Mom in the Museum

Last week we had a lovely visit with my parents. The kids love having their grandparents in town. Granddad and Grandmommy dropped the Goose off at the bus stop, chatted with Pie first thing in the morning, and joined us for family meals and outings. As often happens when family come to town, we went to a museum - the Carnegie Science Center to be precise. And just like our visits to Phipps, when Pie and I go to the CSC, we follow a fairly set routine.

We start at SportsWorks, so Pie can jump on the Bounce! trampoline and become a human yo-yo on the You-Yo. She tries out the climbing wall and gets some extra energy out by running around. We don't talk too much about the science of sports or physics. This is her time to be physical, but it is also her time to practice talking to other grown-ups. The staff manning the trampoline ask her questions and encourage her to jump higher or try a flip. At the climbing wall, she talks with staff about which route she'd like to try and when she is ready to come down. As a parent, I take a step back and let her practice these important communication skills. This work of learning how to talk to others is important too.

But on this trip, Pie had her grandparents to keep her company and so she wanted to show them more of the CSC. I took a step back here too, so that she could share with them what she usually shares with me.

Heading onto the USS Requin - the submarine

We had a fun time exploring together. Pie got to show off a place she knows so well - she got to be the expert and the tour guide. And she shared our routine with them. After SportsWorks, we went to the main building and explored the exhibits up and down the ramp. Then, lunchtime! I hadn't packed a lunch this time, so Pie had the added excitement of picking her lunch. Eating at the museum is definitely part of our routine. After lunch we checked out the USS Requin. Going out to the submarine is not always something we do, but Pie wanted to take her grandparents to see it. Of course, her pace through the sub is a little faster than your average visitor's. She charged full-speed ahead through the long corridor, barely stopping to check out the sleeping quarters and the dining hall. Perhaps her grandparents would have liked more time to read some of the signage or talk to the staff on-board, but they are doting grandparents and didn't complain one bit.

It was a full visit, and, as often happens after such trips, we then went home and Pie took a very long nap.