A Day in Denver

We decided to take a last minute trip to Denver last week. We wanted to visit the Denver Science and Nature Museum one last time before it isn't free for us anymore. (Losing our military discount is making me very sad!) And I wanted to go to IKEA-of course! We started out in the dinosaur area. It makes Joel crabby that I have to go on and on about how bogus evolution is, but that is just so ridiculous! However, I did think the display above was quite pretty (even if it is total fiction...)

Jocelyn is really getting into exhibits now that she has learned to read. She was very interested in everything.

Our fearless map-reader. Yes, he is as lost as he looks, but he insisted on carrying the map the entire time.

Jocelyn took this photo of Joel and me, and I thought she did a fairly good job. The lighting in this particular area did not agree with my camera. I tried it with and without flash-no success. Someday, when I am big (and rich!) I will have a DSLR...

I thought this was a fun photo of Josie-maybe a teeny bit creepy, but unique. She isn't posing, she was really concentrating on the display.

It is a really fun place. They pay a lot of attention to adding little play areas and kid-related things in with the adult exhibits. The kids were supposed to be herding the llamas, but they preferred riding them.

I am NOT responsible for this thing. As a matter of fact, I don't even know him. I am not even sure how this photo wound up on my camera. I plead the 5th.:)

This Body Trek exhibit was really cool and interactive. Jocelyn was watching how her bones move on-screen. You received a little card at the start and it had your measurements, gender and other information to help you have a really personalized experience.

This was the kids' area in Body Trek. Those are the faces of my charming children. I think it is too weird!

There was a computer program that showed you aging. This is Jocelyn at 70 shown with the effects of excessive sun exposure. It was rather hysterical. I did not get a chance to do it because of the lines (and maybe because I was a little afraid to!).

We hadn't been through the rocks and minerals area before. Colorado is famous for its mines. Jocelyn, because she is a girl, loved all the sparkling rocks and gemstones.

This entire cave was moved from Mexico (I think) and rebuilt in the museum. The photos don't do it justice. It was amazing!

I have a similiar picture of Jocelyn moving moon rocks from the last time we visited. I don't really understand the allure of the "grabbers" but someone knew what they were doing, because my kids love them!

We had a great time, I am glad that we were able to go again. It probably will be a long time before we return, it is a little pricey. I realized after we left that we didn't even go into the kids' room-Josie and Carson were fascinated by all the regular exhibits.

We finished the day at IKEA-I heart that store. You just can't over-value a place with free childcare! We picked up some furniture for the playroom. I am still working on it, but I am hoping to post about the finished room soon.