Arriving mid-morning and on the other side of the city, we stopped by the Houston Children's Museum (got to love the all access membership!). The museum was fantastic. I love the Chicago Children's Museum, but I have to give the nod to Houston's. Maybe it is because there is more space, but I liked it better as there was more active exhibits. Some of the 'thinking' exhibits were engaging as well! I found myself wanting to do the work!
There was the mechanical section with a cross-section of a car so you could see all of the engine along with the parts in a door to understand how the locks and door handle work. Gilbert, of course, just wanted to drive.
Then the was an exhibit which was a small city run by the kids. Each child receives an ATM card and earns money doing work. They can then spend money at the grocery store or restaurant. I found myself playing a sugar market futures game where you received information and then bought or sold sugar futures. It was awesome!
Gilbert enjoyed the grocery store the best. The place was awesome. Fully stocked with pretend goods, the place was organized and looked like a real grocery store. Little Man immediately headed for the checkout counter to ring up Kristen's purchases. The computer screen was a real checkout register and with a touch screen an actual total and amount could be tallied. Very cool!
I mentioned active exhibits. The rock wall was in the basement and to get down to the bottom, Gilbert had to descend a series of connected platforms in a wire lattice. Looked like something out of Alice in Wonderland as each platform was convex and looked like an oversized mushroom top. We had to pry Gilbert out of there! And at the bottom was also an obstacle course. A bit hesitant at first, I completed the obstacles with him, but after that he would not come out. Loved jumping over to the fire pool for the slide down!
A bit too much for Gilbert at this age, but the science exhibit was incredibly engaging. You took molecules to make chemical compounds. I could have built molecules all day! Held G's attention for only a few minutes as it was off to the next exhibit!
The purpose of our trip was to attend a wedding. And a beautiful wedding it was! Held at the Sebastiani winery in downtown Sonoma so many of our friends (current and some past) were present. It was great to catch up! The ceremony was outside followed by a wonderful hour of hors d'oeuvres paired with the vineyards wines. The wine floweth! 
First stop was northern Sonoma County in a town called Healdsburg. Grabbed lunch and then went to the Ferari-Carano winery. We selected the vineyard for its Italian-style gardens and grounds which hearkened us back to our visit a few years ago. 
It was a lovely train, and then he added a blue beard and a skull and cross bones- Quite a look (sorry no photo). As we headed home, he tripped on the sidewalk, scraped his knee and what the tears didn't wash away my White T-Shirt caught. 
Grampa wanted to show Gilbert something special- The old Round House where the Trains go when they need to rest and get cleaned and fixed. Now this was something to see, I never knew my home town had a round house- but the BEST part was the old turntable that the trains sit on and spin until they are pointed to the correct door at the round house.
What you don't see pictured are all of the "Private Property- No Tresspassing" signs. I guess my dad thinks with a cute kid in tow he can get away with a short visit.
When falling asleep Gilbert does not close his eyes. Instead he just kind of stares off into space until he is actually asleep and then his eyes close. Is this typical? On our ride home from Gram's this weekend I told Gilbert to close his eyes and rest, I turned around and he had this pained look on his face. I don't get it, do all kids fall asleep this way?
Still stuck in time, we took a trip to the Pulaski Park to partake in the splash park and get Gilbert reacclimated to the pool before heading down to Houston for an extended time in the pool. 
All ready looking like a pro?? Patrick said he looks like Captain Morgan
Post practice Silly Session.
Gilbert takes a photo of the action on the field.
Gilbert experiences his first piece of gum, lasted about 5 mintues, then he spit it out saying something like "I am just supposed to chew on this and NEVER swallow it??"
Where is Jack? Only 5 of the 6 kids made it into the photo.
Go Cougars!! 
We finally got Gilbert a Bike! He is getting the hang of riding it and of course he likes to go "Super Fast" down the hills (just like his dad). He hasn't quite figured out the brake, but we are working on it. Is favorite part of the whole thing... the bottle holder. When we get ready to go outside the first thing he does is go to the Ref. and get his water bottle to go on his bike. The only down side to his biking- when it's not in use- it is now a part of the decor in our living/dining area. Ahh... City Living.
The Boys are ready for the Hunt
Giant Snail anyone? 
Carter is an expert tadpole catcher.
"Mom, when are they going to turn into frogs?"
