family

The Grand Fairies and I had a little hitch in our summer plans, with my inner ear issues.  We had to cut back a smidge.

Finally, I was able to get out of the house (and felt like I'd crawled out of a dark pit, after so long of feeling bad).  They'd kept me company while I was down, we watched some baking competition shows and had our own contests with playdoh creations, and some ice cream concoctions.  We had fun, but desperately needed a day out, I'd been in front of the TV for far too long.

So, when I finally felt up to driving, we headed to the zoo.  And spent about 8 hours there. 

It is a small zoo, too. 

And we didn't even see all of it.  But what we did do, we did thoroughly!  We spent lots of time on the things we enjoyed, lingered over lunch while watching a baby giraffe, and they spent some time in the kids' zone, while I relaxed on a shady park bench with a good book.

The water flume where treasure hunters could mine for gemstones in bags of sand and gravel was a big hit.  We also discovered that not all of the other kids were as dedicated to nabbing every last stone, and dropped quite a few in the mulch or in the bottom of the rushing water. Over the course of the afternoon,  Sugarwings found as many crystals in the mulch as she did in the bag of dirt we purchased.  

Yep, she was pretty into it.  

We met some new friends too.

It was just the day out that I needed.

The grand fairies and I have a summer plan that includes daily regular crafting (well dur)  as well as a special craft project, like pour painting, when they are with me plus a weekly outing.

Last week, we chose Crown Center in KC for our day out.

It has been a favorite of ours for years, there is always a lot going on, and we never have quite enough time there.  They have asked to go back for another trip later on this summer too, so we can see Legoland and Sealife.

We spent some time enjoying the fountains, then saw a play, "Goosebumps."

Afterwards they explored the kid area with the changing theme. In the past there has been fairy tales, Wizard of Oz, recycling, science, etc.  Right now, it is Trivial Pursuit, with facts about each state.

It is always interesting, and always free.

You are never too old to try out the exhibits, huh?

Actually, I found a dark corner that was set up with two adirondack chairs for star gazing, and I spent most of my time back there reading a book while the kiddos checked out the other 49 states.  I'm not sure which state I was parked in, but it was nice and homey.  

Afterwards, we spent time crafting at Kaleidoscope.  (Free also, sponsored by Hallmark)

You can paint, melt crayons in a black light room and paint with the wax, create a crown, or a puzzle.  There is so much to do there, one session never seems long enough. But the place is downtown KC, and I'm leery about staying too long and running into bad traffic at 5 going home. The girls understand that sometimes I can act like a little, old lady and are fine with moving on to something else to fit in what we can.

They always like to eat at the Crayola Cafe, which is seriously aimed at kids.  The adult side of the menu seems like a kid menu too, but I make up for a not so great lunch by having a decadent cupcake at Small Cakes afterward.

We toured the Hallmark visitors center where you can make a bow. (free)

And we met a children's book author who talked to the girlies about his stories.

Yep, we will probably go back again this summer.  It might have to become a regular thing for us if this heat doesn't break.  Zoos and other outings don't sound like as much fun on 100 degree days.  And that adirondack chair is tempting me and my book to return….