Benefits of big city living...

The children's museum in our city does not disappoint. We've only lived in one other city recently with a large children's museum (Portland, OR), but this one is so much better. Who would have thought we'd have such a great place for kids and families here in the Middle East?

Thankfully, the Queen thought it was necessary. She opened the museum in 2007. It has a huge indoor and outdoor area for kids with exhibits on animals, science, building, aviation, archaeology, engineering, astronomy, etc. There is a great place for imaginary play with a grocery store, garage, bank, theater, archaeological dig. They even have huge fish tanks with baby sharks!

Noah and I piled into the back seat of our friend's car with Farrah (4) and Tameem (3). It was their first time to the museum - Noah's, too. We spent about 2 1/2 hours exploring the whole place and realized that some of the exhibits were more interesting to their dad (he's university physics teacher) than to the kids. But the imagination play areas were a hit. Noah didn't get too into it until we made our way to the toddler section and he found a cute little girl his age dressed as a skunk. Oh yeah, it's Halloween tomorrow so most of the kids came in costume.

We had a great time, and Noah went to bed an hour early. Phew! Big day.

My friend holding Noah.

Noah digging for ancient treasures. Or digging for that Cheerio I dropped.

F and T posing for the camera.

I felt bad for not having a costume for Noah this year so we went to the "theater" and got him a pirate vest and a monkey hat. He was obviously thrilled.