Baltimore Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE
I think we are cursed when it comes to driving to the Baltimore Children's Museum.   The last time we went it took us over two hours to get there, because of a giant storm.  This time there was an actual Indy car race going on in the middle of Baltimore.  The main streets were all closed and the roads were being used as a race track.  Surprisingly, we did manage to use back roads to get to the museum.  We walked down to the race and actually got to see some of the cars racing.  Brayden really liked seeing the cars zoom by and hearing the really loud noises the cars made.


In the museum, we went to the water room first.  The kids had fun with the boats and playing with all the water spraying activities.


The kids loved the museum and had fun playing at all the different exhibits.


Taylor really enjoyed pushing these giant fish around the floor.  We actually went back to the fish twice, because she loved them so much.




Brayden's favorite part was the giant climbing structure in the center of the museum.  He climbed all the way up it with me and then again with Jon.

While Brayden was climbing, Taylor played in the toddler room.  She found more giant fish!  Taylor is getting so independent!  Now, when we take her to museums she is hardly ever in her stroller.  Instead, she is running all over the place exploring.


The kids had a great time at the museum! Hopefully next time we drive to the museum, we will have a short quiet uneventful drive without storms or Indy cars!

Children's Play Space Design

To contact us Click HERE
Playground that actually can occur in the home. In fact, a small house not once, can accommodate your child's games.The agenda for the first time in designing a playroom for your child is adjusting to the needs of the child's room. For example, children under five years of age (children) who want the space for a more comfortable and uncomplicated.If you have young children, parents should not build a townhouse. The soil should not use material that has a slippery surface. Understandably, usually children under five years likes to move, although the course is still unstable. "Furnishing the house also does not need people. 


So baby can still move freely.To add a fun environment, you can paint the walls of the nursery with bright colors like red, pink, green, yellow or orange. Ria atmosphere occurs if there are more photos of favorite cartoons of children on the wall. So, although minimal furnishings, the room where children play still looks attractive.If you have trouble choosing the right design, serving recipes M. Zaenal Abidin, PT Pavilion Architect 95. He said, echoes the idea of ​​playing the normal course of visiting the child, such as kindergartens, nurseries, schools or take the concept of nature. But remember, comfort and safety of the child should not be overlooked.To create a comfort, you should notice is the air temperature in the room. You know, if your child is playing, his movement is very fast, very fast for child's sweat. If possible, install air conditioning (AC) in the games room, with temperatures around 20 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius. The temperature was quite comfortable for your child to move ahead and sleep.

If you can not install the air conditioner, keep the play area was open space.You can make use of plants normally found in front of the house. Add a few feet of grass that is used as the basis for small-type game. Do not forget, a fish pond is also the main attraction. 


However, the pool was not too deep, so as not to endanger the child.Although small house, you can still have a game room for the baby. You can combine a family room with room to play. You can add goodies typical children. In this way? there are advantages too, because you can chat with your family and your child can play hard.Safety, children's play area should not have a wall or partition that separates the other room. This applies to the play area within the home or outside the home. The aim is that parents or caregivers can monitor your baby with ease.


Children's Play Space 

Credit Card That Allows You to Track Your Kid's Spending

To contact us Click HERE
  If you are a parent who gives your child an allowance, then you need to check out this credit card that not only allows you to load their allowance, but also track how they spend it. The benefits of giving your child a credit card over cash are primarily safety from them losing the money, as well as them knowing you will be able to know where they spent their money.
  The Bill My Parents credit card goes way beyond that. The card will actually send you a real-time text or email letting you know where your child is attempting to make a purchase. You then have the option of allowing it or "freezing" the card. This cannot only be helpful in stopping your child from wasting their money, but also give you some insight into what they may be getting into.
  The card can also be loaded by friends and relatives for special occassions like birthdays or graduation.
 For more information click on any of the links in this post or the one below.
Bill My Parents

Martell's Tiki Bar Deal and More

To contact us Click HERE
  Memorial Day weekend is here, and it looks like we are going to have great weather here in New Jersey. The choices of things to do are really unlimited, but should certainly include some outdoor time.
  One of the things us Jerseyans love to do once Memorial Day weekend arrives is head to the Jersey Shore. Whether it is the beaches of Sandy Hook, with it's view of New York City, or the free, wide beaches of Wildwood, or anywhere between, there is surely a beach for everyone in our state.
  My personal favorite is Point Pleasant. The beaches are clean, there are great rides and games for my son, and of course the great food. If you are anything like me then you need to check out this Martell's Tiki Bar Deal that I had emailed to me. You can purchase a $50 certificate for use there for only $25. When do you ever get a 50% discount on a meal, especially one at Martell's?
  Another offer I had emailed to me which I thought was very intriguing was a $40 certificate for only$20 good towards a whale and dolphin watching trip off of Cape May. The offer, along with many more, is available at the KGB deals.
  I hope you will be able to take advantage of these specials, if not this weekend, then in the near future. Meanwhile get out this weekend and enjoy this great state of JERZEEBABY!

