Martin is waiting for us.

One of my favorite children's book is waiting for us at the main branch library. I have read it to the girls every Martin Luther King Day. Doreen Rapaport writes "Martin's Big Words" and I love it. I ordered it a little late this year and it just came in this morning. I like finding special books for special days and this one is great. Try it.

We also choose to spend yesterday museuming (totally a word). I'm in love with museums. I hope my kids get that love too. They are such great places to quench a thirst for knowledge. I want them to thirst for knowledge.

Yesterday we went to The Underground Railroad Freedom Center. We went yesterday for three reasons: 1.) To celebrate the holiday appropriately 2.) We hadn't been there 3.) It was free.

We have avoided it in the past for these reasons 1.) Slavery is not a warm fuzzy topic and can be a little intense for everyone- not just the kiddies 2.)We have never been there before and didn't know if it was worth the price of admission $12.00 3.) We were unsure of the family friendliness of the museum- would it hold their interest?

My thoughts. We started out on the guided tour and althought the docent was knowledgeable, he was long winded and did not seem to change his presentation to his audience- namely Casey (8), James (6), Caitlin and Becca (4), Caleb (3), and Audrey (2). Tours for kids have to be way different than for adults. We abandoned him a bit into the tour.

So, if you are going with kids skip the guided tour and go solo. Going solo allows for wandering and jumping to the good parts. Hit these areas: The slave pen, ESCAPE!, and the animated film in the Tubman Theatre. This will probably give you about 1.5-2 hours of interest. Also, if you are lucky- you'll run into a costumed story teller. If the kids are not too tired stay and listen. The one we listened to was good but it was time to take off before melt down. We avoided several exhibits because of intensity. The guards and website were very truthful about age range and how appropriate the specific exhibits were for children.

There were a lot of other things I would like to go back and see it without the kids and when I can look, learn, and relax. The guided tour would have worked without the kids too. It lasts about an hour and highlights mainpoints to give you an idea of what you want to see on your own time.

In a nutshell- Go alone or with someone that can read and doesn't run or touch and has atleast a little interest in history. This museum would be something I would take my Granny to see but probably not my sister or my mom.