Tangled Fun

This evening we had tickets to see Tangled at the wildlife museum. Marina dressed in her Rapunzel costume and brought her plush Pascal toy with her.

When we arrived, Marina had changed her mind about dressing up for the show. Unfortunately, by then it was too late to change. After we checked in we got a photo with Rapunzel and her prince. Then Marina wanted to go through the habitat exhibits. She completed her favorite scavenger hunt along the way.

We decided to get our dinner next. It was fettucine alfredo, which Marina had never tried before. She really liked it and finished her whole bowl. But her favorite part was the jello boat.

After we ate, we checked out the crafts. Marina made a friendship bracelet and a lantern. By then it was almost time for the movie to start, so we got our popcorn and settled in to watch. Marina was feeling snuggly during the show. She especially like that I shared my Hershey bar with her!

Belle Adventure

This evening, we had tickets for Beauty and the Beast at the wildlife museum. Marina chose the blue Belle costume to wear for the show. While we were checking in, we met up with a little girl we had met at previous shows. So she and Marina hung around together for most of the event.

Belle was near the door when we arrived, so we got a picture with her right away. We chose our seats in the theater and the girls put together a rose craft. Then we went upstairs where we found a storybook craft. At that point, her friend wasn’t feeling well, so we went to rest and Marina and I went on a scavenger hunt. On the hunt, we met up with one of Marina’s second grade teachers.

After the scavenger hunt, we went to the theater for the movie. When the movie was over we said goodbye to her friend and her mom. There’s a good chance we’ll see them again at the next princess movie.

Frozen Party

This afternoon, we attended the Frozen Party at the wildlife museum. Marina chose to wear her Anna coronation dress. I put her hair into a bun and she added Anna’s summer jewelry.

We arrived just as the party was getting started. We saw Anna and Elsa posing for photos, so we got her picture taken with them right away. Inside the ball room, we got hot chocolate and Marina checked out the crafts. She made a marshmallow snowman and then ate him. She tried out the corn hole and Sven ring toss. But her favorite activity was the balloons. She enjoyed tossing them into the air and bouncing them across her body.

As the time for the movie came, we bought popcorn and went into the theater. Even though she has seen Frozen many times, she was excited to see it again. She sang along with all the songs and even recited some of the dialog.

It was a cold night, so we hurried home after the movie.

Santa Safari

Today we were scheduled to take our annual Hike with Santa. It’s an event we look forward to every year. Unfortunately, we had six inches of snow overnight and the temperatures were below freezing. Because of the weather, the hike was moved inside to the environment exhibit.

We arrived a bit early, so Marina played in the interactive exhibits for a little while. Then we went to wait for the hike to begin. There we had hot chocolate and Marina tried some of the crafts. She created card with the Northern Lights on it while we waited for Santa.

When Santa arrived the kids gathered around to meet him. He remembered us from years past and was happy to get photos of last year’s hike to add to the photo album we made for him. He, like everyone else, noticed how much she has grown in the past year.

When the hike began, Santa talked us through the animals from around the world. It was a small group so each child got plenty of attention from Santa. And since we’ve been on the hike so many times, Marina got special attention from him as well.

At the end of the hike we took pictures and said goodbye to Santa until next year. We went through the exhibit one more time after Santa left and then went home.

Trek or Treat

While we attend a lot of events at the wildlife museum, Marina and I have never attended their Trek or Treat event. Since we had time today, we decided to try it out. We arrived shortly after the event opened and found ourselves in line with a family who we met at the Brave movie earlier this month. It was fun to see them again.

Once we got into the museum, we went to some of the trick or treat booths. Marina got to touch a constrictor snake and she collected some candy. We went into the ballroom where she learned about leaf decomposition, made ghost clay and played with slimy goop. She also had her face painted and collected more candy. We stopped for lunch before continuing on.

