A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can.”
– Maira Kalman

Monday’s big adventure was a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences over in Raleigh. We knew it would be a good day; the surprise was just how much of a big hit the outing turned out to be.

Geoffrey, at just four years old, was completely and thoroughly engaged. He was interested in almost all the exhibits – especially the live specimens – and his focus lasted a full three hours.

Best of all was the way his brother and sister – David and Beks – helped and guided him. His four-year-old excitement was their excitement too.

I fully expected Geoffrey’s curiosity to wane in only a few minutes, but he was fascinated with just about everything. Then, when we went into the butterfly enclosure on the fourth floor, he listened, he followed directions and he stood completely still for a full three minutes while one of the butterflies sat on his hand.

So Rebekah and I joined the museum as supporters, and then we all went into the new, state of the art, interactive Blue Whale exhibit. Very cool. It is hard to imagine or to process how huge these magnificent and majestic creatures are.

Finally, in the gift shop at the end, Geoffrey did something that surprised his brother and sister. I had told the children they could each purchase one memento up to a certain value. Geoffrey chose this adorable 52-inch Burmese Python, then came back a few minutes later also wearing a hat Rebekah had picked out.

“Nope,” I said. “That puts you over the limit. You have to choose. Which one do you want.”

Typically, his siblings said, a tantrum would have ensued because he couldn’t have both. But not this time. Geoffrey looked at the snake, thought for a moment, said, “Okay grandaddy,” and handed me the hat.

Progress. Sometimes just a little at a time. I guess it’s what “Camp Grandparent” is all about.

Peace y’all, peace and love – DEREK

Below: journey through a museum: