We are a museum family. We just are. Natalie visited the National Gallery of Art (in Washington, DC) when she was 7 days old. I HAD to get out of the house and of course where else would any new young mother go, but the National Gallery?!
When Henry and I were childless we’d go downtown DC and wander through the museums. That’s the nice thing about them being free. We’d often take afternoon naps in the oversized couches near the restrooms in the Natural History museum, bop into the Art Gallery to view our favorite Monet or Degas paintings, or read books in the botanical gardens throughout the winter.
The first year in Pittsburgh we joined the Carnegie Museum system and the Phipps Conservatory (botanical gardens) then let our memberships expire. It’s been a year. Natalie said to me the other day, “Why don’t we ever go to museums anymore as a family? I miss it.” Her father must’ve overheard her telepathically because on Sunday after our brunch he said, “Who wants to go to Phipps?” All the kids yelled “Me!” from the backseat.
So we joined again. Who can blame us? The exhibits are beautiful and nothing can beat enjoying God’s creation on a cold winter afternoon (or spring, summer or fall afternoon for that matter).
I nursed Piper in the train room while Ryan chased a large locomotive around the track. The girls and Henry were busy looking at some exhibits elsewhere. Then we all met up in the marketplace… probably the kids’ favorite spot in the museum.
Piper hung out by Natalie’s side the entire time, happily cooing in her stroller.
A reindeer topiary!
Then we took them to the children’s garden for a surprise….
We bought this brick over a year ago and haven’t had a chance to show the kids yet… obviously Piper was just a twinkle in her father’s eye at the time.
Is it strange that I’m so excited to be members again? I always feel like I’m walking into an magical place when I set foot in a botanical garden. It awakens my creativity and rejuvenates my spirit. Everything about me breathes deeper and better. Which is good…. because Ryan went to bed asking to go back to the museum and woke up this morning with the same question. Looks like we’ll be headed back one day soon.
Comments (2)
how I love visiting all these wonderful places that I will never get to go too. You describe and have the photos that make me feel I’m there. Have a great day. Becky in NC
PS – how is Flat Natalie’s journey – she hasn’t shown up yet or did she make her rounds so that Natalie had enough
I love family memberships!! We have always had family memberships to museums and Science centers, every duty stations. The one here in Orlando is one of the best, they have something for everyone. They even feed alligators and let the kids toss gator treats which is way cool. There is also a HUGE Cinimadome(sp) its like a 360 IMAX, some of the shows make me dizzy and seasick but its very amazing.
These are the memories the kids are going to tell thier children and then do with their children and the trasition will go on. I think the bricks are brilliant! We did the same thing on year when we only had 2 kids in a navy brick yard.