life and science museum

We loved the Life and Science Museum in Durham so much that we had to take Daddy back there.  This time there was no snow, the weather was gorgeous and we got to do a lot of stuff that we didn't do the first time we were there. 

we found a cool inch worm when we got out of the car...the kids wanted to keep them, but of course we didn't take them inside.  when we got back to the car at the end of the day we found two more, so the twins each had one to play with on the ride home!

train ride

the mist gardens were super cool and Holden and Nora's part

blocks with Daddy is always fun

it's rare for this guy to knock out in the car...Davis shared Snoopy with his sleepy brother

Museum, Food and Best Friends

You know how much we love to go to Raleigh.  Well we especially love to go with good friends!  This day started off a bit rocky but we made it.  In the morning we got everyone, including 3 adults, 4 preschoolers, 1 toddler and 1 infant loaded into the Expedition, along with a double stroller, packed diaper bags and snacks only 10 minutes behind our planned time to leave...pretty good.  UNTIL we looked down and saw the big flat tire...like sitting on rim, no one is going anywhere kind of flat tire.  So we all piled out...moved the 5 car seats to 2 separate cars...got the kids resettled and hit the road 15 minutes later.  We were DETERMINED to have a fun day.  

first stop was the Natural Science Museum in downtown Raleigh.  the big kids watched the shark movie while Hillary took the littles on a walk. 

then we entered the special rainforest exhibit.  it was super cool--a maze full of hands-on activities and fun facts to learn. 

~ziplining~

How far can YOU jump?

Mike was the winner with a little toes hitting in at 8 feet

Jackie at 4ft

Norabird at 3ft

Holden at 3.5 ft

Hillary with Judah-baby at 3ft :)

and me.... (trying super hard ;) .....

5.5 ft...

then to the normal exhibits to check on the fish, bugs and dinos...

 

after a fun morning, we went to try out The Roast Grill, a long time Raleigh establishment, known for their hotdogs and featured on Man VS Food. 

big kids sittin' at the counter

Judah beggin' for the dogs!

they were okay... not the best hotdog i've ever had, but the place was fun

 

before heading home we stopped at GiGi's for cupcakes--best way to end the day!

Spring at Pullen Park

We visited our favorite park during Mike's leave.  Spring is the perfect time to go--apparently everyone else thinks so too--it was pretty busy for a weekday!

We rode the carousel a few times, cause the kids always love it so much. 

 this trip, Holden tried some new things and climbed higher than i've ever seen him do before.  

 i had to really push Nora to climb up to the top of this...notice the death grip :)

 see-saw

 Davis is big enough to ride the boat!