Children's Museum

Sunday in the south is boom town during church hours.  We took advantage of that knowledge, and planned to be at the Children's Museum in Memphis right when they opened.  By my prediction we'd have at least 2 quiet, non-crowded hours there.  That is one thing about a "large" family size, I think about crowds before I plan our outings.  I'm not a fan of weekends spent at kid friendly places, in turn I try to plan weekday outings when possible.  But as the summer is coming to an end, we're trying to do lots in our few days left that have both Paul and I not working on the same days.

Fearful that our van would have a tire blow out (near balding rear tires + 110 degree weather + 80 minutes of freeway driving…yeah not the safest combo, I pictured us stranded in the heat waiting for a tow).  So, I did the carseat switch, in 94 degree, 8am heat so we could drive there safely.  I was sweating by the end, and probably swore a few too many times, but I got them in.  The kids were all excited to drive in the new car.  Paul's car.  Which is referred to as two different things depending on who you ask: "sir night" per the boys, or "the bat mobile" per Paul.

I bickered with Paul because he just wasn't doing anything right that morning - you know, didn't get the address plugged into his car's GPS while he went out to cool down the car.  Five wasted minutes while trying to figure out a new GPS is an eternity for a carseat hating 1 year old.  He graciously brought me a Diet Coke, but I didn't want one and was annoyed that he wanted me to be super thankful about this gesture…yeah he was being over the top needy with affection, and I was being in an over the top introvert/antisocial mood and was annoyed in general about his overly affectionate hands that wouldn't stay on his side of the car. And let me tell you, 80 minutes in the car with car hating kids, an annoyed wife/mom, and a husband desperate for affection…well that damn Children's Museum was just way too far away.

But we got there despite numerous questions of "how much longer," and after a much needed cheese it cracker snack to curb the bored=hungry feelings the three biggest were complaining about.  Hartley, bless her, slept the ride there. 

I get to the door of the Children's Museum and see my reflection.  Ryk said "take a picture" so we did.

I wait for peanut bladder to use the bathroom (Paul), and I start sweating in just the 2 minute walk from the car to the front door…and right when I start to get grumbly, I see this sticker on the door.  I guess maybe other mom's have the same sour mood before getting to the Children's Museum and need a friendly reminder too:

Anyway, we pay and then the kids had fun.  Lots of fun.  And the drama to get here, was soon worth it.  It always is.