Noví in the afternoon

07.21.2005

Sam came into town, briefly, w/ Novalí & we spent the afternoon together. She's a little shy w/ new people, and her notable OCD tendencies make her less-than-enthusiastic about new things/people/places. But I think she had a great time. And I think I'm on my way to becoming the "favorite uncle" (which, of course, is my number one life priority right about now).

A trip to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, where we met up w/ Sebastian & Beth & Jeff. Quite the gentleman, 'Bastian did his best to make Noví feel at home, and eventually they were playing in a fort Beth & I constructed from giant legos. The room, btw, w/ hand puppets of nearly every Michigan forest animal (the muskrat was a nice touch) was awesome. If you haven't guessed, I'm a big "Yes, Michigan!" fan (mp3).

The exhibits on the Great Lakes, centuries-ago Michigan life, and other educational things. Mostly tailored to slightly older kids (Noví's only 4), but she enjoyed it nevertheless. Seriously, it's never too early to start kids on getting excited about learning & visiting museums.

A stop to Treat Street for ice cream, then a stop at Rocket Star, where we played a really cool game: Letter Factory. Remember Speak-N-Spell? This thing rocks way harder. First, because it's simpler. Second, because it combines basic board game skills w/ an old school punch card computer. I'm even willing to forgive Noví's glee at my "not winning" (as she slyly whispered to my brother, her dad).

But she helped me make praline-granola cookies, then played w/ my cats at home. That girl just loves animals.

A short little visit, but I really like seeing her grow up. Every time I see her (every few months or so) she's mastered some new skill or something. And I really enjoy that, like me, she has to make sure all her board game pieces are facing the right direction on the board.

Posted by Miguel at 07:07 PM

Comments

nice pictures! sounds like a fun time and great museum. Hey, I like the photo gallery. Great shots; I especially liked the photo of the wheels and one of the band set up at the Rocket. You are a great uncle to Novi; wish you could come and visit her here; maybe you and Andy could compete for best uncle next weekend.

Posted by: bcentellas at July 21, 2005 11:40 PM