A Series of Fun Events

 The kids decided that Saturday morning should start like every other morning by waking up at 5:30 AM.  By 8:30 AM, I felt like we had completed a whole day's worth of activities--breakfast, laundry, dishes, sweeping, fed dog, etc.  I wasn't sure how we were going to spend our day, I just wanted to prevent an entire day of "have to go here, have to do this".  Tim said "What about that costume exhibit at VMFA that you wanted to see?"  And I was down with that.  We threw the kids in the minivan, hoped and prayed for car-ride naps (both did), and had a great time!  Only downside--no photos allowed :(  So I can't show you Dorothy's ruby red slippers or Marilyn Monroe's white dress that blows up on the street grate, or Batman or Superman, or Johnny Depp's outfit from Todd Sweeney, but that exhibit was extremely cool.

We own this place!

Emily said "What is this?" and I realized that kids today can't identify a clothespin!

 After we left VMFA, Tim and I still had two energetic kids so we decided to swing by the Children's Museum.  Little did we know that the parking lot would be swamped because of a Christmas parade!  We kept going past, but I got some good photos.  There were giant balloons of the traditional gingerbread man, reindeer, and ......fruit cake?!?!  

 So we kept heading down N. Boulevard and decided to visit Maymont Park.  Because of the 40 degree weather, the park was practically deserted.  Emily doesn't remember coming here when she was younger, and she thought the koi fish were the coolest thing ever!  The swans were a little territorial and were not happy about us throwing goldfish crackers to the koi fish.  I never realized before now how ironic that is....feeding fish to fish!

Hopping and skipping from rock to rock!

Careful on the bridge!

I'm having a good time too!

Jay was a little fascinated by the tiny pea gravel that they use on the walking trails.

 And as if we hadn't had enough adventures, we decided to stop for lunch and then Green Top to check out the sales.  Timmy and I haven't been to Green Top since they moved to their larger, new location and the place was very cool.  Emily wanted to "pet" this beaver and alligator.  Timmy was just itching to handle all the firearms in the place.

These are the coolest shopping carts!  We were thoroughly entertained for almost 20 minutes!