Barnes (Dad's Version)

Just so you know....Angela is at the RMH with Shayla and I am at the hospital (day 8) with Christi. Since Angela is not here to edit my post I figure I am free to take a little creative license. Here is what I remember from our day at the art museum-The Barnes.

It all started at the hospital when I stepped out of the shower and asked for my shorts and it ended with a broken vase at the art museum, but before I can tell you that story I have to tell you this story.... Christi and Shayla both wanted audio tours at the Barnes. Too much information at times!! Turned out both girls loved it and learned so much, however, as with most art museums there were many paintings of nudes. Needless to say, this put Shayla's inquisitiveness into hyperdrive. "Dad, why are so many of the girls naked?" "Why did that artist only paint big booties?" and on and on. Finally she asked, "Dad why is it art if they're naked?" I replied, "I don't know why it's art if it's hung on a wall, but not when I asked for my shorts this morning."

It was decided that after doing the entire first floor of the museum that we better quit while the girls were still having fun. They have been to many different art museums: The Getty, Guggenheim, MoMa, The Met (a lot), Chicago, most of Ohio's (Toledo, Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, & Cinci.) it is always the same. History has taught us that it is better to leave them wanting more than to overstay our welcome. I am always tense with kids at the art museum anyway and it is even more precarious when they have lost interest. (A docent only had to remind Shayla once not to touch the art).

So Angela and I agreed that she would zip through the second floor and I would take the kids to the gift shop. I was returning the audio tour and collecting our stuff from the locker when I heard a huge crash. Yes-I had told the girls to wait for me in the gift shop and there was little doubt that I had just bought a very expensive glass something or another. Well, when I arrived on the scene Christi and Shayla were standing over a now shattered hand blown vase (VAZZZ). Christi quickly admitted guilt and I just as quickly assured her that it was spilled milk and nothing more. Their remorse lasted another 1.5 seconds and they were back to figuring out what trinkets mom was going to buy them. It's great to be care free isn't it?

We were moved outside rather quickly once Angela arrived. Christi designed a scavenger hunt on the grounds. You can provide your own editorial humor. Items to be found: a crooked stick, three types of leaves, two types of flowers, a squirrel, a straight stick one foot long, and two nuts.

I am busten' out of here tomorrow and will spend the day driving. Tomorrow is the dreaded shot day for Christi so as soon as I give that to her, I am on the road.

Thank you for checking on Christi-I will take another 30,000 days just like today. That should get her to about 80 or so.

Shayne