The Huntington Library

Maddie and Lanie in front
of a Koi pond

Yesterday, the girls and I went for a visit to the Huntington Library. It was so much fun. I've been there many times, and every time I go I am amazed at how beautiful and peaceful it is. I felt as though I had stepped back in time a hundred years. Henry E. Huntington began one of the finest research libraries and a collection of priceless artwork in the early 1900's. He also created many different botanical gardens with plants from all around the globe. To imagine that this place was once his home.

It was kind of a tease because there was so much I wanted to see. In the Library are such a wide range of rare books, including the Gutenberg Bible, many early editions of Shakespeare's works, and many more. And an Abraham Lincoln exhibit. (Which I had to run through because my kids kept yelling that they wanted to go play in the children's garden) People kept giving me dirty looks. I suppose that's because museums aren't really for yelling children.

I decided that we needed to spend our time outside. In the many wondrous works of art created in the wide open. Which are just as beautiful and breathtaking as the indoor exhibits. Most of our time was spent in the Children's garden. Filled with pathways and tunnels surrounded by greenery. And water fountains to play in. They loved it.

I did manage to get a peek at the Chinese and Japanese gardens. Which were amazing. The Chinese garden truly is a work of art. As you stroll through the winding paths, new scenes unravel. Everything was placed so articulately. Every arch and window seemed to frame a perfect work of art that looked like a painting. I felt so at peace. They really are onto something with their balancing of yin and yang.





Madelyn and her bestey, Ella. They had a blast.
They had this magnetic black sand that I believe is called magnetite? (not sure) Anyway it was the coolest stuff. It would stick to the metal shafts they had placed and completely change it's form. So Cool.
Madelyn Mae.

By the end of the day the kids were so tired that Madelyn said, "she just couldn't take another step." So I had to put her in the stroller and carry Delaney on my shoulders and walk like a mile back to the car. ugh!

Over all a great day!!!