The Austin Nature and Science Center

The buddies and I met my twin mom's group at the Austin Science and Nature Center this morning. Eleven moms and 32 (!!) kids joined us on this adventure.

The ANSC is a "living museum" with interpretive exhibits, programs, collections, and trails. Our favorite part was the dino pit, effectively a huge sand box filled with dinosaur bone replicas. Child-sized archaeological spades, shovels, and brushes are scattered throughout so that children can "discover" the fossils. We'll have to return when the buddies are a tad older and can appreciate the hands-on learning experience that this provides. Nevertheless, they highly enjoyed running around the pit and digging in the sand.

After we'd had our fill of the dino pit, we explored trails and creeks. The buddies were the only children there that splashed in the water, but that was probably because I was the only mom that allowed it. Their shoes and shorts are drying out now, but it was worth it.

After that, we were off to explore the animal exhibits, and saw birds, coyotes, and fish. Ace walked right up to the fish tank and said, "Yummy!" The other moms asked what kind of food we ate at our house (and then vowed not to join us for dinner).

All in all, it was a successful outing. We enjoyed seeing our friends and running around outside, and learned a few things while we had fun.