science & the magic of water

Well. Okay. I might have been a bit misleading in my title. We did attend a science demonstration this morning at the Aurora Theater hosted by Big Thinkers. Oh how fun! Our host was fantastic both at science and entertaining! He had some awesome demonstrations that had even our soon-to-be 3 year old entertained.

There might not have been much water for the science portion of our day, but there was sure tons of water in our afternoon play.

We have tried to get over to the fountains several times this summer, but for one reason or another, it just hasn’t come together. Not only did we go today, but a couple friends joined us making the afternoon even sweeter.

The real excuse for making this happen today was to see daddy. When he’s at the office, he sits on this town square. He’d promised to join us for a picnic and some playtime if we came over during the summertime. (This photo was taken after lunch. Daddy waving to the kids from the second floor of his office.)

We were so blessed to have milder temperatures today, plenty of shade, and less of a crowd than is customary for this FREE summertime play.

Michael and his friend had so much fun playing in the streams of water.

His buddy figured out how to get the water to shoot up through his swim shirt. I love it! Michael of course had to get in on the action also. Such silly boys!

Katie found all sorts of things to occupy her water time also. Thank you Kristi for taking this picture while I took Clare potty. It’s simply precious!!! Sadly, Katie had walked over to get Elizabeth toward the end of the day and slipped. She sprained her wrist pretty good and bruised her hip. Sweet girl! This picture, however, is classic.

All morning Clare talked about putting on her “swim-web” and playing in the “sprinkle”. She is funny about things sometimes. I was so delighted that it took her zero time to find her happiness in these fountains. She managed to “punk” both Michael’s friend and her little sister! Leave it to Clare. She’s for sure the life of the party!

They really are buddies and Elizabeth wasn’t phased by her unexpected water spraying nor did she hold a grudge.

Ellie surprisingly had no fear either. She walked through the middle countless times and of course flirted with the jet streams constantly.

What a great few hours. I was happy to sit on the brick wall under an enormous tree, visit with a friend, and listen to the laughter. There was so much of all of it this afternoon. Daddy, we just might have to come back again. (Please disregard the girl carrying the brick. Thankfully, her Grandma took it from her before anyone got hurt.)