Family Field-trips!

We have recently realized how much fun we have when we just pack the kids up in the car with some snacks and a stroller and head out! Sometimes we end up at the Indianapolis Zoo, other times it is the Indianapolis Children's Museum (the best in the country but who is bragging?) I should state we have always enjoyed doing these things with our kids, but as they get older, somehow it becomes more fun! The boys know what they like to go and see and they get excited thinking about the sharks at the zoo or the race car at the museum. It amazes me every time we go that their excitement never dwindles. 

With JJ recently turning 2, we decided that a trip to his favorite place was in order.....we just didn't realize how tough it would be this time to leave😊

I know this picture is a little blurry but again, the reaction of their faces as we go into the Dinosphere (the dinosaur exhibit at the museum)...PRICELSS! Every time we attend it's like they are going for the first time.

This is the center of the Dinosphere. An area where they play over speakers sounds of different dinosaurs "hunting" or "roaring." Also, every few minutes they play a rain storm simulation where strobe lights mimic lightning and animal sounds echo through the air. JJ lives for this simulation, Diego tries to convince us we won't have enough time to see anything else if we hang out too long (he is not a fan of the simulation.) 

Have you ever "smelled" a T-Rex's dinner?

Then you can walk out of the dome and watch archaeologists work on a new find or play with the molds of dinosaur claws and teeth. Our kids opt for the latter, pretending to claw things for dinner!

Even Madalynn claws for her pacifier sometimes. 

After the Dinosphere it is a battle as to where to go next. Diego always wants the trains where JJ wants the sandbox on the third floor. Since this was kind of JJ's birthday outing, we went to the sandbox. No biggie, Diego just entertained himself around the "watering hole."

After some water fun, Diego happily joined his brother!

We even got to sit in an Eagle nest!! One of JJ's favorite animals.

The day we went, we didn't realize was free family day sponsored by Target. So it started to get quite crowded and we told the kids one more stop. Of course....we HAD to go to the carousel so JJ could say hi to his buddy, the Tiger.

I don't think there are words to describe what JJ feels for this Tiger...HE LOVES IT!! While we were in line waiting to ride, another little boy had gotten on the Tiger. The carousel filled up so we had to wait again, but JJ screamed and cried and boldly yelled at the poor boy to "Get off MY tiger!!!" Others in line thought this was sweet while I of course was totally embarrassed. Fun fact about this carousel though: it's been around for over 30 years so Andy actually rode this exact same carousel as a little boy. Now our children get to enjoy it as much as I am sure daddy did when he was little!

Of course no museum trip is compete without a stop at the library on the way out for a good book!

It was a great day and it always is so fun to hang out as a family and do things with the kids. They are growing and learning everyday and we are so amazed at their different likes and dislikes and personalities! 

As a bonus to the day, Andy decided we should treat ourselves to some fried chicken....but not just any kind...had to be the "good kind" as my husband so convincingly puts it...

If you haven't already, visit the Indianapolis Children's Museum!! It's a fabulous place to spend the day or even just an hour or two😄