We went to make more crafts and met up with the family we met earlier again. Marina wanted to spend the rest of our time there with them. They made their crafts together and then went through the exhibits. Hopefully we will see them again soon!

Merida at the Movies

After a little while at home, Marina changed into yet another costume. She dressed as Merida for the Brave movie event at the wildlife museum. Marina was excited to go.

When we arrived we saw several other girls dressed as Merida. Marina tried out an obstacle course they had set up outside. Then she tried out the toy archery set. She got a few good shots off! She also posed for a picture with Merida herself.

We went inside where there were crafts set up. Marina colored in a paper tiara, made a bear puppet and mask. Once she tried out all the crafts we picked out seats for the movie. I bought popcorn and candy and we settled in.

As the movie started, she leaned over and said, “Thank you for bringing me.” Later on she said, “I like seeing this movie with my mom!” Marina clearly enjoyed seeing Brave on the big screen again, despite having seen it many times before.

Aladdin

Last December, Marina and I went to the Frozen Ball. At that time, they were advertising Aladdin for this weekend. Of course, Marina wanted to go.

Marina wore her genie costume and applied makeup from her Jasmine palette. We styled her hair when it was wet and actually helped her hair look more like Jasmine’s.

When we arrived, Jasmine was at the front desk checking people in. Marina was happy to speak to her right away. We went into the ballroom and found a bubble station for making big bubbles. Marina was very interested in that! Next, she tried an obstacle course that was set up. She even helped some smaller children go through it.

Two employees had animals for the kids to see. First Marina touched the Bearded Dragon lizard. Then she compared it to the smooth texture of a snake.

Next, Marina tried a few of the crafts. She decorated a blue balloon to look like a “nerd genie.” Then she colored a princess tiara. When she was done with it, she gave it to me to wear.

After we finished in the ballroom, we bought some snacks and went into the theater for the movie. We munched on popcorn during the movie. Once the movie started, Marina was completely engrossed.

After the movie was over, we headed out. The sun was setting and it made the drive back a challenge. But we made it safely.

Anna Adventures

We had a full slate of activities scheduled at the wildlife museum today. First we had the annual Hike with Santa followed by a Frozen Ball. So, Marina decided to dress up as Anna all day. She started off on the trekking outfit.

We arrived at the museum shortly before the hike began.We joined the group at the fire pit to enjoy hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. Marina made a s'more for each of us. After our snack, Santa made his appearance. He spent a few minutes with every child. Marina gave him a small photo album we made for him with pictures of every hike we have done. He loved it!

Once the greetings were over, the hike began. They discussed eagles, bison, brown bears, cougars, deer and elk. And, as always, each child got a chance to hold the sleigh bells and walk next to Santa. At the end of the hike every family got photos with Santa.

After the hike, we stopped for lunch and then went through the museum. Marina knows the exhibits by hart, but she still enjoys them and trying out the games throughout.

Before long, it was time to prepare for the Frozen Ball. Marina changed into Anna's coronation dress and I put on my Elsa costume. We checked into the ballroom and were able to get a photo with Princess Anna right away. Next we waited our turn to meet Queen Elsa. We were fortunate to get quite a few pictures with them throughout the ball.

Marina got a chance to play with balloons, sword fight and make a crown and wand. She also enjoyed marshmallows and hot chocolate. Once the ball was over, we went to the movie theater to watch Frozen.

When the movie ended we headed home. It was a full day of fun!

Santa Takes A Hike

It has become tradition for Marina and I to take a hike with Santa at the Wildlife Museum every Christmas. This year we we lucky to snag the last two tickets for today's hike. Marina brought her Anna doll along since she is ready for a trek.

We arrived a bit early and checked out the newest traveling exhibit - the Lego Adventure. First we looked at some very impressive vehicles created out of Legos. Marina even had the chance to try out a Lego car. Then she got to create her own Lego masterpieces. She found a pink house someone had started and decided to complete it. She also created her own couch.

