A Family Adventure

Today we had quite the day as a family. We left first thing in the morning and headed up to Pasadena for NASA's JPL open house. This is an event that takes place once a year and we wanted to see what it was all about. There was a bad accident so we had some yucky traffic and once we got there it was over an hour since it had begun. Needless to say, everybody and their mother was at this thing today- it was PACKED. We didn't see much due to long lines, but it was a good experience and we know what we will do differently in the future.

Boys outside in the plaza- where lots of food was for sale!

Actual Mars Rover that will go out at the end of 2011. This one is designed to look for living organisms.

Test Rover- smaller scale, but so cool!

One of the great activities available. The campus was huge and impressive!

Thankfully we had another place to go while we were up there. After lunch in our car we went to Kidsplace- Children's Museum. This is located in the Rose Bowl Park area of Pasadena. It is a little costly. I could see being a member if we lived closer, but I am glad we took advantage of being so close. There was a rock climbing wall, creek and some ponds to play in, a tricycle track, cool in-door climbing towers and lots of other neat things.

The boys climbing the root wad structure

Boys having fun in the water area-
good thing I brought a change of clothes!

We ended the long day with a great dinner at a new favorite restaurant. The Lazy Dog Cafe. I had the best pesto chicken with hummus salad. This too was pricey, but worth it after a long day in the sun. We will definitely go back for a special occasion or a date night!!

All in all, it was a wonderful day with my wonderful family- we are blessed beyond our imagination!!