Nancy was off from work Monday and Tuesday this week so we drove up to Raleigh after she finished her shift Sunday. We haven’t seen Julie, Steve and the grandchildren in a while. This quick trip would give us a chance to catch up with all their family.
We arrived at their house just about bedtime.
But first, each child had something very important
to share with Grandpop.
Of course, it was all at the same time ;o))
Emily and Samantha were showing off their sparkling sneakers
to Grandmom during the ride.
I think Grandmom needs a NEW pair of sneakers!!
When we were paying to park in the public lot next to the museum,
Nancy noticed a sign that said the museum was closed on Monday’s. 
But just in case, we walked over to check.
Emily showing us the way!!
Definitely closed, but we got to see some of the garden.
Now what?
We had already paid to park.
Julie came up with a great Plan B.
Just a couple blocks away was the Raleigh Science Museum.
It was within walking distance.
What made the walk even better was that we walked by the capitol building and viewed all the monuments and statues on the grounds. 
Andrew and Grandpop checking out the BIG gun!
Capitol Building and WWII Memorial
View of downtown Raleigh from Capitol.
Almost there,
Art Museum on the right, Science Museum on the left.
What a great plan B.
We ended up spending a couple of hours in the Science Museum.
Our oldest grandson (Andrew) and I even watched a 3D movie about tornadoes.
Andrew in the Shark’s Jaws!!
Emily and Samantha, just like their Big Brother…
Wonderful poem as we entered the Sea Life exhibit.
Andrew and Daniel enjoying the Pelican display.
It was SO life-like!!
Above our heads was this HUGE Blue Whale skeleton.
From the second floor we could look down on the head of the Blue Whale.
Nancy here: Not sure what Grandpop and the girls were listening to,
but it got them all dancing ;o))
While Andrew and Grandpop went to the Tornado movie, the rest of us did story time. The story teller has a really cool hat and lots of live animals for all of us to touch!!
We had a great couple of hours.
As we were leaving, Daniel (who has always feared escalators)
decided he was ready to tackle this one without assistance.
Way to go, Daniel :o)))
We drove back to their house for a quick lunch and then off we went to Durant Nature Park, only a few miles from their home. We hiked through the woods, along a stream on a marked trail which led us to a playground with swings, jungle gyms, sandboxes, etc. It was neat to spend time with the grandchildren and watch them run and play on all the playground equipment. We all got plenty of fresh air and exercise!
Through the woods and along the stream…
Across the plank…
Stop for kids photo…
Add a couple Grandparents…
Go past the lake…
AND
There it is….
THE PLAYGROUND!!!
A Swinging Duo ;o))
Samantha hiding in the tunnel ;o))
Daniel laughing about something !?!?!
It was a great way to spend a beautiful day!!
We capped off the day with a spaghetti dinner
followed by coffee cake and ice cream for my birthday!!
Now I get to make one wish before I blow out the candle.
Can’t tell, but I bet you can guess what I wished for ;o))
The visit was short, but filled with fun. We’re looking forward to the next family gathering – I guess that will be Thanksgiving with our son, DIL and her family.
Nancy here: Had to share these photos taken on our trip back to Murrells Inlet. This red Mini Cooper, towing a mini Air Boat, passed us as we headed south on I-95.
Never saw a combination like this before.
I got Bill to pass it so I could get some better pictures.
Notice the red propeller on the car roof!!
Perhaps he is headed for the EVERGLADES!!!
