The Magic House

While we were enjoying our Thanksgiving trip to St. Louis we had a chance to visit The Magic House, St.Louis' Children's Museum. It was great! Granted, it was busy, but very cool nonetheless. G'Ma and G'Pa joined us for a few hours of exploration. We were lucky to get a picture with everyones favorite curious monkey, George, and Troy got to be the Man With the Yellow hat!

I am huge fan of most museums that cater to the creative exploration of young minds. We have now been to Children's Museums in Atlanta, Saint Louis, and of course, Saint Paul. When we get a chance to go back to Columbus I look forward to taking the child to COSI. I loved going there as a kid and I think Owen will like it, too. One day (sigh) when we get the chance to take Owen to NYC we can overload him on museums there as well.

This keyboard not only played music it also played bubbles!

Just one of the great rooms at The Magic House

Musical and Beautiful and sturdy enough for kids to climb on. My kind of instrument!

This gadget was so cool! It was huge! Kids would push on one side and the shape would pop out on the other. Owen learned fast not to put his face on it! It's not like the little ones!

We had a great time and Owen said the next time we moved he wanted to move to St.Louis.

Thanksgiving in St. Louis

This year we headed for St. Louis, MO for the Thanksgiving holiday. Troy's aunt Barb was kind enough to host this food heavy holiday despite the fact that she was recovering from a recent surgury. Thanks, Barb! We love you!
We packed up the car and hit the road for the 620 (one way) mile trip. We had a really nice time and it was great to see everyone. Great Grandma White even made the trip down from Chicago with the Kinn's. As she is into her 90th decade I thought this was especially great.

G'Ma and G'Pa brought Chief a new version of his favorite game Uno called Uno Flash. He had everyone playing with him. Most everyone tried not to crush the 4 year old. At first. Then they discovered that he was not only lucky- he was good and then they were out to get him. He didn't seem to mind, though. He had a roomful of grownups playing his favorite game with him!

Here's G'Ma helping out in the kitchen

Here is Owen with his daddy's cousins teaching them a thing or two about Uno Flash!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and delicious food!

Halloween 2009!

Stepping Stones 2009 Halloween

Who are these adorable children all dressed up in their Halloween gear? Why it's Owen's preschool class, of course! Each year the preschool has a "costume" day where the kids can dress up in their Halloween gear and have a fun day at school. The kids all bring candy and treats to pass out and they take home a goodie bag that they created. I was able to stay and help this year and it was a lot of fun. They kids were great and there was plenty of leftover candy for the grownups : )

We also had a chance to go to the Minnesota Children's Museum with our friends the Letts' and the Knight's. All of the boys (and baby girl Mia) all dressed up and ran around the museum, playing games and enjoying their favorite activites.

The whole crew had a chance to ride the "bus" in the Our World exhibit. I think this was the only time I was able to snap a piture with everyone in it!

http://lettsdish.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-spooktacular.html
(Erinn had some better pictures than I did)