I drove the kids to Norman this week. They have a splash pad in one of the parks. I took Hailey to it when she was a wee thing but she doesn't remember. I wouldn't tell them what we were going to do but when Hailey asked for some hints I told her we were going to Norman, to a park and that there was a rainbow there. When we pulled up they spied the cool playground and then the splash pad. I asked them if there was anything they might want to try out. They said the playground but then said they really wished they could go to the water. I pulled out my pool bag and let them in on my secret. They changed and were off for some splish splashing! They had fun going from one area to the next. We took a break at one point and had a snack on the freshly mowed lawn under the big trees. It was so cool and shady. (I think it affected Miss Hailey though. Her nose was running a little bit by the end of the day). I would have loved to have been able to take a nap. They played for a bit on the playground and then were back at the splash pad. I am glad I took them. It is fun to change things up a bit!

They both spent most of their time walking back and forth on the water holes in a line in the picture below and standing underneath the buckets that fill up and dump.

Since we were already in Norman, we made our way over to the Sam Noble Dinosaur Museum. At the beginning of the summer, they received some free passes from their library summer reading packet. It has been over a year since Hailey has been and Hunter doesn't remember since he was a baby. He will remember now. They had a good time touching all the displays and looking at the exhibits. Feeling the fur pelts was cool and Hailey guessed them all correctly after given a hint. So proud. I now want a beaver pelt. I was shocked at how soft and deep their fur went. The sweet older lady said "Now do you understand why people wanted to trap these?" Very luxurious indeed! We popped in the discovery room at one point but opted to keep exploring. There were too many people in it at the time. Wise decision because when we were ready they had the whole room to themselves. Hailey spent most of her time in the dig area and loved it. She would have stayed there all day I am sure. After watching them play, I have a few good ideas of some great gifts for them for Christmas that they explored and played with in the room. Before leaving, we made our way through the Chocolate exhibit. It was cool but it was more for adults. I would have liked to read more of all the text. We rushed through and I briefly tried to explain the text. We then went to the gift shop. I was hoping they had some chocolate for sale that was like the sign but they had all this expensive wacky flavor combos that I knew they wouldn't enjoy. Plus since my day had been free I wasn't willing to blow it in the gift shop - even though I wanted several items! Hailey picked out a moonstone dolphin necklace and Hunter wanted a button. Awesome inexpensive treasures. Hailey has come to like dolphins lately too. I can't wait to take her to see one some day. I loaded them up in the truck and make a quick pass by our home. It needs some help and the bushes need some TLC. Makes me sad. They were so exhausted and hungry but sleep came first. They slept all the way home. It was a fun - mostly free day!

This is my favorite dinosaur. Its name is Archaeopteryx. It is the smallest dinosaur - about the size of a chicken. So cute. Hailey really liked it too. 

LOOK TWO BEAVERS!

Hunter's button is a picture of Humpty Dumpty and has the word Good above it. Get it? (GOOD EGG if ya don't). He's a keeper and so is H1.