hello mr.dino

I am going to simply come out and say it - I don't enjoy shopping for gifts. It's just not my thing. I always feel that a gift should be meaningful and I stress out way too much trying to find that perfect gift. I start to overthink it and then in the end, I am left with a mediocre gift that I am not crazy about. This year for Christmas, the hubby and I decided instead of going out and picking up more toys that will someday take over our home from top to bottom, we would take the kids on a few outings.

The first outing we chose was to the Nature Museum. It is one of Little Miss L.'s favourites and it is sad to say, but we had not been in months. Little Miss L. has been throwing out the hints left and right about how much she would love to go back to the museum.

So, we bundled up (literally, as it was minus 40 out that day) and headed downtown to check out the new exhibits. Baby D had only been once before and he was passed out in a milk coma the whole time. We were excited to see his reaction to the dinosaurs as he has started taken a liking to them. Baby D sure did not disappoint - the moment he saw the large creatures, his face lit up, the squeals came out, and he pointed excitedly to the big guys. I absolutely loved walking throughout the museum watching their little faces light up when something peaked their interest.

We went to the musuem on the perfect day as they were having a reptile show. Baby D decided he could not sit still, so Little Miss L. and I attended the show. I am not a huge fan of some of those creepy crawly creatures and I thought Little Miss L. was on the same page - I don't know what took over her that day but she was thrilled to get a front row seat and even touched most of the reptiles including some HUGE snakes! I stayed as far away as I could.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent with my family. While I love watching my children get excited over a new toy, providing them with an opportunity to experience new adventures is more rewarding in the end.

Look, it's a dinosaur mommy! 

I love these three.

Look momma, that's a big one!

Posing with the dinos.

Yeah, that's right, I touched that snake...

...and this little guy.

Wow, that looks like the one who stole my crackers on the beach this past summer!

nepean museum

Last week, we traveled to the Nepean Museum for the first time. This museum is a little gem. It's small but cozy and wonderful for small children. We enjoyed a morning of crafts, carols, and story time with Santa.

Little Miss L. loved everything about it. She could have not been more thrilled when Santa asked for some helpers to come up front and read with him. Little Miss L. was the very first one to jump up on her feet to be by Santa's side. Baby D on the other hand decided to keep his distance and watch Santa from afar. He did however, show lots of interest that day in the crafts which usually aren't his thing.

If you are looking for something to do with the family in a kid-friendly, safe and clean environment, I would definitely recommend the Nepean Museum. The staff were very welcoming. I will be sure to go back again soon!

Craft time.

Where is Baby D?

Do you see me yet? This is a much better place to be.

Time to read with Santa.

Little Miss L.  was such a good helper.

Hanging out with the big guy.

This will be the third time, but I will tell you again just so I can make sure you know exactly what I would like for Christmas...

Seriously, mom? You are making me sit on this guys knee again?!? Did you not realize the first two times that I was not a fan!

Yep, I will just sit here and watch the big man chat it up.