We picked up the boys early on Thursday afternoon (right after nap was over at school) and we headed off to the airport. We were off to Indianapolis for Colin's cousin Britt's wedding. Although Parker had flown a few times before, this was his first flight where he had some understanding of how the world works... turns out flight is something he is still not too comfortable with. At the airport Parker had a blast. He loved all the action at the airport and all the planes were exciting to Carter and Parker. Once we boarded, Carter took a seat at the window and Parker sat with Colin and alternated watching people load and looking out the window with Carter.
All was great till take off... as soon as we were above the tree line and were looking down at the city Parker's little wheels started turning... and he knew something wasn't right. He started pointing to the window and yelling "NO!" with the most serious and terrified look we have seen. As long as we kept the windows closed, he was good. Small problem though, his 3-year old brother was fascinated looking out the window so there was a constant struggle between the two. Luckily the flight wasn't too long and we were soon in Indy, at the hotel, and ready to take a rest for the long extended wedding weekend to come.
We woke up early Friday and loaded Carter, Parker, and cousin Britt's son JR into the cars with Grandma and Grandpa and were off the the Indianapolis Children's museum. First, let me say, if you have a chance to be in Indy with kids, go here. This museum was huge and amazing in the exhibits and details. Really a good time for everyone.
We started in the dinosaur area. Carter was a little scared in the darkened area with fossilized dinos, but all three kids soon found their calling helping to excavate a new find.
Proper protection is a requirement
After some pretend time with dinos
We were off to see some real dino fossils and watch the researchers do some real work on new found bones.
...after some learning, back to the fun. Little Dinos on the march!
Not to be outdone, right next to the dino exhibit was a toddlers next best subject matter. Trains. Their were a number of model train displays and a number of fun wooden trains to play on. Needless to say we were in this area for a good 30mins.
Moving through more exhibits, turns out Carter is not a fan of priceless Chinese terracotta guards. Luckily they were rubberized replicas.
No good story here for our scuba man, but a sweet picture as he prepped.
While Carter and JR worked on their own Chihuly work of art.
Mom, Dad, Parker, and JR found a great rotating recliner. Above was the underside of a real glass sculpture. It was like being in a real kaleidescope. Good fun for all
Moving on, there was a brief lesson on flight from Orville Wright himself (unfortunately, this hands on type lecture did nothing for Parker's flight fears on the way home).
After the lesson, all the boys were ready for some bouncy time. Parker was so proud to be playing with the big boys.
Being Indy, there had to be a racecar!
When getting our tickets, we were told to checkout the playscape on the third floor. Grandpa led the way with two eager explorers in hand.
We immediately got there and it was time for the music story. Carter and JR sat on the floor, both grabbed some maracas, and were working the music track while the extended 3 little pigs was told by the music director.
Parker, on the other hand, couldn't stay still, so he and Mom were off to the toddler area to put their butterflies to "flight" and explore the other playscape items
Soon the story ended and it was time to crawl around the leaf jungle gym, play with the indoor creek, and continue our new found excavation skills in the many sandboxes.
Rounding out our trip included a trip to the middle east. Turns our Parker is an excellent rickshaw driver. I think JR might have stiffed him on the fare.
Where was Carter? Every children's museum he goes to, he finds the store and really gets into his role as a shop owner.
The last exhibit was a bit over the kids head, it was all about Avatar as though the world and movie were real. One neat thing was letting the kids partake in their own
video by having them move through a virtual field and their movements were then interpreted into the Avatar world
Carter and JR did a great job following directions
All Parker knew was stand in the circle... all other actions were a non-starter
It was a great time at the museum, but it was time to leave. We were not able to make it through the whole place but had a blast. Time to say by to bumble-bee and get in a quick nap before the rehearsal dinner.
Dinner was at a nice italian place downtown. Parker and Carter had a blast (but struggled staying still). Luckily there was a lot of family help to keep them entertained.
After a few cousin walks around the block, it was time to hit the hay and get ready for a fun wedding day to come
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