My Son's Picture Makes It Onto a Yahoo Article

To contact us Click HERE
  Some of you may know that I write for several different internet sites. One of those is Yahoo. I was recently reviewing some articles I had previously written and came across this article with my son's picture. To be honest with you I had practically forgotten I had written it and that it had his photo. Needless to say, this is again my favorite article.
  They grow up so fast may be the truest words ever spoken. He will be four in a few months and has matured incredibly. He is super independent and even told me today he is going to take a plane to Philadelphia by himself. Being we only live across the Delaware River from Philly, I would probably be concerned if he said he was going to swim there.
  Pretty cool to think his image will be on the internet forever. Hope I get to show him it when he becomes a teenager. He will hate that.

Martell's Tiki Bar Deal and More

To contact us Click HERE
  Memorial Day weekend is here, and it looks like we are going to have great weather here in New Jersey. The choices of things to do are really unlimited, but should certainly include some outdoor time.
  One of the things us Jerseyans love to do once Memorial Day weekend arrives is head to the Jersey Shore. Whether it is the beaches of Sandy Hook, with it's view of New York City, or the free, wide beaches of Wildwood, or anywhere between, there is surely a beach for everyone in our state.
  My personal favorite is Point Pleasant. The beaches are clean, there are great rides and games for my son, and of course the great food. If you are anything like me then you need to check out this Martell's Tiki Bar Deal that I had emailed to me. You can purchase a $50 certificate for use there for only $25. When do you ever get a 50% discount on a meal, especially one at Martell's?
  Another offer I had emailed to me which I thought was very intriguing was a $40 certificate for only$20 good towards a whale and dolphin watching trip off of Cape May. The offer, along with many more, is available at the KGB deals.
  I hope you will be able to take advantage of these specials, if not this weekend, then in the near future. Meanwhile get out this weekend and enjoy this great state of JERZEEBABY!

My Son's Picture Makes It Onto a Yahoo Article

To contact us Click HERE
  Some of you may know that I write for several different internet sites. One of those is Yahoo. I was recently reviewing some articles I had previously written and came across this article with my son's picture. To be honest with you I had practically forgotten I had written it and that it had his photo. Needless to say, this is again my favorite article.
  They grow up so fast may be the truest words ever spoken. He will be four in a few months and has matured incredibly. He is super independent and even told me today he is going to take a plane to Philadelphia by himself. Being we only live across the Delaware River from Philly, I would probably be concerned if he said he was going to swim there.
  Pretty cool to think his image will be on the internet forever. Hope I get to show him it when he becomes a teenager. He will hate that.

11.14.12 Today's the day....

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     If you have never opened up your refrigerator and seen this container then you haven't prepped for a colonoscopy. Well, today is my day. They are getting me coming and going, first a  esophagastroduodenoscopy then flipped over for a colonoscopy. 




     Colon cancer screening became popular after Katire Couric had her's done on live TV in 1998 following the death of her husband. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths yet at the same time one of the most preventable when detected early. 

     Some Doctor's say screenings should begin at age 50, 40 if you have a family history, and sooner than later if you have symptoms like blood in your stool or anemia. Talk with your Doctor and get a colonscopy done- most of you who follow this are in the age range for screening.

     I know this is a fly fishing blog, but a lot of people read it so if I can help spread the healthy word than I'm all for it. 

11.27.12 Nice quick to trip to Atlantic City, took a look but didn't wet a line

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     I left a slow beach bite up in Monmouth County hoping to maybe wet a line in Atlantic City and pick up a striped bass as the fishing has been a little more steady down here. Last weeks NE blow dirtied up much of the Jersey Shore's coast, bays and rivers. Well, the Absecon Inlet remains the same even after a few good days of a strong W wind. I got down to what was left of the boardwalk at the foot of Oriental Avenue just a few blocks from the new Revel Casino. You could tell that Sandy had hit this area pretty hard during her stop just about a month ago. Most of the area was yellow- taped off but I made my way to the water and found it well, close to unfishable. It was Yoo-Hoo colored and I just couldn't bring myself to throw flies- that coupled with a waiting lunch at Angelo's restaurant on the other side of the city in Ducktown- and I was on my way after a short walk and a few pics.
     After lunch my wife and I stopped at Atlantic Antiques Bookstore on Atlantic Avenue hoping to find a book on fly fishing or fly tying. After some help and searching by a store employee they found a book titled "Fishing with Ray Bergman". I collect old fly fishing books and for $5 this would fit in just fine.
     As always, the Borgata was great- rooms newly redone, Noodless restaurant a two night favorite, free comedy club show, comps for Bread and Butter, and some great dealers and company at the blackjack tables. We lost about  $100 dollars between us over three days with me at the blackjack table and my wife at the Sex and the City slot machine.

