Alyssa's Day

During the summer, when we're not quite so busy, I try to take some time to spend with the kids. Today was Alyssa's day. And since she's growing up, it's not always easy to find things that are a good fit, and fun.

So, last week when we made this date, I threw a few ideas out and the plan was to do what Alyssa wanted. Alyssa's choices took us to Riverfront Park. We began with a walk across the Union Street foot bridge that connects Riverfront and Wallace Marine Parks. We had some time to kill before going into A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. It's a fun little museum/learning center that probably more appropriate for kids in early elementary. But we had fun playing checkers on the giant board, beating on xylophones and marimbas, climbing up and sliding down in the Erector Set tower, and blowing giant bubbles in the bubble room. For those of you not in the know, A.C. Gilbert was the inventor of many toys including the erector set. Gilbert was born in Salem, and the center is partially housed in his uncle's home.

Our next stop was a short walk away: the Riverfront Carousel. We rode several times choosing different horses for each ride.

By then it was lunch time, which was the only time I sat down all day. Alyssa chose the Best Little Roadhouse, but we opted not to play miniature golf. The next couple of hours we did some shopping: Claire's and Candy Tyme at Lancaster Mall. Then a trip to Michael's and World Market at Keizer Station. Our final stop was Baskin-Robbins for Bubblegum (Alyssa) and Oregon Blackberry (me) cones.

I know that I had a good time. I hope Alyssa did. :)