Noah's Ark

There is a fantastic interactive children's exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, inspired by the story of Noah's Ark. At the beginning, everyone sits in a circle and listens as the docent tells the story and even adds sound effects with a rain stick. Then, it's off to explore a land of animals --- there are zebras and elephants and giraffes all made to move and spin.
In one room there were machines that simulated the storm -- you could make it thunder, make it rain or make the leaves fly up a tube -- which Oola liked to do.


Another room had these great whole arm animal puppets and then a minature ark with animal figurines for playing. Yet another room was for climbing and jumping and then the last room was full of musical instruments for an impromptu jam session.

We could have stayed much longer and hopefully will go back soon (it's free on Thursdays). We did take a little time to explore the grounds. Below Oola is doing the sign for 'bird' -- though probably not the best shot.


Oola's language ability has just exploded in the last month -- she is signing and speaking English and Spanish. She know her colors and is learning to recognize numbers and the alphabet (favorite letters "O" and "Y"). Drew, Claudia and I are teaching her to say her name. The family still can understand her better than strangers -- but even strangers can understand most of what she is trying to communicate. Now that she can make us understand what she wants, she seems a little more frustrated when we do not give it to her (like watching the old Sesame Street ladybug picnic video -- You Tube is now banned).


Still the talking is great fun. And she remains a good humored, spirited and curious little girl.