New Year's countdown at 12 noon!

I received an email from my mother a few days ago, and in the subject line it read, "Parent: Job Description." The first few lines read, "Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment." Then it goes on to describe all the true and real details of being a parent. It's a very cute message; I'm sure most of you have read it before.

Anyways, my point is that Jason and I had yet another parenting experience we won't soon forget...

We took our kids to the Children's Museum this morning. In addition to all the usual activities they offer, there was several tables set up to make new year's noise makers, new year's hats, and put on tatoos, etc. There was a big celebration at 12noon by having a count down.
In the words of Jackson, "Yay! This is super fun!"
And, in the minds of all the adults there was, "This is nuts!!"

Just imagine hundreds of little kids running around, throwing balloons, and stomping on bubble wrap. A bunch of overly excited & overly stimulated kiddos who were all in desperate need of lunchtime and naptime = CHAOS!
Nonetheless, we made it through the two hours without any major meltdowns (Jessica had hers in the car on the way to the museum), and without losing one of our kids :). Not to mention, Jackson and Jessica had a fantastic time --which made it all worthwhile.

Here is a picture of the kids playing with the boats in the water.


Jackson and Jessica playing on the firetruck.




The countdown to 12 noon. The kids were watching the "bubble wrap stomp" which was happening on the floor below us.