Rainforest Cafe - Summer Bucket List

Rainforest Cafe is a special place for our family.  Sins actually helped to open the restaurant, way back in the day while we were just dating.  During that time we ate there a lot, as did our family.  Our nephews, Keane and Kadin loved eating there with their mom and dad and occasionally we would take them.  Going to the Rainforest was always a guaranteed all around grand time - the food is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is unforgettable.  However, it had been almost 8 years since we had been there.

Logan has such a love for animals and nature so we thought now would be the perfect time to let him experience Rainforest Cafe.  We arrived early so we could check everything out before sitting down to eat.  Logan loved looking at all of the fish in the aquariums.  He pointed to the fish and said, "Memo" - which is how he says Nemo.  So cute!

MEMO!

lots of ooohs and ahhhs

Logan and Poppaw checking out the fish - these two are so sweet together

We were seated smack dab in between the elephants and one huge gorilla.  I was anxious to see the reaction Logan would have once the animals came to life but it ended up being no big deal.  When he heard the commotion, he was slightly startled, looked around and took it all in. After just a few seconds, he was smiling and laughing at everything.  He is such an easy going little guy!

Even with everything going on around us, Logan was able to focus on actually eating.  He sampled a little from everyone's plate plus the food we brought from home for him.  He really is a bottomless pit!  After our meal we order a "Volcano" - a super yummy dessert that is topped with a sparkler.  Logan usually doesn't eat sweets but boy did he love this treat.  He couldn't get enough!

feeding himself the "volcano"

He pulled in Grandma & Poppaw for a hug and kiss.  He loves them so much!

Logan couldn't see the tigers from our table so we walked over after we ate to check them out.  They weren't even moving but he was apprehensive and wanted to get far away from them.

Our experience at Rainforest Cafe was awesome!  I think Logan really enjoyed his time there, especially since his two favorite people joined us.  Now we can check one more thing off the Summer Bucket List!

Fort Worth Children's Museum - Summer Bucket List

Time to check off another adventure from the Summer Bucket List...The Fort Worth Children's Museum is perfect because it's not outside!  The Texas summer heat is grueling!
I wish we had more pictures of everything but sometimes it's hard to remember to take pictures when you are in the moment and having so much fun with your family!

Logan is absolutely fascinated by these water-filled tube thingys.  When you push the button, the tube makes a funny little sound and releases tons of bubbles.  We played with the bubbles for a loooong time.

Listening to the fun bubble noises

Next, we checked out the little play grocery store.  I wasn't sure what Logan would do but he jumped right in there and started "shopping".  He had fun collecting his food and even made a friend along the way.  

My favorite stop was this room that was all about lights.  The only lighting in the room were black lights, which illuminated everything so much more.  There were 2 ginormous lite-brite walls, several crayola glow stations and all kinds of other fun stuff that lit up and glowed.  Logan and I spent a lot of time at the Glow Station table creating our one of a kind masterpieces.  No doubt about it, we are going to ask Santa to bring us a Glow Station for Christmas.

Crayola Glow Station

The last exhibit of the day was Air Park.  Logan made his first paper airplane, with the help of his daddy, and they put it in the airplane launcher and watched it soar.  Sins had a blast - he is such a kid at heart.  Logan's favorite were the beach balls hovering over the air table.  He was able to stand on his tippy-toes, stretch his little body and get the ball by palming it!

All of us had an absolute blast playing and discovering at the museum.  I'm thankful we have museum memberships - we will be back very soon.  

Forest Park Miniature Train - Summer Bucket List

I found the Forest Park Miniature Train on a local website and was surprised to learn that the train has been running since 1959!  I was immediately sold when I read that it runs for 40 minutes, round trip through Trinity Park with a quick pit stop.  You can jump off at the stop and grab a snack or even stay to play on the nearby playground - you just catch the next train that comes through.  We didn't get off and go to the playground but next time we will.
In order to be sure to beat the heat, we made plans with my parents to go the very next week.  Our timing was absolutely perfect because we couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather that day.  The abundance of trees throughout the park creates a blanket of shade over the tracks, which made the somewhat cool temperature that much cooler.  Along the way Logan spotted tons of squirrels, birds, ducks and flowers - he loves nature and signed them all along the way.  Each time the conductor blew his horn Logan would squeal with delight and say, "choo-choo".  I absolutely love his sweet little voice.
The train ride was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all of us.  Although we were pushing Logan's nap-time, we headed to one of our favorite spots - Panera Bread.  Logan can't get enough of the Broccoli Cheese or the Potato soup there - yum!  We spent the next hour talking about every detail of our family outing while Logan entertained us and filled up his bottomless pit.
Needless to say, sweet little Logan napped extremely well that afternoon.  We made wonderful memories that day and have these priceless pictures.

My sweet little family of 3

Grandma and Poppaw

Enjoying a "nack" before we leave the train depot

He was totally relaxed and chillin with Poppaw

Still snacking

Checking things out at the pit stop

Summer Bucket List

We decided to create a "Summer Bucket List" of all the fun things we want to do with Logan over the next couple of months.  The cutesy list is printed and hanging on the fridge, just waiting to be checked off.  I hope to post a little something from each of our adventures.  Check out the list...

Summer     

Bucket List

o eat at a hibachi grill

o eat at Rainforest Cafe

o ride the Forest Park Miniature Train

o visit Grapevine Sea Life Aquarium

o go swimming

o visit Unlce Jason in San Antonio

o watch fish feeding at Cabela’s

o ride the TRE to Dallas

o visit Fort Worth Children’s Museum

o eat a sugar-free shaved ice

o watch a movie at the theater