Today we took a day trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee to enjoy the Creative Discovery Children's Museum.
My kiddos had a fabulous time enjoying all of the hands on activities and the opportunities for dress up.
The most memorable part of our day happened shortly before we left. There was an 'animal encounter' opportunity with a corn snake. I think I have made my disdain for serpents very clear. K, however, is a complete dare devil who loves ALL living creatures. She went to pet the snake and before I knew it, she was posing like this....UGH!
As I was watching her and trying not to freak out, the boys were within a few yards enjoying other exhibits. Suddenly I heard an ear piercing alarm coming from directly behind me. As everyone in the museum started to look panicked, I spun around to snag my sons.Standing 5 feet behind me was my P holding the clear box that covers the wall mounted fire alarm with a look of absolute terror in his face. I grabbed the box from him and tried to replace it on the wall while the nearest museum employee (with the snake now firmly wrapped around herself) came flying towards me.
P was completely freaking out. The combination of shock, fear, embarrassment and noise was more than his little heart could take. Mercifully, the alarm was shut off within about 30 seconds. The building was, fortunately, not evacuated and P settled down.
But I ask you...who thinks it is a good idea to build a children's museum exhibit along the wall like this?
After an entire day of hands on learning, a bright red box that says "Pull" is a bit tempting, no?
I think he learned his lesson...and we are, indeed, sending Summer out with a bang!
11 comments:
we just did the children's museum in fort worth last week, so i can testify with my recent experience that either of my girls would have innocently pulled that after all of the "hands allowed" experiences they were accustomed to there.
that is crazy!!!
did you go to the aquarium in atlanta? my girls went w/their gparents and aunt two weeks ago. LOVED it!
kerry
Not only does it say "pull" but there doesn't appear to be a sign right below it that says "Do not touch."
A shiny red box on a wall that has a "pull" sign on it - nestled amongts brightly colored parking meters? Um....no. Bad idea.
I feel bad that P was in an embarrassing situation - not his fault at all.
I have a curious george in my family, too. Our Children's Pastor doesn't have any children. He thinks it's a fun idea to let the kids take the elevator down to Children's Church. He also thinks it's a good idea to let them take turns pressing the button. It was my daughter's turn one night. This was her chance. What WOULD happen if you pressed that red button?
:)
My guess is that he isn't the only one who has done that. Don't sweat it. My brother actually broke one of the exhibits at Space Camp!
Looks like a LOT of fun! And I agree, why on earth would they put that there?
The only thing I can think is that maybe it has to be at a certain height due to fire code or something. Like maybe it has to be low enough for everyone, even a child, to activate it if there really was a fire. That does seem crazy though! Bless his heart!
That was awfully tempting! I remember 'accidentally' pulling a firealarm when I was a little girl. It's a moment he will never forget. :)
That's a horrible location. I bet a child pulls that once a week.
But poor P. Fire alarms are shrill and startling. I bet he about jumped out of his skin.
(I was worried you were going to say the snake turned on K when the alarm went off. Whew!)
My first thought when you said he was holding the fire alarm box was, "He thought it was an exhibit."
Pam
It even matches the display!? Goodness gracious. It made a most amusing story, but I'm sure it wasn't in the moment!
I think they tried to *tie it in* with the same colors and all but that is the most RIDICULOUS thing I have seen in a long time! Poor thing...I know he was scared silly!!
Oh, and K with that snake....oh my word...what a girl!!!:)
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