While Houston, my sister Katherine and I took Merritt to the Museum of Natural Science. There was so much to see and it was perfect because it was a gloomy day outside but an exciting day exploring inside!
Merritt couldn't stop staring at the dinosaurs long enough for me to snap a picture of her and Katherine! She kept naming them: There is Mommy Dinosaur, Daddy Dinosaur and Baby Dinosaur - one happy dinosaur family!
Look Mom! Can we take him home??
When we walked into the Insect Exhibit we were greeted by Charlie the Caterpillar. I was surprised that Merritt ran up to him and gave him and hug and hello.
The 'Buggy' exhibit had lots of hands-on activities including noises from insects! The exhibit also had lots of "interesting" animals for us to observe - who knew there were so many kinds of beetles, spiders, and katydids.
"Look Mommy! Can I have one, please?" Response: "Um... no beetles in the house, Merritt {please}."
When I taught First Grade, one of my absolute joys was our Butterfly Unit! The exhibit had 1000s of chrysalises, so many different species of butterflies! While we were watching 2 butterflies emerged - Merritt was in awe and so happy for the butterfly! "Mommy! The butterfly did it!" she kept shouting over and over.
Aunt Katherine and Merritt posed by the termite hill - eek - I hope none decided to come home with us!
The Museum of Natural Science has an amazing exhibit right now - Cockrell Butterfly Center! All of the chrysalises that emerge in the exhibit are released into the 4 story glass-enclosed jungle. There are butterflies everywhere! {I will warn everyone that the humidity in the center is around 200% - so go there last if your hair cannot handle that much humidity.}
All guests start at the top and walk down the spiral steps, it was amazing to see people just stop and stare at the awe of all the butterflies and lush plants. No pictures can do it justice!
At the very bottom there is a lagoon where the waterfall collects - Merritt wanted to go swimming so badly!
When you get back into the air-conditioned museum there is a child's area with puzzles, games, etchings, blocks, and a beehive. Merritt loved putting the insect puzzle together while saying all the sounds they make.
Once all the other {crazy/bigger/unsupervised} children left the beehive Merritt went buzzing!
