With only two days to spend together, we planned to drive to the California Science Center in Los Angeles to check out the new Endeavor exhibit on Saturday and then check out the pumpkin patch at Tanaka Farms after brunch on Sunday.
Much to our surprise, our eldest, (affectionately referred to as 'munchkin' or 'munchkin girl'), who is normally very selective with what grownups she allows into her heart, became quite attached to our friend Marienna. So much so, in fact, that she not only tried but also ate a Poki bowl just to impress her! Needless to say, Sean and Marienna are welcome back anytime!
To our surprise, our Saturday field trip to the California Science Center, also coincided with a USC home game...let me tell you, USC fans take tailgating to a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL. Seriously, I was humbled.
Back to the science center. Let me preface by saying that it is deceptively huge; there's a lot of ground to cover and alot of interactive exhibits and activities, one day is barely enough to cover it. I'm glad we are members because there are many things we didn't make it to. Also, check out the "A Beautiful Planet" film in 3D and IMAX; completely worth it and the tickets to this include the Endeavor exhibit.
Soon they'll have the Pixar exhibit and you bet we'll be back for that!
Here's a few photos from our day:
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| The Hurricane Simulator |
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| Does my hair look OK? |
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| Those smiles, though! |
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| The Endeavor! |
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| Make sure to check out the Family Discovery Rooms! Great for the littles! |
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| The munchkin and her new bff; auntie Marienna |
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| Attempting the rock climbing wall because why not? |
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| Uncle Sean made it to the top! |
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| Learning about Nano science with Uncle Sean |
We had a wonderful time, if you find yourself in the area or looking for something to do outside of Orange County, a day trip to LA to check out the California Science Center is well worth it!
Our second day of excursions took us to the pumpkin patch at Tanaka Farms. We hadn't been in a couple years and it has grown exponentially!
If you haven't been to Tanaka Farms, its a lovely little (well not so little now) family-run local farm. Among the many things they offer is a monthly subscription CSA box of veggies, wagon tours with seasonal tastings from their crops, a harvest BBQ night, fall pumpkin patch, and christmas tree farm.
During the pumpkin patch they have a corn maze, wagon rides, a petting zoo, themed games, ATV and tractor rides, the pumpkin patch, and face painting. It's a fun day with a great deal to experience.
One of the popular attractions is the Pumpkin Launch which is kind of a tech savvy spin on pumpkin chuckin' :
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| Pumpkin Launch Pad |
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| Proudly made it through the maze with Auntie Marienna and Uncle Sean |
I think its safe to say that if you come visit our family, your probably signing up for a couple excursions ;)
