During our visit with Grammy & Papa, we loved playing with them, reading stories, and exploring their home. However, we also enjoyed venturing out to a variety of places around town, too. It was a treat to visit a larger city which gave us more opportunities for kid-friendly outings.
Outing #1-- Library Storytime
Unfortunately, the storytimes for toddlers at our local library are set at inconvenient times for our boys. Once the boys officially pare down to 1 nap a day, we'll be able to attend more faithfully. But since birth, Jaden and Cody have only had one opportunity for a library storytime at home. Thankfully, Albuquerque had tons of options for storytime, and we were able to take advantage of one before Daddy had to leave town.
Both boys loved checking out the large stuffed animals that were right at the entrance. Right away, they made a new friend, too.
Cody particularly loved pulling the large animals off the bench.
The librarian leading the storytime jumped right into songs and various fingerplays.
While Cody attempted a conversation with the librarian, Jaden was much more interested in lounging out on the stuffed animals.
Mommy tried to help Cody learn the actions to the Hokey Pokey.
Eventually, the librarian brought out some more balls and tons of instruments. Daddy and Cody had a brief sports practice...
...and then Grammy introduced the boys to the maracas.
Playing with the instruments was the boys' favorite part. Jaden started wailing when the librarian took them away! It was so fun to attend this toddler time at the library with Mommy, Daddy, and Grammy.
Outing #2 -- The Park
Grammy and Papa live within walking distance of 2 fun play areas. Early on in our visit, we took a stroller ride down to the park. Cody and Jaden loved all the funny bars.
This slide was a bit too steep for independent sliding (which the boys can now do at our park back home!), but Cody and Jaden still loved having Mommy and Grammy's help to slide down this one.
The highlight of our park visit came when Grammy found some rocks for the boys. She had to look high and low to find even a pebble (and finally borrowed a couple small rocks from a neighbor across the street). Now the boys could do one of their favorite things--- make some noise!! The rocks became fun instruments when pounded on various surfaces. The metals bars sounded the best.
Outing #3 -- The Playground
Papa and Grammy also live very close to an elementary school playground. All we have to do is cut through a short alleyway, and we have a huge playground of fun! Papa led the way.
Once at the playground, Papa demonstrates his excellent balancing skills. :)
The boys love having lots of structures to climb.
Mommy loves having 2 extra sets of hands to help watch her climbing boys!
For these two active little boys, the playground was definitely a hit!
Outing #4 -- Explora Science Center & Children's Museum
On Monday of our visit, we discovered that Explora had a special toddler time. The museum opened early specifically for kiddos under 4 to give them a chance to explore the exhibits at their own pace. What a treat!
Cody and Jaden loved this little toddler zone, a mini play area designed for kids just their size.
Cody really liked crawling back and forth over the bridge and hanging out in the playhouse.
The part that got the most giggles was this small ramp. The boys got progressively braver as they walked and then started to run down the ramp.
As you might guess, we didn't walk away without a minor accident... :) Thankfully, Jaden's little tumble captured on video didn't even make him cry!
Next, we explored the water table exhibit.
The water was moving enough at a decline that it would carry the small balls "downstream."
Jaden and Cody enjoyed trying to catch the balls as they floated by.
At another exhibit, we made REALLY large bubbles.
Once upstairs, we saw a special exhibit for older kids or adults where they could ride a bike across a tightrope.
Cody longed for the day when he could try out this exhibit for himself.
We watched a water "tornado" form,
listened to different sound frequencies clicking against this large wheel,
stacked blocks,
and played this cool xylophone-type instrument by spinning the crank and hearing the music play.
On the way out, we noticed a few silly mirrors. Cody gained a few pounds in this one (be sure to notice Grammy cracking up at him in the reflection!),
while this mirror made Jaden grow a few inches.
What a great museum! We especially loved being able to explore the center without a bunch of older kids running around. Thanks for all of these new adventures, Grammy and Papa!
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