Children's Museum... Virginia-style

We love a good children's museum in our family. So we ventured out to Portsmouth (even took an underwater tunnel to get there) to check it out. It did not disappoint. The upstairs was mostly science experiments and exhibits. The boys loved that. They used levers to hoist an elephant, they raced cars down a track, made music at differing decibel levels, used magnets... so cool. Then downstairs there was a little play town. 

They could go on a firetruck and put out fires. They could ride on this police motorcycle. 

 There was a grocery store, a bank, a pet shop, etc... I used to love that kind of adult-play when I was younger. I always wanted to work at a bank or a grocery store so I could press buttons on a register and use a scanner. I'm a nerd.

There was also a bubble room. You could put yourself inside a bubble!

 Oh yeah, and I got a van. I love it. I love it more everyday. The sliding doors are the best. The DVD player on long drives is a life saver. And they are pretty much done arguing with me about not watching it on a short drives. The car drives great. I can hook up my phone to a USB chord and listen to my podcasts through the speaker system. I feel pretty lucky. So here's a pick... the only one I have so far.

Austin and I went to TRader Joe's in Virginia Beach while Parker was at school last week. I just love familiar places. It's a little drive for us, but it felt good to pick up some familiar must-haves (i.e... orange chicken and sparkling water).

In other news...

*Parker loves school. He also loves being at home, so he always argues with me about getting in the car in the morning, but once we're on our way he looks forward to it. Not as much feedback from the teacher as I'm used to (perks of having Grammy as your teacher) but I think it's good. They have a Halloween Party this week so I'm excited to meet some other moms and get a better feel for the class.
*Austin has adjusted well to life here. He's my buddy and he loves running errands with me. He talks nonstop and Pete is astounded everyday at what he is able to communication. We were driving and I was listening to the radio... he said, "What's that? Who's that talking?" I said, "The radio." He said, "The rodeo?" I said, "No, the radio." This went back and forth about 17 times. Then I finally said, "Yes, fine... it's the rodeo." And he happily responded, "Oh yes, rodeo. I love the rodeo. I go there with Papa."
*We love our house. We love the extra space. We have two attic spaces, so despite not having near as much closet space, at least we have attic storage (with pull down ladders). It's in a great location near shopping and the library. I just got a library card, so I look forward to doing story time soon. House pics will have to come in a few days once our dining room table comes in and we mount our TV and finish up the last few boxes. But I'm really excited to share.
*My workouts have been on the back burner. I have been so swamped with all the details of moving that I have not had the time nor desire to workout... mostly the desire. I need to get back into it. I was meeting with a personal trainer for the month prior to moving, so I would hate to undo all I just worked for.
*I am in full fledge application mode. It's hard to find the time to get it all done with so many other things to attend to, but it's getting easier now that we are settled here. I love reading the apps and have so many cool candidates. I am so lucky to have this job.
*We went to another JAG's house for dinner on Friday night and then we had another one over for dinner tonight. George, who came over tonight, started work at the same time as Pete. He's the most chipper guy and really fun to be around. We have a standing invitation to have him for dinner on Sundays. So glad they have each other.
*Kids Sing is now being run by my good friend Laura. I am still running the business side of things, including costuming. I had picked this darling dress from Old Navy and ordered some sample sizes a month ago. Laura got all the kids sized and I went to order the remaining dresses and they were out of stock. NOOOOO!!!!!! It was devastating. I thought I was starting from square one again. But I had so many other things to do, I waited a few days and then went back online to find a new dress. Lo and behold what was restocked? The original dress! I quickly ordered the remaining dresses. Man, that was scary!
*Still trying to decide what I want to do music-wise here. There is a void of a performing group like that in the area, so I just need to start putting the word out.