Monday we went up to SLC to the planetarium with my friend Kaylyn, her husband Rich, and their kids Cole and Belle. (Just us moms originally planned to go, but since Rich works at home he was able to come with us). Kaylyn and I met when Cole and Austin were only 6 months old, so we've seen alot of change and growth in our kids since we've been friends. Cole and Austin are only 22 days apart (not that you can tell by their size), and Belle is just 2 months and 11 days older than Olivia. Since our kids are so close in age it makes outings and play dates a lot more fun. By the way, Mom was kind enough to watch Ashley at home so that I could go without a 2 year old in tow! Thanks Mom.
First we watched the movie in the dome theater about planets. The kids liked the huge screen and some of the images, but I was a little disappointed that the narration was so far above their heads. I don't see why they have to use big words like 'traverse' instead of travel. The wording was like reading a college textbook. I guess I assumed it would be geared for children, isn't that who goes to the planetarium the most? The good thing is, the movie is only about 45 minutes so they didn't get too bored- it was just the right length for the kids.
After the movie, we explored the planetarium displays. The kids liked the ones where you could 'walk' on Mars and the Moon.
I liked this display of a real spacesuit. Did you know the suit weighs over 350 pounds? Good thing they wear it in space where there's no gravity. Do you ever wonder about the people who end up going to space? What were they like as kids? When did they decide that this is what they wanted to do? Do their parents worry about them all the time? What did they study in college? I had a roommate who wanted to be an astronaut- now it makes me curious to know if she ever followed that dream.
The kids thought this pendulum was pretty cool. (see below) It moves with the rotation of the Earth. The sign next to the display said it needs no help to move, but as I read another sign 6 feet away, in small print, it said there is a magnet at the top of the wire holding it which 'helps' it stay in motion. Does anyone else think that's a little strange?
Anyway, the kids seemed to have a fun time. I like getting out and going on these little excursions now and then. It breaks up the monotony of our regular routine, we get to hang out with friends, and my kids (hopefully) get to learn a little bit too.
4 comments:
That sounds like a fun outing - my kids would definitely love that!
I've wanted to go for awhile to the planetarium you've convinced me it's worth the drive. It's nice to have friends that have been your friend for awhile.
Very cute pictures.
oh we went there last summer and it is a cool place, I think the kids really enjoyed it. How fun to be able to go with friends.
That sounds like so much fun! Play dates are so much more fun now that the kids are older. (Less fighting, etc.)
Is that the planetarium that is by/in the Gateway, or am I just totally not remembering Utah. =D I need to take the boys there this summer. There is always so many fun kid-friendly things to do!
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