A Simple Kind of Life

Ramadan Dinner

I was hoping to write more of a review closer to when we went, but the time slipped away from me. My family enjoyed attending the UofM Dearborn Muslim Student Association Ramadan dinner a few weeks ago. It is the largest student run event in Michigan. It was all about building bridges and respecting one another. It was very inspiring! The speakers were wonderful, the food was great. We felt very welcome and learned a lot! It was a wonderful kick off for the World Religions we will be studying in UU RE classes this year. This month; Islam.

 http://media.www.themichiganjournal.com/media/storage/paper255/news/2008/09/23/News/Annual.Diversity.Dinner.Draws.In.Hundreds-3446622.shtml

The greatest day

It all started with Carter waking around 8am. This is considered sleeping in for our house. Then he quickly realised that his tricky Mom had hid 5’s all over the house. Over 30 of them. He had such fun finding them all! Joy all over his face!

While in the kitchen he found out mama had another trick up her sleeve. A blueberry pound cake. A total surprise! He’d seen a picture of it months ago in one of my cookbooks and admired it then.
It wasn’t long before presents were opened. Hungry Hippo and A torpedo from Mom, Dad and Sister. We all had fun playing a few rounds of games.

After awhile the little boy access the street came over with a gift of spider man action figures. They played a bit with them and the new tree swing Daddy put up the night before.

Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Monique arrived EARLY! We had cake and more presents. Yes, he got the light saber he soo wanted and a computer game and a handheld game as well.
Shortly after we all shuffled off to Lower Huron Metropark Turtle Cove. Two water slides, a lazy river, ‘dump Island’, a pool, endless fun. We played till our little toes were soaked and scratched and we were done!

Off to home for more toy playing and resting.
Dinner was the next surprise. We went to a brand new place, Carter was excited. Then after dinner the waitstaff came over and sang. Carter’s expressions were priceless. Bewilderment, surprise, embarrassment, then pure joy. It was the greatest moment to share with him. He’d never seen anything like that before!
What a great birthday! What a great age! No anticipation, no expectations, surprises abound, pure joy.
Thank you Carter for sharing your innocence and happiness with me today. I love you.

Review; Detroit Science Center

As of a few weeks ago anyone who asked me about DSC, I would have raved about it. If you went early you could get close parking. It’s in a very nice area of downtown, so even those who might be apprehensive would be OK with visiting. The preschool area was fantastic, nice open area so if you have two or more kids one can be playing at the water table while the other was making a craft and you could watch them both. The space was FANTASTIC. Big, tall windows provided LOTS of light. During a cold Michigan winter DSC was a great place to be!

Notice I’m talking in past tense? DSC is in the process of building a school. An idea that I am very excited about!

Unfortunately it’s at the cost of what I loved the most about DSC. We lost the parking lot and apparently the discount parking that was part of the membership package we have. So now parking is a few blocks away, not a big deal on a nice day but a bit of a hike when it’s cold.

But the saddest change is that they moved the preschool room to the basement. It’s cramped and closed off. There were some improvements to the exhibits. They added a stage with dress up, a larger water table, a vet area, a baby area and a shopping room. But it’s all closed off and there are no windows. I can tell the new Kid’s Town was a labor of love for those involved, and it would have been great in the old space .

Anyway, that’s my review but do check it out for yourself. Now through August 1st they have a very fun Shipwreck and Pirates exhibit, they also have a Planetarium and IMAX.

DSC Pictures