February 2011: February was a month of new discoveries and rediscovering previous favorites. We spent much of it
indoors (due to snow and more snow!) but Jon and Aurora managed to sneak in one trip to the playground for some sledding.
February 5, 2011: We tried out "Jump Around" for the first time. As the name implies, it is an indoor playspace for
young kids which has 4 giant inflatable bouncers. At first, Aurora was a little hesitant to try out the bouncers.
This may have been because of the older kids there.
Instead, Aurora preferred to play with the other types of toys they had there. Her favorite was a mini roller coaster.
Video: Roller coaster 1
After a bit, she decided to try out the inflatables. Here she is on an obstacle course.
This was set up like a sports arena, with balls and baskets. I think she is standing on a mound for jousting.
Video: Good arm!
Video: Roller coaster 2
Video: Roller coaster 3
Video: Driving around
Apparently, Aurora is a natural at air hockey. I love how
she follows the puck. It was amazing to see how quickly she picked up what to do.
She's ready for the fraternity house!
This is inside a giant birthday cake!
Video: Obstacle course 1
Video: Obstacle course 2
After Aurora got all her jumps out, we headed to Walnut Hill for the Lunar New Year party. We
sampled traditional Chinese and Korean snacks, including bubble tea and shaved ice. Aurora was in
a very playful mood, making funny faces for the camera. She even made fun of herself, trying to suck
two thumbs at once!
Unfortunately, Aurora was a little bit scared when the dragon appeared and immediately wanted to head home.
February 10, 2011: Aurora looks all grown up! She's even posing for the camera as Mama snaps a few photos
before we both head off to school.
February 13, 2011: We spent the morning at the Children's Museum. Aurora had a great time rediscovering her
favorite rooms and activities. Jon and Kathy love how (compared to what she
did last year) Aurora tried to do new things in each room.
For example, she really got into bulding a long tube to roll the golfballs through, and even
positioned a bell at the end.
Video: Ding!
The museum had lots of extra activities for Chinese New Year. Aurora got to pet a bunny.
Video: Year of the rabbit
The "Use your power" exhibit has always been a favorite, with all sorts of physical activities like
dancing and cycling to generate electricity.
Video: Dance floor
Video: Power cycle
With just a little bit of help from Baba, Aurora can pull herself up over 5 feet!
Video: Up and up
She loves the new exhibit, which is set up like a classroom. Here she is playing Chinese Bingo, and showing
off her Chinese skills.
Video: Yu and ching wah
They had gongs and lion costumes. We had our own mini lion dance.
A short interlude to water and harvest the garden veggies.
Back to the lion dance, with Mama being the lion this time.
Video: Lion dance 1
Video: Lion dance 2
Video: Lion dance 3
Inside a giant dollhouse.
There was a great interactive art piece with lots of bells.
Video: Making music with bells
The workshop is a new favortie. Aurora was working very hard to learn how to use a screw driver. She
was so patient, getting the screws in and out carefully. Jon
is excited to have an eager apprentice! Kathy just loves how cute Aurora is in her goggles and apron.
And when you are all done, you hang your goggles and apron up.
Kid sized drinking fountains are awesome!
Building things to scale.
Video: I build it Baba
Making a wish to hang on the tree.
An update on the icicles on the back of the house: they are are weighing down the gutters. A few days
after these were taken, the short gutter segment fell off the house. Add that to Jon's summer repair list.
Video: Watch out Baba!
February 19, 2011: Aurora and her friends are all ready to watch Baba work out in the living room.
February 20, 2011: When she woke up in the morning, Aurora asked to go to the Children's Museum again. Good
thing we renewed our membership last week! This time, she chose to go to different rooms to try out different
activities.
I love her expression as Jon envelops them in a giant bubble!
My scientist-in-training! She looked at mold, dust, and snake skin under the microscope.
Peep's World, with water and sand tables, is full of things to do. Aurora always insists on putting
on a smock. I think she views it as part of the costume for certain rooms.
Video: Water table 1
Video: Water table 2
Video: Sand table 1
Video: Sand table 2
That night, we ate dinner at the Four Seasons to celebrate the 12th anniversary of Mama's 29th birthday. When
the cake and candle arrived, Aurora immediately assumed it was for her birthday. Nothing we said could
convince her that it might possibly be Mama's birthday instead. In the end, Kathy let Aurora blow out the
candle and have most of the cake.
February 27, 2010: Mama had to go to work in the afternoon, so Jon and Aurora went sledding without her. Looks
like they had a ton of fun! So proud of how willing Aurora was to walk in the deep snow, and even carry or drag
her sled back up the hill!
Video: There she goes!
Video: Aurora and a sled 1
Video: Aurora and a sled 2
Video: Aurora and a sled 3
Video: On a pile of snow
Video: Sliding
Who's my favorite snow angel?
Video: Snow angel 1
Video: Snow angel 2
Video: Where are you going?