Lied Discovery Children's Museum & lunch with daddy!

On Friday Alec & I were able to meet up with Hilary and Catherine at the Lied Children's Discovery Museum. I was impressed with all the displays and interactive materials that kept Alec & Cat occupied for 3 hours:


In the 'Crafts' section for the younger children, they got to paint a coyote. I think Alec got more on his body than the paper.


Alec was giving hugs, though I don't think Cat was a huge fan!



I think I know how to make Disneyland a bit easier for myself in future...

On the way home Alec fell asleep...which means he refused to nap when we got home. Paul and I decided to go to lunch and try out a new Mediterranean place.

Turns out Alec is a huge fan of tzatziki-he perfected the technique of dipping the pita (and his hand) into the sauce each time.

The Springs Preserve

Friday Alec and I were able to meet up with Hilary & Cat for a play-date at the Springs Preserve. There were a lot of hands-on activities to amuse the children. This first was a glassy floor with simulated water moving around under it.


After exploring the museum area, we took them to the children's play area...which was outdoors...and clearly not designed by someone who has children-there was practically no shade! There was a large train you could sit in, so Alec immediately toddled in that direction and enjoyed poking around in it.

It was so cute to watch the children interact. Alec is all boy-he's constant motion, exploring everything, afraid of little. Cat is all girl-shy, delicate and cautious. To best illustrate the dynamics, check out this photo:


When we reached the overheated point, we headed around to check out the 'trading post' (children can trade various objects from nature), then a 'recycle' exhibit. I have no idea how these orange balls fit in there, but they were a hit!


After watching me, Alec decided he'd like to try cranking the balls up the machine: