Mommy met Karen long ago in San Diego. We have stayed in touch and always visit when we can. Since her hubby is in the navy they move around every few years, and I am happy to have her close by in Memphis for a year or two. They were in birmingham this weekend...so we spent the day with them - breakfast through bedtime!
Our first stop was the civil rights institute, which savannah and I have been itching to visit. Turns out, it was a little too intense for kids. It begins with a movie, which was very moving and powerful...but featured the "n" word prominently, showed the kkk burning crosses, and a lynching. At the end of the movie, the screen lifts to open to the museum and displays the drinking fountains for whites and blacks (you know that classic photo). From there we moved through the history of civil rights. It was something to see...but all the recommendations I have heard to take kids were wrong. They were just too young.
Next up...the Vulcan statue for a little more local alabama history!!
After this...we tried out Milo's hamburgers...a southern chain. Ehhh...despite it's many fans...we were not big fans. BBQ sauce on burgers...eh...the milkshakes were yummy though! Next up....mcwane science center! We stayed until closing!!! We were the last ones out. We didn't even have to pay for parking ;-)
Here they are in the hurricane force wind chamber
Before today, savannah had not seen the girls (Sierra & Aleena, ages 11 and 8) since savannah was about 2 and doesn't remember them. When we left, she was crying, and we were talking about how it's so cool the we made great new friends today. All the kids were holding hands all day...they hit it off so well. I think a trip to Memphis is in out future! It was a great day.