Now it's back home, and back to the start of some great fishing till Christmas!

11.28.12 We'll be seeing more of this "Emergency" beach replenishment up and down the Jersey Shore

To contact us Click HERE



     Towns up and down the Jersey Shore have a 6-month green light, also called a permit waiver, from the NJDEP to do the work needed to bring the beachfront towns back to pre-Sandy conditions. Some of that work will be to return the sand to the beaches that washed up along the boardwalks, roads, and properties along the shore. Today at near low tide I decided to try my luck at the end of the outgoing tide. Post Sandy the structure along the beach holds plenty of water at low tide with chest high sloughs just feet from the beach. I tied on a sand eel pattern in black and worked a few cuts and bowls that looked more than promising. After a while I figured the pictures I could get from today would be more valuable in the future than a striped bass caught today.
     In Bradley Beach workers are removing the six feet or so of sand that got pushed up along the boardwalk and trucking it closer to the beach where foot by foot the beach is being raised and extended seaward. It won't be long before the new structure, that Mother Nature made, will be altered by the replacement of the sand. I have been anticipating good surf fishing with the "new" beaches, the only problem is the bait and fish haven't came in close enough yet.
     I saw some birds working out a-ways today and I believe that the sand eels are around and that there are fish on them. I am hoping to get out in the boat in the next few days and see if we can get into them. In the meantime I'll keep plugging away, not literally of course, at the beach while are still in prime shape for what's left of the 2012 fall run.
   

Buttonwood Inn Video

To contact us Click HERE
We had the good fortune recently of working with a videographer from the Conway Daily Sun. she captured the Inn, grounds, and a few of the rooms which were not occupied at the time. Hope you enjoy the show.


“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Children's Play Space Design

To contact us Click HERE
Playground that actually can occur in the home. In fact, a small house not once, can accommodate your child's games.The agenda for the first time in designing a playroom for your child is adjusting to the needs of the child's room. For example, children under five years of age (children) who want the space for a more comfortable and uncomplicated.If you have young children, parents should not build a townhouse. The soil should not use material that has a slippery surface. Understandably, usually children under five years likes to move, although the course is still unstable. "Furnishing the house also does not need people. 


So baby can still move freely.To add a fun environment, you can paint the walls of the nursery with bright colors like red, pink, green, yellow or orange. Ria atmosphere occurs if there are more photos of favorite cartoons of children on the wall. So, although minimal furnishings, the room where children play still looks attractive.If you have trouble choosing the right design, serving recipes M. Zaenal Abidin, PT Pavilion Architect 95. He said, echoes the idea of ​​playing the normal course of visiting the child, such as kindergartens, nurseries, schools or take the concept of nature. But remember, comfort and safety of the child should not be overlooked.To create a comfort, you should notice is the air temperature in the room. You know, if your child is playing, his movement is very fast, very fast for child's sweat. If possible, install air conditioning (AC) in the games room, with temperatures around 20 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius. The temperature was quite comfortable for your child to move ahead and sleep.

If you can not install the air conditioner, keep the play area was open space.You can make use of plants normally found in front of the house. Add a few feet of grass that is used as the basis for small-type game. Do not forget, a fish pond is also the main attraction. 


However, the pool was not too deep, so as not to endanger the child.Although small house, you can still have a game room for the baby. You can combine a family room with room to play. You can add goodies typical children. In this way? there are advantages too, because you can chat with your family and your child can play hard.Safety, children's play area should not have a wall or partition that separates the other room. This applies to the play area within the home or outside the home. The aim is that parents or caregivers can monitor your baby with ease.


