Nana is settling in well with daily life at the 4 Webb's house. We threw her a curve ball by adding another set of 11 year old twins (Ben and Trinity) to our house for two days. She agreed to help out above and beyond even what is needed to keep Kendra's leg elevated and Easton and Layla cared for. Our friends were needed in California urgently so we gladly hosted their two kids. We had a great time and I'm happy to have the chance for the two sets of twins to play together.
We started off with an early morning trip to drop off their parents at the airport. Then we spent the afternoon at the Arizona Science Center. The rationale went something like this:
A) burn a few hours
B) indoors to avoid heat stroke
C) while providing entertainment
D) for 3 years olds
E) and 11 year olds
F) without being illegal
Those qualifications narrowed my search to a few options and the science center was the clear winner.
$115 later (of course I opted for the annual membership and planetarium show) we were up to our necks in scientific learning. The construction room was a big hit with all 4 kids. Clearly I need to invest in a box of small wooden planks.
The planetarium was basically an IMAX theater where the screen is a dome directly over head. The topic was "black holes". Easton and Layla loved the airplane building show in OKC so this was supposed to be an easy success. However, the girl with the microphone who M.C.'d the show introduction did the unthinkable. The lights were dimming and she gave her introduction to the show by saying, "Who's ready to be sucked into a black hole?" The audience half-heartedly cheered, but Easton and Layla freaked out. He grabbed my leg and said, "I don't want to be sucked into a black hole!"
Layla just sat terrified in her seat. I spent the next 20 minutes quietly convincing Easton she was just kidding. He finally perked up when a spaceship flew by, but Layla was beyond consolable. Nana took her out to enjoy some puzzles while the rest of us finished the show. Nana finished a session of therapy just as we were exiting the theater.
All is well and no permanent damage was done. If time permitted I would have found the inept M.C. and gave her a piece of my mind. Really? does she seriously believe a room full of small kids need to be scared spitless of being sucked into a black hole? I wanted my money back, but choosing my battles is something I've been working on lately.
The six of us wandered from floor to floor stopping at every interesting scientific concept. The mazes were cool. The fun-house mirrors in the mazes were awesome. Here are Easton and Layla as "little people".
Another maze was laced with randomly placed instruments. This was the noisiest maze I've ever seen. I could always tell where Layla was in the maze because she beat the instruments like no other kid could.
Easton preferred the bongos, but his interest was scientific more than just attempting to make noise. He kept looking underneath and when he saw me he wanted to know where the noise was coming from. He is Mr. inquisitive and I love it.
The oddest exhibit was a dam building area. water would poor down the sloped steel sheet and kids were able to build dams with plastic tools and gravel. I never would have thought of this little experiment.
From left to right you see Trinity, Ben, Layla, and Easton on this shadow wall. The bubbles coming down were projected from above. They all enjoyed pretending to eat the bubbles. Such simple fun...
The image warping station produced serious belly laughs from everyone around. Seeing their faces distorted on the big screen was hilarious!
Trinity and Ben bravely laid on the BED OF NAILS! (queue the evil torture music) They laid on the plastic surface and a hydraulic lift raised the bed of nails up.
Kendra stayed at home with her leg elevated as directed by the doctor. I realized how herding 4 kids by one adult is nearly impossible. Thank God for Nana. She braved the highway traffic and insanity of the science center. She obviously is mentally and physically fit from adventures with my nieces and nephews in Missouri.
Back at the ranch Easton and Layla's favorite moments unfolded as Trinity and Ben split off for boy time and girl time separately. Easton had the time of his life with Ben just playing guns and cars and planes.
Layla convinced Trinity to play dress up and tea party, but no boys were allowed... even Daddy with a camera.
We also took an extended afternoon swim in the pool, played in the park and splash pad, terrorized Toys R' Us, and watched the movie Rio. I can't wait to get back to work on Monday so I can rest.
Kendra's knee is doing very well. The bandages are off and she is able to support her weight around the house. Mentally she has cabin fever times 100 because she wants OUT of the house, but physically her knee is healing well. Can't ask for more than that!
See you soon.
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