Raleigh Life Science Museum

Today we ventured to Raleigh's Life Science Museum for a special story time where you get to pet live animals. Boy did it turn out to be an adventure! Little did I expect the public parking lots to be full and to have to circle the streets searching for parking. It was very intimidating since so many of the streets are one way, but I was determined and finally found a spot. In an attempt not to miss the story time, Ryan rode on my back, while Madeline held onto my purse and ran. It was a fun family bonding moment. I think my little girlfriend will one day be my running partner!!! And I confess that I rewarded her hard work and perseverance with frozen yogurt when we got to Costco.

The story time was awesome and we met our friends Jackson, Ava, and Claire (and Emmy and Anna Kate a little later). The only sad part was that Ry was having an off day. We spent some time in the bathroom before the story time began and ended up in the bathroom midway through the story time and eventually sat out in the hall until it was over. My sweet boy, my easy baby, is SO strong willed. However, his mommy is too, and there is no way she's going to let him "win". Okay, okay, I do get mushy sometimes, but Matt is right there spurring me on to persevere. Ryan, will you one day be shocked to read this and find out that you hit, pinched and screamed at your mommy? I do hope so!

Ry and his buddy Jackson. They are great friends and sparing partners, but they are not a good match to sit together when the expectation is to stay in one spot and sit and listen (as with a story time).

Claire, Ava, and Madeline pet a possum.

Ryan squeals and turns away with excitement and fear after petting a scary looking lizard "thing".

Madeline and her girlfriends also pet the lizard. I wish I had a picture of the girls together!