Columbus, OH with the Elmer's

My friend Amanda Elmer, who I met in Philadelphia 8 long years ago, hosted my kids and I during Thula's spring break for a couple of days. It is always wonderful to be in the company of my dear friend and her wonderful family. It was bit hectic (we have 9 kids between us now!) but it was still great to reconnect and see a new city.

We had to take a selfie!

We visited COSI (science center) which is supposed to be the best in the nation. It was a great place.

Lela was really excited to try this exhibit out.

Monkeying around. Stuart was insistent on dragging his stroller up those stairs.

Thula getting ready to ride the tricycle 'tight rope.' The weight at the bottom of the bike is 250 pounds so it won't roll over. Thula was petrified though and ended up needing to be pulled back to the landing. The man running the thing kept telling her to peddle like her life depended on it and all she could do was stare rigidly straight ahead. She was like the kid in the movie, A Christmas Story, who is so excited to see Santa Claus and then when he finally gets to him all he can do is scream.   

Thula and Maya Elmer.

Playing in the kid zone at COSI

Lela and Miles are the same age and pal-ed around. I told them to stand for a picture and he turned to Lela and said, "Okay, I'm going to kiss you." Lela is playing hard to get.

On our way home from Columbus (4 hour drive) we stopped at Subway. Everyone was pretty much wiped out from our fun weekend.

Team activities

Every Thursday after school Thula went to her Problem Solving Club. They were given situations in where there was a 'problem' and then had to act out a solution. This picture was taken at her meet.

On stage being introduced. Thula was so excited. She says she loves acting and I can see why, she is very dramatic all the time.

The kids acting out their problem and solution. The judges gave each school a problem and then the groups had one hour to figure out a solution before they performed it. Their coaches were not allowed in the room either.  All the schools were given the problem of 'cyber bullying.' However, Thula's group somehow missed this fact and decided to come up with their own problem! Their group chose playground bullying. I thought they did a good job, but because they did something off the wall they came in last place. I'm disappointed for the kids, but it is pretty funny.

Dressed for church.

I thought Lela looked so cute, but she was being stubborn that morning and wouldn't let me take a decent picture.

Thula and I walked/ran a 5k in downtown Louisville. It was sponsored by Humana.  It was POURING rain and I admit, really awful, but we'll never forget that time spent together!

After the race. Luckily we had ponchos on for the race so our stomach's didn't get soaked!

Thula and her friend from church doing oatmeal and honey masks. Thula is such a good sport and let's Lela tag along.

Waverly Park

Getting a rock and

throwing it! (I was so worried he was going to fall in the whole time).

Lela making a little camp fire.

Stuart would have thrown rocks in all day if he could have.

 

Frankfurt, Ky

I chaperoned Thula's school trip to the state capitol, Frankfurt, KY. We got to ride in a nice charter bus and as you can imagine the kids were pretty excited.

Thula's best school chums, Madison, Tyana, and Thula. This picture was taken at the Kentucky History Museum.

Racing up the capitol steps.

The beautiful rotunda. The tour guide said Frankfurt was voted the second prettiest capitol building in the country, next to Pennsylvania's.

Class photo.

 

The supreme court room.

The House of Representatives room.

 

 

Lunch break.

View of the capitol building.

The governor's mansion. It is a replica of Marie Antoinette's estate.

Thula said Madison is her best friend at school.

The original capitol building built in 1830. It was used until about 1911 when the new capitol building was built.

The House of Representatives room.

Writing with her quill. I am sure she is fantasizing about being Harry Potter right now.