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Friday, June 12

Crayola Factory: The Story Behind My Crayons

Have you ever wondered where crayons come from? I use my crayons to draw a story, but never realized that these coloring tools have a story of their own - until last weekend, that is. 'Cause it was then when I visited Easton, Pennsylvania - the birthplace of Crayola crayons and where the Crayola factory is located. Although more like a museum as opposed to a factory (the actual manufacturing plant is located a few miles away and closed to the public), the facility does have small scale machines that actually demonstrate the entire production process. This museum is unique not only because the center of attention is a lowly crayon but because it's the only museum I know where certain types of unacceptable behavior such as writing graffiti (in designated areas) are encouraged. Next door to the museum is the Crayola store where every coloring product imaginable is sold. It's hours of fun, a truly recommended experience, and worth the $19 bucks my parents forked out to pay for their own admission. I am still free.














Taken at Crayola museum and store, Easton PA on June 7, 2009. Top & 2nd: Using Crayola markers to draw on glass and Crayola chalk to mess up the tiles! 3rd:  Mommy helped me use hot Crayola wax to color a paper decoration. 4th: Fingerpainting, and 5th: Using regular old-fashioned crayons to do some coloring, but with many more colors and crayons that I could imagine. 6th: About the only thing I didn't seem to care for at the Crayola factory were life-size crayola characters who met me outside the museum. They were scary to me, and I personally think they should be placed in a zoo (see my blog below).  Bottom: Inside the crayola store is the world's largest crayon at 15 feet and 1500 pounds!

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Thursday, June 11

Zoo-per Zunday Birthday Bash

My first visit to the zoo a few weeks ago taught me something that I probably knew, but didn't appreciate: real animals can be scary. That wasn't what I was taught in books: I thought alligators were friendly, based on a Chinese children's story "The alligator who loved to eat vegetables". But in the Central Florida Zoo, real alligators didn't look the same as in the books. I wouldn't dare touch one! Not that I could, even if I wanted to.

Nonetheless, the zoo was a super experience. We saw elephants, cougars, macaws, snakes, and many other animals. This zoo experience was coupled with the fact that the reason we visited in the first place was to attend my Sabbath School friend's birthday party. His name is Levi, and he turned two. To summarize my day: stare at, but don't touch animals. Stay in touch with but don't stare at friends. Have fun and a zoo-per Zunday.















At the Central Florida Zoo, Sanford FL. Photo-activity date May 17. Top: Zoo? Who needs zoo animals when there's a rescue helicopter to ride? 2nd: This is a photo-op to promote my new film, "Dumbo II" 3rd: Mama, I see a real elephant. Let's get closer. 4th: Oooh, he's unfriendly and a little stinky too. 5th: Umm, too close to the mountain goat. Let's go to a party. 6th: Finally, a time to interact with PEOPLE and eat food! Last: Yes I'm fiddling with getting a straw in, but the real purpose is to let readers know this was the first time I actually consumed an entire carton of fruit juice (without the usual water dilution). Sweet and delicious! (and not recommended by mama)

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Tuesday, June 2

From Now On, I'll Always Be Looking Forward

No more looking backwards. No more dwelling on my past. I've turned over a new leaf. I've decided that, hey, I'm taking charge of my life. I'm looking forwards. I've decided to face my future destination! And, by the way, I'm not referring to an attitude change. I'm talking about a literal change of direction. . .in my car seat!

My parents decided that now was the right time. We just got a new car seat last month, but I was rear-facing until last week. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ride rear-facing until they are at least one year old AND weigh 20 pounds (I am 21 months and 22 pounds). I probably could have stayed rear-facing a bit longer (it is still the safest position to ride) but my feet were abutting against the passenger backseat. Plus, we all need to grow up sometime!


Photo-activity date June 1. Goodbye Graco, hello Britax! Comfortably nested in my new Britax Boulevard car seat, (Madison color), just before heading to school. Most importantly, I'm facing forward.