We've Got Culture!

Yes we do! Well, we've got Culture Passes, anyway.

Through our library we can check out passes to local things like the zoo, the science museum, art museums, and the Phoenix Children's Museum. You can also check out passes to other places like the Cave Creek Museum (learn about the history of the city of Cave Creek?) or the Bead Museum (yes... those kinds of beads... lots of them). The zoo, science museums and childrens' museums are much hard to come by than the other ones.

Last Tuesday, I got to the library about two minutes to ten o'clock in anticipation of going to the ten-fifteen story time. There was a line outside the library reminicient of Black Friday. Turns out, it was the line to try and check out Culture Passes.  A librarian stood at the front doors and handed out the passes as people requested them I got Zane out of the carseat as fast as I could and sprinted up to the front door. Well, maybe not sprinted. Zane does weigh almost thirty pounds. We walked quickly up to the front doors. Since the rush had died down, the librarian was walking back to the wall that holds the unwanted Culture Passes. I followed her inside as she put them in their respective pockets. Cave Creek Museum, Bead Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Children's Museum. PHOENIX CHILDREN'S MUSEUM!!!! Each participating library gets five of each pass that are check out weekly. There was one pass left to the children's museum. I WAS SO EXCITED!

Since the passes are only good for a week, we headed to downtown Phoenix on Saturday. We had a blast! If passes weren't $135/year, I would totally go there every single day. And I would even bring Zane with me. Probably.

When you first walk into the museum, there is a huge three-story treehouse that you can climb all around. It wasn't Clay's favorite part. He got a little squished, but Zane and I had a good time climbing.

Captain Zane even found boat to sail at the top of the treehouse. Pretty good view from almost three stories. Ahoy! Watch out for pirates on the starboard side!

Our next stop was the Fort Room. When Zane is a little older, I'm guessing that he will love this room. There were materials galore for constructing any kind of fort you might dream up. We hung out for a bit in the toddler section of the room where there was a tent and a lego table. The little picnic table was the perfect size for Zane. I'm so proud of his restraint as he actually sat on the bench and didn't try to climb up on top of the table.

 "I made this one for you, Mommy!"


When we first came upon the lighted sand table, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Now, I want one of my very own. Although Zane was far more interested in throwing the sand on the floor, I loved making different designs in the sand.

My favorite room (and ok, it was Zane's favorite room too, if you must know) was the room specially designed for kids under three. There were so many places to go and explore. And there were balls all over the place. You know Zane is going to be happy if there are balls.

What a doorknob. (Oh, but Clay is hot)

There is a stinkin' cool noodle forest. At least I thought it was. Zane hated it.

In the "car and other mechanical things" area (that was my name for it), Zane tried his hand at being a one-man pit crew.

He did such a good job, the promoted him to pickle-car driver. We are so proud.

The museum was so exciting that Clay needed a little rest. Where's 'This Old Man' when you need it?

Right before we left, Zane discovered these giant shoes. I'm pretty sure they belonged to a Suns player or two. I don't know if you know this about Zane, but he has a slight obsession with shoes. And socks. And toes.  And anything that has to do with feet. Future podiatrist? Sure.

He tried and tried to put the shoe on. Eventually Clay helped him.

Then he wanted to walk around. That didn't work so well, however. We enjoyed laughing while he tried.

Overall, a ten out of ten as far as awesome family dates go. I can't wait to get another Culture Pass. Too bad I can only get two per month. Unless we go learn about beads.