Museums a Plenty

This past month has been one of intrigue, fascination, and admiration. Science, Religion and Politics have been discussion topics at the dinner table as three very iconic individuals have made an impression on the munchkins. Ben Franklin, Pope John Paul II, and Thomas Jefferson. We have had the opportunity to visit the Franklin Science Institute in Philadelphia, the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home, in Charlottesville, VA.

Little Man B is a HUGE fan of Ben Franklin and his Institute. This is our second visit and he wanted a picture with this famous BEN! The statue is called "The Franklin" which sits just inside the entrance.

We went to the Institute to view the traveling exhibit entitled "BODY WORLDS." BODY WORLDS is a one of a kind exhibit. It involves human specimens who have been preserved by a process of Plastination invented by Dr. Gunter von Hagens. Several family members who had recently seen the exhibit thought it would be worth the time and money to share with the munchkins. It was an absolutely amazing exhibit and so educational for everyone. It just makes one realize how intricate and fragile the human body is constructed.

Eager for a family activity on a dreary Saturday, we headed up to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC. We thoroughly enjoyed the collection of Papal items, gifts received from all over the world, and his life story depicted throughout the Center. It is a wonderful tribute to a truly amazing man. The boys really liked the replica of the Swiss Guard in the display case. They both thought the uniform was cool!

I had the pleasure of joining Big Sister on her field trip to Monticello. Here she is with Thomas Jefferson. Not sure whose hands are on his shoulders...one of those mischievous male classmates perhaps? Walking the grounds of Monticello, hearing personal anecdotes of Jefferson as a private citizen, and learning about his many interests gave me a greater appreciation for our 3rd President.

The house that Jefferson built

Big Sister sitting in a Jefferson chair

Vacuuming, Dangerous?

I am brutal on vacuums. In the past twelve years of marital bliss, I have literally blown through four vacuums. Perhaps it is a sign I vacuum too much?

Well, last Monday, after assembling my new "Dirt Devil" I was motivated to hit this house from top to bottom...it had been a few days and the lint was starting to appear. As I went from the mid-level of our three story townhouse, I pulled the cord (it was not plugged in) to tackle the lower level. I looked back to see where the cord was only to turn just as the plug connected with my right eye socket. I thought nothing of it until I looked in the mirror and noted a knot emerging from my side profile. Ice was applied and it was not until later that afternoon that I noticed the colorful sign of a black eye appearing.

This time the vacuum won!

Halloween

I decided what the Little Dudes would "be" for Halloween. For weeks, I was getting non-committal responses to "What would you like to be this year?" We had received several costume catalogs and perused the Internet, but nothing seemed to excite them.

I quickly remembered a costume I had seen in some searches months ago and was eager to present my suggestion. The Little Dudes seemed a bit hesitant, but, when I stated we could make the Lego bricks in their color choice they agreed. Seeing as most of their free time is spent immersed in Legos, I could see nothing more fitting for them to portray.

Hubby gets ALL the credit for implementing my idea. I had gathered some boxes and purchased the 1 lb tubs from the Commissary Deli. The lady working the counter was perplexed by my request for a dozen empty containers. Not a common request, I suppose.

The costumes received numerous compliments which pleased the Little Dudes. However, they complained that a box-shaped costume was not so "comfortable." The back of the boxes kept coming un-velcroed if they walked at an accelerated pace. I tried making an analogy of women wearing heels. (They look good yet they are not the most comfortable). Not convinced, Little Dude B stated: "This costume is dumb but it looks cool! Everybody knows what were are!"

Big Sister is such an old soul. She is not fond of ghoulish attire and trying to get her to be a"Sleestack" was futile. She was content to dig through her dress-up box and decided to use her favorite Poodle skirt. New bobby socks and a striped shirt was all we needed to complete "the look." She agreed that her 8th Halloween was a success.

Our 50's gal