Treats the whole day long

Grandpa Jim sent us a very special surprise, and Wednesday we were able to tell the kids that we were going to the Kentucky Science Center! They didn't know how excited they should be.

The Science Center is in the thick of downtown Louisville.

Here we are in front of the famed Louisville Slugger Museum!

Majestic, eh?

The kids got right to work play.

Constructing...

Observing...

Experimenting...

Engineering...

And learning. Miles can now tell you why it's a disadvantage for a car to be tall. 

Adele loved this glowing table for magnet blocks. She made several cunning townhouses. 

This wind experiment portion was probably her favorite, though. She couldn't believe this ball was suspended in the air with just the power of a jet of air.

We finally found the play zone.

Lots of vehicle-based play!

Adele hopped on the bus & just stayed there for a long time.

The slide was a big attraction, too.

My favorite might have been the complex of water tables. Boats! pipes! You could dam up sections and see what happened when the water overran the dam, or construct a water-powered wheel system, or just run your fingers through it for the sensation of it.

Aiden seemed mainly interested in drinking it. Thirsty, Aiden?

Some mazes and obstacles courses met us in the next room.

And a whole room full of foamy blue blocks. Aiden and his Daddy found a different use for them, though.

En garde!

Children's play areas are never complete without a grocery shopping simulation.

We got a lovely view of the Ohio River. You could see Indiana!

Next, we enjoyed some much-needed refreshment. Chinese food was on my mind! We found a delicious and palatial restaurant for the purpose.

...Followed by a good long swim at the hotel...

..and a visit, finally, to an establishment whose stated purpose is to serve Homemade Ice Cream and Pie. Oh, bliss.

Miles says this ice cream combines two of his favorite foods: chocolate, and ice cream. 

These guys!

This picture has been a long time coming. 

This was our backseat during our trip to Louisville. Cozy cousin-ey chaos!

We cannot wait to repeat this experience! I wish we could reel several US cities into a closer proximity to Blacksburg. Instead. we had to settle for hugs and goodbyes.

Today has been our driving day to Memphis. We have arrived, safe and sound, on the very banks of the Mississippi. What a road trip!