Overnight in Columbus

Unfortunately, our spring breaks were not the same this year so we couldn't plan a family vacation. And, Grace was VERY sick all week with the flu so by the time Friday rolled around, we all needed a change of scenery and some time having fun together.

We drove two hours to Columbus where we all had our first experience with Cosi - a hands-on science museum.  

I always thought "Co-si" stood for Columbus Science Museum but we found out that its real name is Center of Science and Industry, which makes sense when you consider that some of the exhibits had to do with energy conservation and progress and inventions from the 1800s until now.  

Inside, we could see that it takes a lot less energy to light the new lightbulbs than incandescent and LED when Grace used her own energy to turn a wheel.

In the dark and mysterious Ocean exhibit, Grace climbed inside a submarine and a remote operated vehicle (ROV).  We could see her on a video screen in the waiting area.  She said there were a lot of controls and it sounded like the waves were crashing outside.

There were a bunch of areas to get wet like water canons, balancing balls, and PVC pipes to move water to another location.  I know the kids were supposed to learn about laminar flow and cohesion but I think it was just plan fun!

The Gadgets area had a lot of things that kids could take apart and put back together.  We laughed at our competition to throw balls into the funnel of an air canon, tried to work as a team to coordinate three pistons, and Grace used a pulley to raise herself on a moveable seat.  

It was a busy day and we didn't do everything they had to offer!

Kyle had a great idea to go to the American Girl store after dinner.  It was so pleasant to be there without the crowds and Grace got to check out the doll of the year - also named GRACE!

When Grace was about three, we went to the American Girl store in NYC with Nana.  But she wasn't too interested back then and I don't think she remembered it.  When we got to the store this time, she said, "This is like a dream!" and "I wish we could have all of this in our basement."  I wish I could give it all to her.

Grace was allowed to choose one thing that wasn't a doll.  She opted for the Feel Better Set with crutches, casts, an Ace bandage, etc.  I think it was a great choice and Isabelle (her doll) felt much better that night at the hotel since she somehow "broke" her ankle while we were at the restaurant for dinner.

We did go back to Easton shopping center the next day.  When we went into the American Girl store it was so packed with little girls and their parents that you could barely walk.  I was so happy we had visited the night before!

Layered paintings

Today, Grace and I visited the the Akron Art Museum.  Their front lobby is a glass atrium and the lighting is just amazing, even on a cloudy day.

When we pulled up to the museum Grace said that she remembers being there before and reminded me of what it looked like inside and that she played with giant blocks in the main entry.  That was two years ago!  I love how certain things have an impact on her.

She was excited to walk around looking at the paintings and sculpture.  In each gallery we entered we chose the one piece we liked the best and told each other why. There was a furniture exhibit (we liked everything - modern but comfortable)...

...and she had fun mimicking some of the statues.

The real reason we went to the museum today was for a kids' studio art class.  There were about 20 kids and two instructors.  Grace said they took a tour (she giggled about the nude paintings) and then went to the classroom to learn how to layer paint and etch a design.

The art classroom was pretty cool!

I think she had a good time and it was a fun way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.  Hopefully this will be one of the things she remembers the next time we are there. 

March Royale

March has marched in like a lion - no surprise, this is Ohio, after all. The lake is still frozen and there is snow and ice everywhere even thought it is March 8.

But today there was a little feeling of spring in the air when we went with Grace to Kent State University's School of Music and Performing Arts for the Ohio Music Teachers Association (OMTA) Ribbon Festival.

Grace has been practicing "March Royale" by Melody Bober.  It is described as "a cheerful and triumphant march in F major with with the occasional use of eighth notes and a variety of articulation to add character."  Grace had to go into a room with a judge and perform the piece from memory.

That has to be a pretty difficult thing to do.  This was her second year in this festival and her teacher mentioned when she was done that this was her hardest piece of music so far.

Next week at her lesson, Grace will get a report of how she did and from that, her teacher will set goals for the next year.  No matter what the report says, we were very proud of her!