshing when you prove to yourself you can do something with ease that you thought was going to present a problem. We have never been to a Science Center but do have one not far. After looking at those pics we may just pay it a visit.That last pictures is so incredibly precious. Moments like that are completely priceless.

    Reply ↓

  16. Shanda, I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your children, and you as well as Rich. I do not like to drive in the city either, so I can empathize with you. Glad that you braved it, though, and that you all had a great time together. What a precious picture of Jacob and Sarah!

    Reply ↓

  17. I LOVED the last picture. I love to see an older brother who loves his siblings. You’re right…that WAS heartwarming!!Good you risked it and got out! I do that too and it pretty much always goes well and we make so many good memories! Have a lovely weekend friend!

    Reply ↓

  20. I used to get pretty frazzled driving in our city, too. My sense of direction is in my pinky finger…. almost none! I can’t reverse directions, either, so my husband has to give me two sets — one to GET there and one to get BACK! I think I probably have some kind of learning disability! LOL! The kids looked like they had a wonderful time! It all looks like great fun. We know that play is the work of children, so I can understand why all were tired. They played HARD! That last picture is absolutely adorable!

    Reply ↓

  23. That last picture is so sweet!  As a mom, things like that just make your heart smile. =)I used to be afraid to drive into the city too. I would always take the train and then cabs to where I needed to go!  I am a little better about it now, I still prefer public transportation though, especially when I’m alone with the kids.  We are going to try to get to the children’s museum this week if it works out, and seeing your post, my 8 year old became even more excited!

    Reply ↓

  24. i love the science center!! (mostly cause alot of the stuff is hands on and i’m pretty much as excited as all the kids, though sometimes the little ones look at me like i’m odd!)so proud of you for driving into the city. i know that it can get quite overwhelming. I’m so proud of you…especially with all the kids to keep track of 😉 yay for a reward at the ‘end’ of the journey of an iced mocha for you and ice cream for the kids. love that pic of your oldest with the youngest

    Reply ↓

  25. We have a similar place in our city and I was JUST thinking about taking the girls. You’ve kinda nudged me a little further toward actually doing it! You look great and the last picture was so sweet!

    Reply ↓

  26. I love the picture of Grace with her dad. She is so pretty. 🙂 My, you are such a brave woman verturing out with THREE. Three would probably be a piece of cake for you! LOL Your last picture was truly heartwarming.

    Reply ↓

  27. Have you thought about getting a navigation system? It sure helps me to go places with confidence knowing I can always get home!

    Reply ↓

  28. That last picture is just too sweet! I am glad you had such a good day. I too don’t like driving in our closest “real” city. I’ve driven there a few times, each time swearing it was my last.

    Reply ↓

Leave a comment