Through My Cooked Lens

(and a Little Science Along the Way)

We set out around noon with our thirteen year old and our almost two year old, both of whom slept most of the drive. A late lunch at Whataburger fueled us just enough, and we made our way to the McWane Science Center, cutting it a little close to closing time but determined to soak it in anyway.

Because we were short on time, we focused mostly on the first floor, which honestly could keep kids entertained all by itself. The marble run at the entrance was a favorite, and yes, I know that sounds basic, but it never gets old. The nail bed, bubbles, water boats, and the stations where you make balls float on air and water were a hit for everyone. Upstairs, the room where one person grows while the other shrinks made us all laugh, and the aquarium area was a big win. The stingray pool was cool, even if it did not quite live up to others we have seen, but it was still a really nice addition. There was also a small Christmas train running that day, which both boys enjoyed, and our big kid even got to do the zip line.

I loved that there was a dedicated toddler area, though between time constraints and having an older brother around, we only spent a few minutes there. It was also pretty crowded that day. If you want to fully explore without rushing, I would plan about two hours. We were there a little over one. Side note for fellow educators, there is a discount, which I did not know until we were already there.

From there, we headed to Rickwood Caverns State Park for their Christmas lights. It was freezing outside, so we did not linger much on the walk up, but once inside the cavern, it was warm and honestly felt magical. Santa greeted us near the top, the Grinch waited at the bottom, and the lights and music echoed beautifully through the cave. Our toddler loved the music, and while the walk was not bad, there are a few tight spots if you are tall or claustrophobic and some steep steps with handrails.

This is also where I admit my mistake. I left the Tushbaby in the car. Again. If you have a toddler and any kind of carrier, bring it. You will regret it if you do not. I also wished I had clipped my snug to it so I could be hands free to duck, but hindsight is always twenty twenty.

After a quick stop in the gift shop where gems were absolutely purchased, we headed home and stopped at LongHorn Steakhouse for dinner. Somewhere between exhaustion and wanting to eat in peace, I let our tiniest boy watch Bluey on my phone for the first time ever. Just this once. It may have saved my sanity.

P.S. I apologize in advance for the low-quality images. I was fully in mom mode, not blogger or photographer mode. I know, how are those even different? lol

P.P.S. The restaurant toy we brought was absolutely not enough for his age anymore which I learned the hard way. lol The Tushbaby stayed in the car when it should not have, and that is exactly why I always say if something saves your sanity, it is worth it. I am an Amazon affiliate, and I only link things we actually use (or in this case have used in the past) and love, especially the ones that make outings with a toddler a little easier.

https://amzn.to/49x6YW1– fidget toy, great for perhaps 12 mos-19mos (for us)

https://amzn.to/4aRDyV2– tush baby, which if you have a toddler or sitting up baby, you probably need

https://amzn.to/4aMiOOp– I need a waistband extender currently for my tush baby, so if you think you might, here it is!