After lunch we got ready for the hike with Santa. We got hot chocolate and Marina roasted marshmallows as we waited for Santa to make his appearance. He showed up pretty early and mingled with all the families. This year, Santa had a high tech gadget on a smart phone which determined if each child was naughty or nice. Marina rated naughty the first time, but after giving me a hug she shifted to the nice category.

Once the hike began, each child got a chance to carry the jingle bells as they walked. We stopped at statues of wild animals and Santa gave the kids a lesson about each one. During one part, Marina even got to use Santa's cane for a while.

Once the hike was over, we went back into the museum to look through the animal environment exhibit. Marina got a scavenger hunt sheet - this time it was the intermediate level, the beginner level was much too easy for her.

After our hike we went to the Museum's movie theater to see The Polar Express. This movie came out the year Marina was born and she loves it. We enjoyed seeing it on the big screen again.

Archery Adventure

It's been nearly a year since our last archery class, so I thought it was time for us to go again. Marina decided to bring her American Girl doll Kaya, since she is a Native American and they used bows and arrows.

The class was taught in a format that was slightly different than the last one we took. For one thing the class was smaller, so we had much more time to practice.

Marina and I were both a bit rusty. She was much more patient than last year, so she had to focus more on the little things - mostly her stance and making sure to pull her arm all the way back. But she had some really good shots which suggests she is learning. At the end of class there was time for fun. Marina wanted to try shooting in her Merida costume to see how it went. That didn't seem to bother her at all. We were aiming at balloons. Since she wasn't able to pop hers on the target she took them down and stomped on them to break them.

Once the class was over, we had lunch in the Museum cafe and then headed into the Globology exhibit. Marina has been through it many times and she stopped at all her favorite spots. In the Coral Reef section she met some little girls and played with them for a while.

Next we headed to the Discovery Center where Marina made more new friends and played with them. While they were there, we learned of a live animal demonstration featuring a bull python. The kids were all anxious to see that. First we got a lesson about snakes, what and how they eat, their skin and their environment. Then the snake came out for a visit. Marina was happy to pet it a few times.

Next we checked out the temporary exhibit on the music of nature. It was fun to take the many sounds and hear them in a musical context.Marina really enjoyed visiting all the different stations.


Once we had seen everything in the Museum we headed home. It was a fun day!

Santa Hike

After going on the Santa hike last year at the Wildlife Museum, Marina was anxious to go again this year. So we were both disappointed when the only one we could attend was sold out. We got on the waiting list and were delighted that we were able to go after all. Marina decided to bring Saige with her, although she carried her in a tote bag this time.

We were treated to hot chocolate and the chance to toast marshmallows as we waited for Santa. Marina made a s'more and toasted a marshmallow for me. I thinks she liked toasting them better than eating them.

When Santa made his appearance, all the kids got excited. Before the hike started, he handed out Santa hats to the kids. Again this year, he took us on a tour of the animal statues around the building. Each child got a chance to hold his walking staff and sleigh bells. We learned about eagles, moose, elk, bears and many other wild animals

Once the hike was over, Santa graciously posed for pictures with each child. Marina volunteered to go first and was happy to sit on his lap for a picture.

After the hike, we went into the Museum to look around. It's been quite a while since we've been there. We saw a demonstration with live sugar gliders. Then we checked out the temporary exhibit on glowing animals. Marina particularly liked an example of how lightning bugs talk to each other.

Next we went into the regular exhibits. Marina decided to do the scavenger hunt. She picked the beginner level. Clearly this is too easy for her because she breezed through it. I'll have to encourage her to try intermediate next time.

We ended the day in the play area. Marina found several kids to do the activities with. It was quite a job to drag her away!

Harvest Festival

The Conservation Center was having a Harvest Festival, so we decided to check that out today. When we got there, we found many booths set up. Marina looked at two buffalo on display and read about them. Then we went to a birds of prey demonstration where we saw a horned owl, a Peregrine Falcon and a hawk. After the bird show was over, we rode a wagon to the “soddies” where they transported us back to 1887.

