That afternoon we went to the library for a program for Tyler. And to kill some time that afternoon. The library is always good for that!
That evening we all went to Jim and Cara's for an early birthday celebration for my brother Chris. Jason had fun harassing the animals while Ty and Aidan checked out Aidan's trampoline. My little guy showed off that he learned how to do a flip!
On Monday, the boys began a week-long vacation from school. What would prove to be a busy and loooong week. They started off with a little electronics time. Tyler allowed Jason to use his Leapster while Ty played his DS. Jason doesn't have a clue, but felt like a big kid for sure.
Later that morning Jason had a library program.
That evening after karate Uncle Jim came over for a visit.
On Tuesday Beth generously offered to let us come to Adventure Aquarium with her and to use her passes. On our way we stopped for a yummy lunch at chick-fil-a. When we got there Tyler, Jason, Mackenzie, and Olivia had a blast petting stingrays, seeing the huge alligator, watching penguins, etc. Afterwards we spent some time walking along the Camden Waterfront.
On Wednesday my mom, dad, myself and the boys made our way to Atlantic City to go to the aquarium. In the end the ended up buying season passes, so we'll be back. They love it their, and I can see why. I think the favorite, by far, is petting the sting rays. What a cute place!
After our aquarium trip we went to use our hotel's pool. Quite a fun treat for the boys in the midst of cooler weather. Even jason got in on the action, even though he would't really go IN the water. Tyler was a fish, of course!
Aftewards we filled up on a yummy dinner at the buffet.
On Thursday my Mom and Dad checked in at the hospital for my mom's hopefully last surgery in a looong time, a total knee replacement.
Meanwhile I checked on line to see that they were currently available and then drove to the main branch library to check out the museum passes for Ground for Sculpture. I had been wanting to go, but was unsure if boys would enjoy themselves,but for free on a gorgeous day, why not?!?! Anyway, the kids were impressed with the large main branch library. Could have spent a couple of hours there!
From there we drove right to Grounds for Sculpture. According to Wikepedia: Grounds For Sculpture is a 35-acre (140,000 m2) sculpture park and museum located in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States, on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Founded in 1992 by John Seward Johnson II, the venue was intended to be dedicated to promoting an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture by organizing exhibitions, publishing catalogues, and offering a variety of educational programs and special community events.
Anyway, Jason didnt' seem thrilled initially, but warmed up quickly, especially after seeing the wildlife roaming free. Tyler had a blast from the beginning, checking each sculpture to see if it allowed touching or simply needed to be viewed with the eye. If it was allowed to be touched, he made sure to touch it. He read plaques, he studied, he seemed quite mature. That was until he climbed a large hill to a sculpture and I hear him yell down hysterically "mom, you've gotta check this out. This is the best. You can see their butts." Mature, not so much, but typical boy, yes. Too funny.
We could have spent the entire day there, but after about 4 hours it started to drizzle, so we got in the car and made our way to the Jackson outlets for Jason's soon-to-arrive orthotics. All in all, a very nice day.
On Friday we had to return the museum passes to the main branch library anyway, so on the way home we stopped at the Rancocas Nature Center. Indoors they had education things and small animals to look at. Afterwards we took a map and head off to explore one of the trails. It was pretty windy though, so we didn't venture out any further than our original trail. The boys found some big leaves, and Tyler even got to catch one as it fell from a tree. Tyler also made us each collect our most favorite leave for a "contest". Can't tell you who won. I'm sure it was probably him.
Friday night after karate as I was getting the boys in the bath, Jason started peeing into the tub. Instincitvely I just picked him up, swung him around,and put him in front of the toilet. He hesitated a second and then started peeing again. Of course Tyler and I praises him highly, and Tyler told him he earned a treat (I guess he remembered that from when he potty-trained). Thankfully we still had Halloween candy around. I figured it was a fluke, but was happy nonetheless. I was shocked when not even 1/2 hour later he announed he had to go again. Sure enough, he did! By the end of the night he was drinking water heavily (so he'd pee more) and had mastered both peeing and pooping on the potty. Who knew?
On Saturday I woke up early to get the boys up and ready to get out the door for an overnight visit with their dad, who had driven up from NC. I took them to a restaurant near Al's hotel so we could transfer their stuff from my car to theirs. Always hard to say goodbye to them, but they seemed fine. Needing to get my mind off things, Bob and I kept busy with a day trip to Peddler's Village, which was very nice. Neither of us had been since we were kids and there were lots of cute shops. We ate dinner at Peddler's Pub, which was nice, and then had yummy dessert from a bakery.
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