Children's Museum

Yesterday, Matt took the day off and we headed up to St Paul for a family day. We originally intended to check out the Minnesota Zoo, but since temps were pretty cool, we decided to give the Children's Museum of Minnesta a try. We are so glad we did! It is a fantastic place that we intend to visit again soon. Jillian had the time of her life, and we loved watching her experience big adventures in a child-sized world.

Looking at the fish...she found a large version of Elmo's beloved pet, Dorothy!


Playing in the stream


Climbing up the inside of a big ant hill with Daddy!


We visited a dinosaur exhibit, where she got up close and personal with T-Rex (she wanted to see him, but then kept saying "No! No!" every time Matt took her close)

She instead decided that digging for fossils was more her speed


Next up was a trip through the grocery store to gather some supplies. I think she has been paying close attention to the process when we shop together, because Jillian really knows her way around a grocery store

Examining produce with Mom. I have taught her to be pretty selective!

Time to pay. Guess Mom will be picking up the tab this time!


What does one do after she buys all those groceries? Cook, of course! I was in heaven in the little kids kitchen. It was so neat, and so fun to watch Jillian whip up her own culinary masterpiece. Perhaps she can help me fulfill my dream of having a small catering business??

I think she really has this cooking thing down. She's not afraid to try some interesting combinations, as you will see. Maybe she'll let me be her sous chef when she starts her own cooking show?


Next we moved on to the health clinic area, and Daddy got to share a bit of what he loves with his girl. Every radiologist's daughter should be able to read an X-ray, right?


Soon it was time for Jillian to take the stage in a rocking performance. She tried out several instruments during her show.



The water play room was especially fun



Lastly, we moved on to the China exhibit. Jillian learned about Chinese instruments


She suddenly started to grow a bit weary and needed a rest

But eventually, she mustered the strength to build a replica of the Great Wall!


Time for a water break with Dad...

And a last minute to pause and take in the wonder of the big city buildings.

We headed to lunch at a great sushi restaurant and then Jillian slept the whole way home. It was a truly wonderful day for all of us!