EDventure ADventure

How much fun is a girl allowed to have?? Apparently, there are no limits as we experienced Columbia's Edventure Children's Museum today with our friends Jessica, Parson, Lilah, Julie, Luke, Rebecca, Tallon, Jennie, and Carlisle. I mean, seriously, there were probably about 15 different rooms--maybe more--and each had a different theme like Africa, farm, construction site, gas station, backyard camping, bubbles, the body, soda shop, a dentist's office, a fire department, the moon...it was unbelievable. Olivia was overwhelmed and completely caught up in all the sites, sounds, and splendiforousness (probably not a word, but it is a good description of the day).


Luke and Tallon build tall towers with Rebecca's help.



Parson hanging out in the tent in the Backyard Room


Lilah and Tal playing the jimbye in Africa


Olivia's TV debut with the African dancers--she was so amazed to see herself she must have stood in that same position for about 10 minutes straight...future moviestar??


Planting some carrots and broccoli.


Selecting some can goods in the Grocery Store Room.


And doing some serious dental work...watch out Dr. Patterson. Your job just might be in jeopardy when Liv graduates from dental school in oh, let's say the year 2031


Julie and Luke getting an ice cream at the Soda Shop Room


Are Carlisle and Luke on a little date? Brian???


Olivia selecting only the very freshest of eggs on the farm.


Momma's--Jessica, Julie, and Jennie--taking a much needed break.


Carlisle and Olivia checking out the fire engine.


Cool boots, Carlisle.


Luke, Parson, and Tallon manage the construction site.


A seriously fun Mom you are, Mrs. Jennie.


Olivia and Mommy pause for a snapshot on the bike.


Olivia on safari.


Jennie, the official noodle collector/photographer for our two girls.



All the kids did so well as we stretched them to their limits by finishing off the excursion with lunch at California Dreamin'.

Carlisle has the ability to make an ordinary little bowl of ketchup super-extraordinarily delicious.


Tired moms, tired kids, good food.


I couldn't help but think while I was walking around this museum at how thankful I am that Olivia is able to participate in these kinds of experiences, how much her eyes are being opened to how many cool things there are to explore and figure out and how many opportunities she will hopefully have throughout her life to do and become and fulfill and pursue all her wildest dreams. I pray for her that God would even now be teaching and shaping her little self to be the child/girl/woman he wants her to be and become; that He would use her life and give her dreams and a purpose that is so grand that she knows that it is SO from Him and that she would one day chase after Him with all her heart and soul and strength. I know I've blogged this before, but I just can't get over how blessed I am to be able to do these things with her during my days. Not every day is such a grand adventure, but every day it is certainly super cool to be able to be with her and watch her continually grow and change. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord. I am again aware, overwhelmed, and thankful for this gift of time with Olivia.

We finally made it home after a LOOOOOOONG morning out that spilled into and beyond naptime so after only a quick 10 minute cat nap on the trip back from Columbia, Olivia got a real nap and then we were off again to meet up with Rebecca and Tallon for a pizza/pool evening. Cool story about random acts of kindness...I had to go pick up the Little Caesar's pizza and had remembered my wallet but couldn't find my credit card once I got to the store to pick it up. Of course they had only recently discontinued accepting checks, so with Olivia on my hip, I apologized and walked out of the restaurant pizza-less. The lady who had been behind me in line stepped out the door as I was getting Olivia loaded back into her carseat to leave and motioned me back in...she was paying for my pizza. She stepped in before I could object so we walked back into Little Caesar's and when I began thanking the sweet woman, she said that actually she had tried to pay but that the cashier, instead, had said he'd take care of it...we'd get the pizza on the house. Now I know it was only a $5.40 pizza but to me that was beside the point. Olivia and I talked about it (okay I talked to Olivia), how we can do the same thing for other people, randomly/purposefully be kind, show them the love of Jesus. Once I got through, she just kept saying "Jesus, Jesus." It was a good night. A good day and a good night. Thank you Jesus. Give us opportunities to make other people's days a little better with your love.

Thanks to all the girls for such a wonderful time at Edventure. We missed all our friends who weren't able to make the trip...just means we'll have to do it again soon. Thanks for a wonderful trip there and for sharing your heart Jennie. I love Grace, too. Thanks Julie, Jessica, Rebecca and Jennie for eating goldfish that Olivia insistently wants to feed you from her own hands, for picking her up when she begs any mom to"Hold you, hold you," for picking up can after can after can as she chucks them out of her pretend shopping cart again, and again, and again. She is learning so much GOOD from being around each of you and your children. Thanks Rebecca for a fun easy night with tons of sliding, flying yogurt, and a little spit-up in the pool that's just between you and me...and Tal.