Playing Hooky at OMSI

So, Friday, we played hooky. I should actually say, just Brayden played hooky - Michele's kids already had the day off. (She's a better mom than I am.....). I did, however, have Brayden's teacher's blessing - any teacher that tells a parent, "No, I don't think it's a good idea for you to have a family day exploring OMSI on the day before spring break when we do very little anyway" would probably not be a favorite teacher of mine. But, as I said, Ms. Hynes said, "of course" - which is just, yet another reason why I love her so much.

This plan has been in the works since just our family went to see the "Star Wars" exhibit. Have you ever seen "National Lampoon's Vacation" in which they arrive at the Grand Canyon, they look at the sight, nod their heads and say, "OK" - and move on...... That's kind of the Rileys when it comes to exhibits - we just don't have the cultural or educational stamina to stick it out for very long. So, I told myself that the next time we went we had to go with the Schillings. I'd have Michele to keep me company and Brayden would have Traig to help him realize just how cool science can be and encourage him to explore a little further. So, that's what happened.

The littlest girls were oh so happy to play indefinitely in the play area's sand pen. Brayden, as you can tell by the pictures, was most animated when "performance" was an option. The weather forecasting exhibit, in which you are recorded in front of a green screen - or the Amazon dance stage. You should have seen Brayden go with that giant tail behind him - he was using it as a weapon at one point. And, no Hollie, the snake is not real. And, the girls were looking at pirhannas - as an FYI.
Overall, a fun day - definitely not as painful as it would have been if it had just been me! A nice start to the hopefully fun adventures of spring break.