At first Marina wanted to check out the chickens wandering about. They led us to a blacksmith shop where Marina got the turn the crank and the fire grew. Then the blacksmith pulled the metal out of the fire and we could see how hot it glowed. Next we found a weaving station. Marina carded the wool and spun it into yarn. She enjoyed that.

We moved on to the craft tent where she made a corn husk doll. Then she played with some old fashioned toys. Then we found the kitchen where they were making caramel corn on a wood burning stove. Marina helped make a batch of it. She popped the corn in a wooden skillet and helped measure out honey and sugar. The funny thing was, she actually didn’t like the taste of the caramel corn.

We went back to a few of the displays before getting back on the wagon and heading for the Cherokee camp where traditional Native American dancing was taking place.  Marina loved it. She was especially enthralled with the Powwow Princess. She also took a turn on the archery station. I was impressed with how much she remembers from the classes we took.

The Harvest Festival was over about that time. As we headed back to the car, Marina said, “That was awesome!”

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

After our first experience with archery class, Marina and I were anxious to try it again. We took Archery II today at the wildlife museum. We found out that today at Disney World, Merida had her coronation as the thirteenth Disney Princess. Archery class was the perfect was to celebrate that occasion!

Marina wore a Merida t-shirt today as well as a flowery skirt. She also brought her American Girl doll Julie with us. Since the weather was beautiful, the class was held outside.

We started off with a few practice rounds. Marina still has a tendency to rush, but when she took her time, she did pretty well. My first two arrows almost hit the bullseye. Marina was so excited she insisted on taking a picture of the target.

We learned more about aiming and the targets were moved from 7 yards away to 10. That made it much harder. We got a chance to aim at balloons on the target.Marina was disappointed she didn't pop any of the balloons, but she was happy that she got to pop them after class.

Marina was a bit grumpy, so we had lunch at the museum cafe. Then we went into the Museum. We went through the GPS exhibit first. While figuring out the different stations, Marina met a boy and they helped each other. From there they went together to the animal habitats.They played together for awhile before he and his dad went home. We checked out a couple of other temporary exhibits before heading home. 

Right on Target

Ever since she saw the movie Brave, Marina has been interested in archery. She has a play bow with arrows tipped with suction cups and she practices with it often. However, she has been interested in trying out the real thing as well. So, I signed us up for an Archery class at the Wildlife Experience. Since Marina was under 12, I had to take the class along with her. She brought her American Girl doll McKenna along for moral support.

Today was a very snowy day, so we were a bit late for the class. It began with a lot of learning. We had to learn safety rules, how to hold the bow and handle the arrows. We had to figure out which was the dominant eye and how long our reach was. Marina was a bit restless through it, but she was listening.

Once it was time to try shooting, Marina was very focused. Her first arrow missed the target, but her second stuck. The instructors noticed she had a tendency to rush her shot. Once we convinced her to slow down and take her time, she did quite well. After her first round, she said, "I want to do it again!"

After the first two rounds, we had a bulls eye to aim for. Marina's first two arrows missed wildly. But once she slowed down, she hit the middle circle. She was so excited!

In the last round, all her arrows bounced off the target. Although in competition she would have score points for each arrow, she was upset they didn't stick. It was clear it was time for lunch.

After lunch, we went into the Wildlife Experience exhibits. They have a temporary exhibit on Geotracking, so, we checked that out first. Marina had fun finding clues and stamping her card at each station.

We also went through the Globology Exhibit. Marina picked up a scavenger hunt list and we went through each ecosystem looking for the animals on her list. On the way out, we saw an employee who was carrying a rosy boa. Marina was happy to pet the snake before it was put back in its habitat. After that, we headed home.We agreed we'd like to try Archery again!