Strong Museum of Play

I am finally at the point in my parenting life that I am able to enjoy the Strong Museum of Play with my kids. Ok, well maybe not enjoy with them, but enjoy watching them. They are old enough now that I can just sit back and watch them explore, play and have a good time. No more chasing little ones around, running in multiple directions, needing a second set of hands and eyes to help... sianara strollers, bye-bye diaper bag, adios Baby Bjorn...all I needed was my purse today! I am now a free woman at the museum of play. Whereas this was once a place associated with dread and synonymous with exhaustion, today I found myself electing to take the kids there as a treat, because I was already exhausted and didn't want to have to be an overly engaged parent tasked with entertaining three kiddos on a rainy Friday afternoon. And being a Friday afternoon when most kids are still in school, I knew it would probably be pretty empty, or at least not the zoo it is on weekends and school vacations. BINGO! So, hmmm, I plotted to surprise them with a visit to the museum. My plan was to follow their lead, plop myself down on the well placed benches in each area and just watch them have fun....and it worked!!! Genius!! I was such a lazy mommy today, it was wonderful. I treated them to the butterfly exhibit, a spin on the train (which they have just about outgrown) and a ride on the carousel (I don't even have to ride on the carousel with them anymore...wahoo!). I parked my butt at every opportunity possible and let them go for it! I watched some of the other mommies chase their little ones around, and I didn't even care that some parents gave me that "look" ...you know, that disapproving look that says "I can't believe you are just sitting there like a lump and not engaging with your children." At those moments I wished I had some bon-bons, and just chocked those looks up to jealousy...ahh yes, my friends, it was like having an afternoon off!! I swear, the most energy I exerted was driving to and from. And get this, it was all free (we paid for a membership which has paid for itself already) no cash needed! The best part is that they had such a good time and thought I was the best mom ever for taking them to such a fun place. Ahhhh....gotta love it!!

Things I Like...Being a lazy mommy on a lazy Friday afternoon...kids none-the-wiser and all-the-happier!