Driving downtown from Ahwatukee did not take as long as Chris thought it would so we drove around a bit and looked for a place where Chris could drop us off, and we could then easily walk over to the museum since it didn't open until 10 am. The Shops at Arizona Center looked promising, but after Chris left and we began to explore, we realized that except for the restaurants, it was a lot of empty storefronts and a few shops. After walking around a bit we decided to just head on over to the museum. Just as we stepped off an escalator, I blew a flip flop. I had noticed on the flight on Thursday that part of the support between my toes had broken, but it looked as though there were still two more support pieces still holding. Not anymore.
Well now we needed a store, and my only option was New York and Co...but it didn't open until 10 am! Such luck. The girls were happy to spend the next 20 minutes playing in the water fountain.
The store opened 10 minutes late. We watched as the workers walked around the store putting signs here and there. Since we were outside watching through the front doors, we weren't too impressed. Ahh, my choices. Not what I would consider comfy. I finally made a selection, but I also knew that I wouldn't want to walk all day in those espadrille wedges.
Finally, we were on our way to the museum. My girls had been pretty patient. They also thought my bare foot situation to be slightly humorous. We walked all around the outside of the museum, up stairs, down stairs looking for the entrance. Finally success. We were just in time to see an IMAX, and after a little arm-twisting, I agreed to buy tickets for it. We watched The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D
An extreme blend of surfing and ocean science, staring nine-time world surfing champion, Kelly Slater. Travel to one of the world's most picturesque locales as you're immersed under the Center's 5-story IMAX® screen. Then, get ready to experience the power and speed of surfing and the sensation of riding some of nature's most intense ocean waves in a visually stimulating experience for all ages.
After exiting the theater, we walked right into the "Get Geared Up! Gallery". It was full of an array of activities to test strength, agility, and motion. Amy and Misha both took a turn at lying on a bed of nails. (I don't believe they'd really recommend it.)
From this gallery, we headed over to "All About Me." I think my favorite exhibit was one where they loaded up a nose with all kinds of colored balls and when they pressed the button, the nose sneezed the balls all over them.
We opted to have lunch at the museum instead of walking to any of the nearby restaurants. The temperature was around 100* and not very comfortable, plus we shouldn't ignore the fact that my baby toes were already starting to blister from my new shoes. We were pretty happy to see Chris after his meetings. First stop? Arizona Mills mall to buy me some new flip flops.
We stopped at a Wal-mart as well to pick up some drinks and snacks. Three girls were not happy with all of these stops, however, as the stops were cutting in to their swimming time. Funny how 102* is too hot for walking around downtown, but perfect for hours of fun in the pool. We finally made it back to Grandpa's, and the girls wasted no time in peeling off their clothes and jumping in to swim suits. Amy quickly learned not to forget sunscreen for her face. Her cheeks got a little rosy.
But a little plug here for Target's Up and Up Sport Sunscreen. Consumer Reports rated it number one, and we never burned when it was applied.
The girls had fun playing with our water camera. Chris and I traded off watching the girls to get changed and both enjoyed the refreshing pool.
Christine (aka Grandma Chris) arrived home from work around 5:30 and offered to treat us at Sweet Tomatoes. There were options for everyone. Thanks Christine. Guess what the girls did after dinner? If you said, "Swam," you'd be right.
Grandpa Kline was supposed to be flying in from work (he's a pilot with Southwest Airlines), and got JA'd (meant he had to fly more) on a flight to Burbank. He wasn't able to get a return flight until 10 am Saturday morning as his first flight home was cancelled.