Children's Play Space 

Credit Card That Allows You to Track Your Kid's Spending

To contact us Click HERE
  If you are a parent who gives your child an allowance, then you need to check out this credit card that not only allows you to load their allowance, but also track how they spend it. The benefits of giving your child a credit card over cash are primarily safety from them losing the money, as well as them knowing you will be able to know where they spent their money.
  The Bill My Parents credit card goes way beyond that. The card will actually send you a real-time text or email letting you know where your child is attempting to make a purchase. You then have the option of allowing it or "freezing" the card. This cannot only be helpful in stopping your child from wasting their money, but also give you some insight into what they may be getting into.
  The card can also be loaded by friends and relatives for special occassions like birthdays or graduation.
 For more information click on any of the links in this post or the one below.
Bill My Parents

Martell's Tiki Bar Deal and More

To contact us Click HERE
  Memorial Day weekend is here, and it looks like we are going to have great weather here in New Jersey. The choices of things to do are really unlimited, but should certainly include some outdoor time.
  One of the things us Jerseyans love to do once Memorial Day weekend arrives is head to the Jersey Shore. Whether it is the beaches of Sandy Hook, with it's view of New York City, or the free, wide beaches of Wildwood, or anywhere between, there is surely a beach for everyone in our state.
  My personal favorite is Point Pleasant. The beaches are clean, there are great rides and games for my son, and of course the great food. If you are anything like me then you need to check out this Martell's Tiki Bar Deal that I had emailed to me. You can purchase a $50 certificate for use there for only $25. When do you ever get a 50% discount on a meal, especially one at Martell's?
  Another offer I had emailed to me which I thought was very intriguing was a $40 certificate for only$20 good towards a whale and dolphin watching trip off of Cape May. The offer, along with many more, is available at the KGB deals.
  I hope you will be able to take advantage of these specials, if not this weekend, then in the near future. Meanwhile get out this weekend and enjoy this great state of JERZEEBABY!

My Son's Picture Makes It Onto a Yahoo Article

To contact us Click HERE
  Some of you may know that I write for several different internet sites. One of those is Yahoo. I was recently reviewing some articles I had previously written and came across this article with my son's picture. To be honest with you I had practically forgotten I had written it and that it had his photo. Needless to say, this is again my favorite article.
  They grow up so fast may be the truest words ever spoken. He will be four in a few months and has matured incredibly. He is super independent and even told me today he is going to take a plane to Philadelphia by himself. Being we only live across the Delaware River from Philly, I would probably be concerned if he said he was going to swim there.
  Pretty cool to think his image will be on the internet forever. Hope I get to show him it when he becomes a teenager. He will hate that.

Valentine's Yuuuummmy Dessert Recipe!

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This Valentine's weekend, I'll be serving our guests red velvet cake.  It's a popular dessert and shows up in many bakeries and restaurants.   Here's a recipe to make for your sweetie this Valentine's Day.

Oh, and if you haven't booked your Valentine's Lover Package yet, check out our special and call us at 1-800-258-2625 or reserve on-line today!

Red Velvet-Cherry Cake Roll

Cake:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups cherry-flavored cola
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups cold heavy cream
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 11" x 17" rimmed baking sheet and line with parchment paper; butter the parchment and dust with flour.

Bring the cola to a simmer in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 to 12 minutes.  Let cool.

Whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.  In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, almond and vanilla extracts, and the cola syrup.  Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.  Spread the batter on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. 

Dust a clean kitchen towel, not terry cloth, with confectioners' sugar.  Invert the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment.  Trim the cake edges.  Begin rolling the short end of the cake around the towel and let cool completely on a rack.

In a large bowl, make the filling by whisking the cream cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and the almond extract until well combined.  In a stand mixer, whisk the remaining 1 cup of cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form.  Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.  Chill until ready to use.

Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling on it.  Gently reroll the cake and transfer it to a platter.  Dust with confectioners' sugar.

North Conway Named 1 of 25 World's Best Ski Towns by National Geographic

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Folks in the Northeast U.S. do not have to travel far to stay and ski in 1 of 25 world's best ski towns recently named by National Geographic.  They can visit North Conway, NH in the heart of The Presidential Range of the White Mountains.  Mt. Washington is the highest peak at 6,288 feet on the East Coast.  There are seven alpine ski mountains in Mt. Washington Valley and six cross-country ski trails all within a half-hour of North Conway.  The first purpose-cut ski runs and ski schools in North America were established here in the 1930s.

Cranmore Mountain Resort located just outside of the village attracts families because of its excellent ski school.  It also has non-skiing attractions like snow tubing, a mountain coaster, climbing walls, and indoor tennis.

We're hoping that March will go out like a LION with more snow accumulation for skiing and snowshoeing opportunities for everyone. 

The Buttonwood Inn has a lot to offer everyone and we're just 5 mintues from the village.  We also have access to snowshoe trails out our back door.

We also have discounted ski tickets for our guests.  So check out our ski packages and book on-line or call us at 1-800-258-2625 today!

