Chino Youth Museum

The cousins were so excited to see Matt on Tuesday! They had something extra special planned for the kid...

Our weekly playdate had missed Cheekfeast last week due to transportation issues. To see pictures of the cousins playing at the waterpark, view album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtsadsad/SplashPark?feat=email#

Zach did a great job in the water and of course the girls really enjoyed themselves. I'm sure Matt would have a great time so we'll have to revisit this event especially with the summer heat we're expecting to get. James' blog mentioned 120 degree temperatures in Iraq and while we don't expect to get there, we'll still rub it in when we're splashing in the fountains with his kid.

Since the big girls are pros at daytrips, Kate and Ashley planned a special tour for the boys. Zach was excited but Aunt Shannon grumbled at getting up so early. Props to Aunt Tonya who made all the arrangements to get up at dawn and fight traffic to pick up Matt. Sidenote: I am definitely open to commuting arrangements, suggestions and/or ways to share transportation if anyone has ideas!

I heard the car ride was a thrill for Matt who was excited to see Aunt Tonya. He used many new words to describe things he saw along the way including "truck" and "car". Matt talked Aunt Tonya's ear off and she couldn't get a word in edgewise! Once we all finally got to the secret destination, the Chino Youth Museum, the kids were antsy to get out and play. This is a great museum designed for kids that is truly interactive. Here is more information about the museum: http://www.chinoyouthmuseum.com/

When we arrived the kids all split into different directions. Kate immediately befriended another little girl, Ashley went to explore the science exhibit, Matt headed for the stairs (of course) and Zach found a quiet corner to take his nap.

The museum is designed so the kids can explore on their own but moms can still keep an eye on multiple wandering kids. We explored the solar system, a playhouse, a new water stages exhibit, police and firefighters jobs, house set-up, barn with slide(!), mail system and a coloring center.

Again, I say this every time but its great to see the different developmental stages with these kids. Kate organized the tour through the different sections, Ashley used all the tools and buttons to manipulate features, Matt was so excited to experience something new he ran everywhere and really had a chance to use his new words, and Zach newly mobile walked on his own and explored simple movement tasks like opening doors and climbing.

I always enjoy going to the museum and even got in the action. Tonya did me no favors by taking pictures to capture the moment! No, I'm not sick - I just look horrible in the photos. And drumroll... here are the pictures with captions to describe the events better than I can narrate: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtsadsad/ChinoYouthMuseum?feat=email#slideshow/5329847591245060546

Four kids five and under up at dawn and overstimulated. Well, you can understand we took an early lunch at the water fountain. Kate and Ashley obviously have great motor skills and understand boundaries, Matt has good motor skills (loves climbing!) and learning boundaries, Zach is just feeling comfortable walking and can't escape so the boundaries are not an issue. But the boys try to keep up with the girls and go everywhere they do, so the aunts looked alternately like pack mules and traffic cops. Needless to say we found a quiet spot on the grass for lunch.

Again, the girls finished lunch quickly and went to play while the boys take twice as long. But this gave Matt the chance he was looking for to steal Aunt Tonya. He sat in her lap and wouldn't budge. He was very attached to her and wanted her in his sight every moment. While he has definitely bonded with the gang, the activities are still new to him and he wanted the comfort of Aunt Tonya. But poor Aunt Tonya had to manage to carry Matt (who we know is not a little waif) and contest with Ashley who was not jealous per se but was trying to figure out her role not as the baby in the mix. Despite my lamentations, it really was a fun day - and naps were had by all including the aunts!