The Sunshine In Our February

Due to a past traumatic experience, it's been awhile since I've braved a children's museum. Having the support of my Mom, we ventured out to a nearby museum this morning. I was super impressed and delighted by each of the exhibits but quickly learned that it was essential to have my Mom with us as my children's attention was captured by different activities at different times.

For example, while Eliza and my Mom played doctor at the Teddy Bear hospital, Henry spent his time repeatedly sliding down the anal shaped slide (see below).
I couldn't help but hear Andrew's laughter as the exhibit made loud, flagellant vibrations each time a child climbed the steps of that charming slide.

The real hit of the day was the water play area created for the enjoyment of children five and under. It had been up to them, we would have spent our entire day there.

My Mom's winter trip to the South has been filled with ups and downs. For the sake of laughter, the few downer moments include:

• the haircut my Mom received at the hands of a teenager with a purple mo-hawk,
  
• Henry breaking her reading glasses and
  
• the cancellation of our trip to Biltmore (largest home in America).

(Speaking of being a downer...)

The "up" moments, which are far more common, deserve a more detailed remembrance, but currently my Mom is cleaning out my dirty microwave for something to do - which is surely a sign of... what... charity? boredom? Clearly I need to wrap this up :)

But I will say this; we made it to Wicked!! Three days later and I'm still searching for a superlative(s) worthy of describing my immense enjoyment of that show. I have to ask. Has anyone else had the great pleasure of having their Elphaba portrayed by the insanely talented Marcie Dodd? Let us gush. She was phenomenal. They all were.

(Not Marcie Dodd)

(my gorgeous child)

We've enjoyed good health, the season premier of Survivor 20 (heroes vs. villains) and dodged a load of nasty winter weather. I'm relishing in her presence and am trying to ignore the sadness that is creeping into my heart as I realize that her departure from the South is imminent. To my Dad who misses her and to my brother who is frustrated that she isn't around to help him find his check book, oil, vinegar, etc; thank you for sharing your piece of sunshine with me and my family.