stay-cation continued...

Stay-cation came to a screeching halt on Wednesday when I had to unexpectedly go out of town for work. I know that I rarely talk about work on here but working in the IT department for a rather large bank that is going through a merger can be a bit tumultuous. Such is life, I suppose. So Paul had to work from home in order to take the big kids to VBS, and then he had to shoo them out of the house (where they mostly hung out at the neighbors, I think) for the afternoon. Today we were back on track, and I took the kids to a local science center for the afternoon.

While there we had the opportunity to sniff out herbs in the herb garden,

check out the local wildlife,

observe interesting foliage,

and spend much time at the favorite otter habitat.

We love watching the otters zip through the water right in front of us, and Philip thinks they like an audience since they show off so much.

We moved a very heavy stone ball (with the help of water, of course),

rode in a vaccuum chair,

and manuevered a robotic arm.

We thought it was fun to make our own family reunion by duplicating ourselves to infinity.

And we laughed at Philip's silly contorted face.

We liked the instruments the best in the African exhibit.

And discovered a fascinating health room with a skeleton puzzle. (Elizabeth was more interested in the fetuses behind Philip.)

We also saw a show in the planetarium and explored a shadow exhibit that were difficult to photograph. All-in-all, a lovely stay-cation activity.

Please keep Paul's mom in your thoughts and prayers. She's currently in the hospital suffering from cancer and Paul is traveling to see her. Thanks.