Afternoon at the Museum

As shown in many earlier posts this month, we spent a lot of time in and close to water during my recent trip to Nevada.  That is mostly because of the scorching summer weather.  It was literally a question of survival.  Why anyone would choose to be in Las Vegas in August at all is one of the world's great mysteries.  OK, I realize that I chose to visit, but that is because I had family attractions that overruled thoughts of the searing heat.   One of my most fervent dreams, however, is that Big S's "ship will come in" so that the family can afford to move wherever their hearts desire to - and that the "wherever" will be in a cooler clime.

Still, apart from the casinos, nightlife, events and celebrities that are the biggest attractions for most visitors to Las Vegas, the city has offerings for those who must live there, as well as for visitors who have a mind to get out of the casino enclaves to see how the "natives" live.  One of these attractions is the Lied Discovery Children's Museum.  Fortunately, it's one of Princess Butterfly's favorite places - so much so that her family has a season's pass - and she was very happy to show Proud Grandmom some of her favorite exhibits.

Here, she works her way through the rope maze.  Her parents reported that this was a "first" for her, so she must have done it to show Grandmom that she could.

Once past the mazes, however, the Princess made a beeline for the stage - one of her favorite spots in the whole museum.  First, Big S helped her choose a costume to get ready. 

Then Princess Butterfly had the stage to herself.

And that's just the way that she likes it.   Here she performs to music and to the delight of the small audience!

The routine ends with panache, albeit somewhat blurred.

Then Princess Butterfly works with Papa to create some big bubbles

and then to blow some more.

Here her Papa tries to show her how water will always run to the lowest level, no matter how many obstacles are placed in its path.

But the Princess was more interested in flying an airplane, here with a young co-pilot.

Then she and Papa tried to compete against the robot in virtual reality soccer.  The Princess made several header saves in the game.  She wasn't quite sure how that happened.  But she didn't challenge the results.

The performance arts remained her favorites.  Here she sings "Itsy Bitsy Spider" at the recording studio.

After all the activity, the Princess was ready to relax at home with Dora the Explorer!