American Visionary Art Museum

We had fun checking out the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore one afternoon last week. We had just returned from Philadelphia the day before, but I had wanted to take the kids here for awhile and spring break seemed like a good time since Amelia could join us. Ben was working at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore that day so he was able to meet us at the museum which was a huge bonus.

It turned out to be a fantastic museum and great for the kids. They were fascinated by the fun sculptures and whimsical art. The girls were especially excited about the giant nest on one of the buildings and even more excited when they found out they could go IN the nest. The Cabaret Mechanical Theatre automata was a favorite of everyone (you got to push a button for each mechanical sculpture and see them move).

No photos were allowed inside but there was plenty to photograph outside.

Family portrait.

A rare photo of me. And proof that I'm carrying what is apparently a gigantic baby (at least according to my doctor at my 37 week appointment today).

Excited to be in the nest!

Getting ready to hatch.

a baltimore adventure.

A few Fridays ago we loaded my friend Jessica and her three kids into our van and headed to Baltimore for some fun! (I let Amelia skip school so she wouldn't miss out on the fun.) We spent the entire afternoon at the children's museum (Port Discovery). We were lucky enough to have most of the museum to ourselves and the kids were in heaven running from exhibit to exhibit. A big highlight was the massive 3-story play structure in the middle. I had intended to use a groupon I purchased but it turns out it wasn't valid on Fridays. Of course. So we may have to go back next month before it expires. I don't think the kids will object.

Ben was working at Johns Hopkins that day so he met us for dinner at Panera and then we walked to the Baltimore Aquarium. On Fridays after 5 in the winter admission is only $8. (Normally the admission is crazy expensive and not worth it. You can also get the $8 deal at the Science Center which is super cool.) My favorite part was the jellyfish exhibit. Somehow the kids found more energy to explore the aquarium although they weren't super excited about walking back to the car at the end of the night.

Amelia requested a fancy hairdo that morning.

And Elsa got a much needed trimming of her bangs.

Oliver LOVED the water tables. His main goal at home is to get into the toilet, so this was close.

A debate about who dares to go first, perhaps?

Elsa was mad because she wanted to skip dinner at go straight to the aquarium.