Caution: Artist at Work

Last week we made a trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum and visited the Rosenthal Education Center. We have been a few times before, but not recently. The theme of the activities was the ancient world and there were several activities to do (beading, hieroglyphics, constellations, mythical creature creations). Sophia spent most of her time making New Year's Eve hats, but she also enjoyed making "a tall tall tower like Rapunzel". 

After all of the blocks, bricks, and stones had been used I had Sophia knock down her tower so that some of the other children could build. Unfortunately that led to an epic meltdown that stopped us from touring the rest of the museum. Hopefully we will be able to make a return trip to explore some of the other activities before the exhibit changes.

COSI

Last month we planned a day trip to Columbus, which is about an hour and a half from where we live. I came up with a list of activities to keep us entertained, but we decided to start with COSI and ended up spending the day there.

We started at the Ocean Exhibit where Sophia went into a submarine and explored the controls. Her favorite part of the Ocean area was building with the k'nex and making creatures. I think she followed the directions to make three of them before we left to explore more of the museum.

Next stop was outdoors for the Big Science Park where the highlight was lifting up a car. Sophia liked that the car lifted her off the ground too!

We ventured upstairs to the Space exhibit. Sophia got to ride in a space capsule, test her armchair astronaut skills, and make a mini movie. Her favorite part was sitting on the toilet that is used on a shuttle. She has been potty trained for awhile, but I felt the need to keep reminding her that it was just a display toilet and not the real thing.

For convenience we ate lunch in the courtyard of the museum and spent a few minutes exploring part of a riverfront park. Sophia just wanted to run and didn't have much patience for a Mama who wanted to take a few pictures.

When we returned inside, we spent some time pretending in the Little Kidspace. I hope whenever our local children's museum gets freshened up it looks more like this. 

When we were able to drag Sophia away, Dave and Sophia headed to the Gadgets area. Emma and I took a milk break and I found Dave and Sophia in the crowds of summer camp kids making their contraptions fly in the wind tunnels. This exhibit was fun, but loud.

Progress was Sophia's least favorite exhibit. She was the three year old walking around saying "I don't like 1962." She did enjoy riding the 10 cent rocket and being a news broadcaster, but kept asking when we would be back at the museum. Ha!

We briefly visited the Life and Energy Explorers exhibits, but we did not take in any of the live shows this time around. I am looking forward to a return visit when the girls are a little older so they can both explore and enjoy the museum.

We were at the museum from open to close. After stopping for dinner at Cap City Fine Diner (which was so good!) we make our journey back home. 

What should we do next time we make the trip to Columbus?

F-A-M-I-L-Y {part 2}

The last post had a few too many pictures, so here is a little bit more from our adventures with Grandpop, Nana, and Uncle Buy-in.

Dave was off on Sunday and we headed over to Krohn Conservatory to check out the butterflies.

Had the weather cooperated, we would have enjoyed a picnic at Eden Park, but it was raining so we went out to lunch and then spent the rest of the day playing at the house.

On Monday we said goodbye to Grandpop and Nana and our swagger wagon. Sophia was rather upset to say goodbye to the Grands, but she was also quite sad to say goodbye to third row seating and her very own cup holder. I, on the other hand, was quite happy to get back to my compact little hatchback.

After lunch at Dave's restaurant, we visited the Children's Museum for the first time. I'm not sure who enjoyed themselves more - Bryan or Sophia. I was happy to cuddle Emma and be an observer. 

Tuesday brought an end to our adventures with family. Sophia was thrilled to bring Uncle Buy-in to watch her at gymnastics before we brought him to the airport. Don't be too fooled by the picture below. Sophia was genuinely sad to say goodbye to her uncle, but at this particular moment she was over tired and wanted chocolate more than she wanted to give him a hug.

The best news of this whole post is that the girls and I are headed to Pennsylvania to visit with family. Not thrilled about the price of plane tickets so we are taking a nice long road trip. Wish us luck!

create.

We made our first trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum to explore their new art education space. I had not yet taken Sophia to an art museum since she loves to touch everything. The best thing about the Rosenthal Education Center is that was designed to be interactive - perfect for my hands on little lady.

Sometimes you have to sit on the table to be creative.

Weaving ribbons - her way.

The highlight of the trip was the light box. 

Sophia spent the majority of her time "making robots" which looked like tall towers of shapes.

 Before we left the space, Sophia made a sun catcher.
I loved watching her concentration while she was cutting and arranging the shapes.

We had the best tour guides while we walked through the museum,
which was a little tricky with a toddler who loves to touch everything.