Free Day at the Museums

Friday was free day at the Science museum and the History museum.  View from the mezzanine, 4th floor:

The boys and I met up with Elizabeth (one of Pierce's former teachers when he was in 'school') and her daughter, Mattie.

We hit the science museum first.  Pierce never grows tired of pushing buttons.  And hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs, one of whom was really quite friendly.

We found a big talking mouth. 

And I admired a wall of cells from the human body.

Mattie admired herself in the mirror.

Then off to the history museum.  I was fascinated and wished I could've spent more time reading wall plaques.  Unfortunately, toddlers don't like history museums so much.  However, Pierce did like the stagecoach:

My favorite part of the history museum was the exhibit on Lakeside.  This used to be an amusement park in Roanoke.  I remember going there as a kid.  The destruction of the flood of '85 and the tragic death of a man caused by the rollercoaster, combined with financial troubles, led to its demise.  Now it is merely shopping centers.  But I like the memories. 

Although I remember the huge roller coaster very well, I was always too chicken to ride it at that time.  Alas!