Group Gatherings Mother's Day Weekend

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We had several lovely families stay at The Buttonwood Inn this past Mother's Day Weekend.  Our inn is large enough for families and group gatherings because we can seat about a dozen people in our Living Room and in the Mt. Surprise Room.  Our front porch is a popular spot for guests to enjoy their morning coffee or afternoon tea watching the hummingbirds and birds.  We have several double-seat Adirondack chairs on the lawn for those who want solitude just staring at the mountains and forest.  The in-ground heated pool is fun for anyone who likes to swim or float on a tube.  Families with children can play and rejuvenate before heading off for dinner.

The daughter and son-in-law who reside in Boston arranged the Mother's Day weekend for her mother, father, and sister who flew up from Louisiana. It was the perfect getaway because they were able to reconnect and relax at our inn, and yet shop, hike the trails on Bartlett Mountain, and go on a fly fishing excursion.  On the first day of their arrival, they headed downtown to shop in Settlers Green Outlets and local curiosity shops, had dinner at a local restaurant, then came back and relaxed in the hot tub.  The daughter also reserved an hour-long in-room massage for her mother on Mother's Day morning, which she thoroughly enjoyed.  Bill booked a half-day fly fishing excursion for the father and son-in-law with North Country Angler.  They were thrilled to have caught four brook trout (caught and released).  While the men were fishing, the women hiked the Mt. Surprise and Buttonwood Inn Trails to get up to the Bartlett Ledges.  At the end of Mother's Day, the entire family had pizza and watched movies in the Mt. Surprise Room. 

I made a lime cake frosted with lime cream cheese icing for Mother's Day afternoon tea service.  Here's the recipe.

Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Icing



Cake:


Butter, for greasing pan
Flour, for dusting pan


One 3-ounce package lime flavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, slightly beaten


Glaze:


1/2 cup lime juice (from 3-4 large limes)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar


Icing:


1/2 cup (1 stick butter), room temperature
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
One 1 pound box confectioners' sugar
Zest of one lime


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter and flour a 9”x13” cake pan.


In a large mixing bowl, mix the gelatin, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir to mix well. Add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness inserting a toothpick. Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes.


For the glaze: While the cake is still hot, mix the lime juice and confectioners' sugar together well. Pierce the cake with a skewer to allow the glaze to soak in better and pour it over the cake. Allow cake to cool completely as you prepare the icing.


For the icing: Cream the butter and cream cheese. Beat in the confectioners' sugar until mixture is smooth and easy to spread. Add the lime zest until combined. Spread the icing on the top and sides of the cake.

Baltimore Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE
At the end of June, a large storm hit our area.  Jon and I stayed up late and watched the wind tear through the trees.  We lost power as soon as the storm hit.  Luckily, the generator kicked in giving us electricity in part of the house.   Eventually, the storm died down and we went to sleep.  When we woke up the next morning, our power had still not returned.  We had planned on driving up to the Baltimore Children's Museum and decided that we would still go to the museum.  As soon as we started to drive, we realized that the storm had been much worse than we thought.  There were huge trees down all over the neighborhood blocking streets.  When we got out of the neighborhood we found that all the traffic lights were out.  We figured it was just our area and that we would be fine once we hit the highway.  Big mistake!  Traffic was horrible!  We listened to the radio news reports and heard about all of the damage the storm had caused.  The storm was called a derecho.  Even after hearing the news, we figured we would keep going.  We noticed that we needed gas and pulled off the highway.  It took us about an hour to find a gas station that had power and wait in the massive line of cars to get gas.  Three hours after we left our house, we made it to the Children's Museum!  Thankfully, after the horrible car trip, the museum was awesome and well worth the bad drive!


The museum had three floors of really fun activities.  Brayden's favorite part of the museum was the huge play structure in the middle.  The structure was three floors of tunnels, ropes, ladders, and other climbing things.  He climbed all the way from the bottom floor to the top floor with Jon.  Then, he climbed the whole thing again with me.

Another one of his favorite spots was a small area that had some neat games.  He loved the game where he had to try to get a ball from one end of a board to the other without the ball falling in the holes.


Taylor really enjoyed the toddler room.  There weren't many kids in it so she had lots of room to move around and try things out.  She really liked the sand table.



The toddler room had this really fun floor activity that both kids loved.  There was an interactive screen on the floor that showed pictures of things like fish swimming and leaves falling.  If the kids moved their feet or hit the floor the pictures would move.  Taylor loved using her hand to make all the leaves move.



We all had a great time at the museum and stayed all the way until closing.  The museum had some of the usual stuff that we have seen at children's museums, but also had some new interesting stuff like an Egyptian room.  We can't wait to go back and explore more.  Hopefully, next time it won't take us three hours to get there!