guggenheim museum

My son Jackson (age 11) began his obsession with Frank Lloyd Wright several years ago. I wish I could claim it was because I am a wonderful mother and hung sketches of Frank's architecture over Jackson's bed when he was a baby. But I can't. This fascination came out of nowhere. He just stumbled upon it on the web one day. One of the better things he's stumbled upon, by the way.

He began talking about what an amazing architect F.L. Wright was. And would we please, please, please take him to see one of the houses he built? Rod made that dream come true about a year ago and took him to see Fallingwater. Some of you just said, "Falling who?" You are not alone. I said the same thing. Here's a picture:



Isn't it gorgeous? Jackson promised me that if he becomes an architect one day, he'll build me one of these. So I've stopped entering the HGTV dream home. I'm waiting for a Fallingwater instead.

Jackson took in every square inch of Fallingwater. He was in awe. But then he quickly announced his next dream. To see the Guggenheim Museum. This is because Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim.

Since we now live in New York, this was an easy dream to make come true. It's only a few blocks from our apartment.



Jackson and I spent a special day at the museum. I really don't know what is more fascinating- the works of art housed inside or Frank Lloyd Wright's ingenious architecture.




Simply amazing. Where do want to go next Jackson?

museum of natural history

My sister and I decided it would be a great day to take Jackson and Lily to the Museum of Natural History. Apparently thousands of other people had the exact same idea. Go figure. The line wrapped around the museum and the temperature was freezing. As in so freezing I thought I might be standing outside without pants on. Seriously, I had that thought for a second. Did I forget to put pants on this morning? Because my legs would not be this cold if I had pants on. I feel naked cold. Luckily after a brief check I confirmed that I was indeed wearing pants. But alas, this knowledge did not make me any warmer.

Anyway, while we waited in line my sister dreamed of her island home she left to spend Christmas in New York with us.



I'm sure there are some deeper thoughts going on in there, but if I was her, that is what I would have been thinking about at that moment.

You know who doesn't care about being cold and waiting in line?



Lily. That's because there are PEOPLE ALL AROUND. And Oh the people! So much activity! She has to take it all in and drain every last bit of energy from it. Pray for me, people.

Once we finally got inside, we began to defrost. Which if you don't know, means your nose starts dripping like crazy. But we enjoyed the exhibits all the same.

The dinosaur, who according to Lily is "missing his skin" is quite impressive.



The dioramas are amazing and Lily asked me to take a picture of her in front of almost every single one.





And then I overheard her yell, "O my gosh! The animals are DEAD!" After that she requested pictures be taken of the dioramas without her.



And next time she will be bringing her own camera because I really don't want 100 pictures of dead animals taking up my Iphoto space.

The permanent exhibit goes on forever and it is so intriguing. For all ages. Some things you will have to explain to children though. For instance, this woman is not blowing a bubble.



She has a bone lodged in her lip for decoration. And no, you can't do that to yourself.

And, yes, this is a woman from China getting married.



But no, you won't be able to get that same chariot at your wedding one day.

And finally, it appears husbands in Africa lavish gifts upon their wives even after they are married.



But most western-world men have trouble remembering special dates and doing that whole gift thing once you get married. Except for your father. He is one of the smart ones.