new frontiers

Another fine day here in Denver. Oatmeal for breakfast, St. Vincent De Paul's for Mass, and then our first trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. If you've ever read this blog, you know we loved the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, so the bar had already been set rather high.

But before I get to the pictures and details of today's outing, I need to point out that our transition and experience here in Denver would have been much rougher without our friends Mike and Jenny. They've taken us on tours, given us cheat-sheets for the best restaurants, grocery stores, parks, etc., helped out with last-minute babysitting needs, and Mike has given me a lift to work everyday since I've been here (I think we'll finally have our new car tomorrow). Mike even helped us find the house that we're currently renting (and enjoying). Hopefully, we'll get a chance to return some of the favors.

Now back to today's adventure...

A little bigger than Durham's museum; it felt a bit like a Smithsonian.

a "wind table" that Junie loved...

more fun at the wind table...

tickling the ivories...

blowing bubbles...

fun with a magnetic board game...

two pretty things and one not-so-pretty thing...

The museum has some amazing dioramas. Even my sister, Molly, an accomplished dioramist (is that a word?) would be impressed. Here's Junie checking out the walrus...

Although we're already members of the museum, today, unbeknownst to us, happened to be a free admission day, so it was a complete zoo. We'll have to wait for our next trip to get a feel for the typical crowd. Here's a preliminary Durham vs. Denver Life/Nature & Science comparison:

Durham: only 5 minutes away, rarely crowded, live animals, train to ride, several activities geared towards the toddler set, and ~$100 for annual family membership.

Denver: 10 minutes away, enormous, no live animals but a zoo located next door (haven't been there yet. in fact, I didn't know the zoo was next door until I googled it 30 seconds ago), IMAX theater, a planetarium, incredible exhibits that June will love as she gets older, and ~$100 for an annual family membership.

All things considered, today's trip was a smashing success.