King Tutankhamun (lots of pictures)

Our little family of four was recently gifted tickets to go and see the King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science Center (Thank you Aunty!).  This is, by all the reports, going to be the last time this exhibit is in the United States.  So we were very very glad to go.

Bust of Ramses II

Just walking inside was stepping back in time.  All we were missing was the sand (and blistering sun, but that is semantics).  The soft lighting (air conditioning) and music fit with the history of the pieces on display.

Statue of Ramessesnakht with the patron god of scribes, Thoth, standing behind his head.

First we walked down history lane where the foundations of Egypt started. 

Statue of Shepenwepet II, "God's Wife of Amun."

Learning about new places and people was fascinating.

Sarcophagus for Prince Thutmose's Cat

Mr O and Peaches read each sign, seemingly absorbing the information and filing it away for future reference. *

Mr O- "Why couldn't they bring all the stone pictures?"

The pressures and lifestyle of these ancient people was amazing.

Special urn for oil.

The Egyptian people's religious preferences stayed almost the same for hundreds of years.  Though they had no hard copy to go to (like the Bible), the tradition and rulers kept the same belief system in place without much deviation for all those years.  Amazing.

Miniture boat that would magically transform to full size in the after-life.

Not many people in ancient Egypt could read or write (called scribing).  The few that could were usually high up in the employ of the Pharaoh.

The container where King Tutankhamun's stomach was held.

King Tutankhamun was but a young boy of 18 when he died (or was killed).  In ancient Egypt he was almost completely erased from the history books.  The later Pharaoh(s) did not want to acknowledge him.  Which is why his tomb was undiscovered for so many years. 

Shabtis, figures who would take the Pharoah's place in the after-life if any labor was required.

King Tut's tomb is the only Pharaoh's tomb to still have a mummy inside (the others have been moved to other locations).  He was buried within three coffins; the two outer ones made of wood with hammered gold designs and the inner one of solid gold.  His tomb also held many artifacts and treasures: beds, chairs, games, model ships that would magically grow to full scale in the after-life, miniature statues (Shabtis) to stand in for the Pharaoh should he be asked to do any manual labor, golden statues, jewelry, and more. 



Sandles, finger and toe protectors made from solid gold






















This coffin, coupled with the treasure that was still intact within the tomb, is why King Tutankhamun is known to us as the golden king.  His treasures, and the fact that they were mostly undisturbed, allowed people to learn much more about Egypt and its rulers (and their burials).

The Emblem of Anubis.

King Tutankhamun was not well known for what he did during his life.  His fame came after his death.  Letting the new world get a glimpse of those that had passed before.  In all their splendor, beauty, fame, and fortune; they were still human.

Replica of King Tut's mummy.

*Handsome and I did get grilled on various parts of the exhibit when we were done.  Yay!

Ramblin Notes

1. There was a wonderfully awful thunder storm at 3 this morning.  The power blink woke me up, and I stayed up to watch as lightning flashed across the sky.  Oh it was beautiful!

2. It is now raining.  It started this morning at 3.  We got poured on for about 30 minutes and now it has slowed down to a steady drizzle that may last for days.

3. For the last week it has been beautiful weather.  Sunshine with slight breezes from time to time.

4. I like the rain.

5. I made the gluten free equivalent to oreos the other day.  Originally there was about 100 cookies.  It's been 4 days and I'm down to about 25.

6. I think I missed those delightful little sandwich cookies.

7. The zucchini (which just happens to be the only thing we planted) is growing nicely.  Hopefully we'll get blooms and squash soon.

8. Peaches just snuck in and grabbed the vacuum.  This could be interesting.

9. The kids want to learn piano.  So Handsome and I purchased books and they have begun to learn the basics around a set of ivories.  It is delightful to watch them learn a new song.

10. To learn the art of gluten free bread is a goal I hope to achieve soon.

11. Today I just hope for peace between the kiddos.

12. Mr O and Peaches are both growing.

13. I need to purchase both of them new pants.

14. And here is where I insert that I miss those wee little jeans that I used to fold.  But then I remember that I hate folding laundry, and that the kids do their own laundry now that they are bigger.  So, I guess we both win.

15. I really do miss those wee little jeans.

16. I miss those wee little kiddos too.

17. I don't miss the diapers.

18. The dog has decided that my feet are the most comfortable place to sit.  I pointed out his blanket.  He ignored me.

19. I need a new project.  No, do not link me to anything on Pintrest.

20. Perhaps I should finish the quilt that is in the closet first.

21. Then there would be room in the closet for other projects.

22. It is an endless cycle.

23. It is still raining.  I need a new umbrella.  The rainbow one that I've had for a couple years now gave up the ghost thanks to an impromptu pillow fight between Mr O and Peaches.

24. My toenails need painted.

25. Handsome has been painting my toenails ever since I was pregnant with Mr O.  I love it.

26. I love my man!

Thanks for listening (well, reading)!
~Abi

Sneaking

It is finally warming up here.  As in we've had rain and more rain and more rain until last week.  Then the rain just stopped suddenly and the sun popped out.  And suddenly, here is summer!  So out came the sprinkler, the buckets, and the water guns.  So, here are a couple of tips on the use of water guns.

Carefully tip toe around to see where people are hiding.

Run!  Run and shoot!  Giggle too, if you must.

Try and hide, but if you giggle, we will find you!  Hee hee!

With a Whoosh and a Splash

We went to Ft Casey, our little family of four.  We took the dog.  Four legs was so excited to see everything new and so much grass to run on and waves to chase and other dogs to exchange sniffs with and, and, and.  He was one very very excited dog.  The kids were running everywhere.  It seemed that one moment I'd get a holler from one side of "look mom!" 

Then, not even two minutes would elapse and I'd get a holler from the same kid from a half mile away "look mom!"  It was great.  We explored the Fort.  Top to bottom.  Found all the staircases and ladders (and went up or down each one).  Went running through all the rooms that were open, hollering to hear the echo. 

We also discovered (like so many kids before) that if you holler into the small end of the out-of-commission gun, that it is loud and echoes.  Running along the top of the hillside the trail to the beach was subsequently discovered and followed. 

Four legs (and Handsome) and Mr O chased waves.  Peaches daintily walked barefoot, ostensibly looking for shells.  I enjoyed the beautiful sensation of sun and wind on my face, and the smell of salt in the air.  The water being rather cold, we walked to the next trail and walked back up to the Fort.  Handsome had the foresight to purchase a couple of kites, and the wind is always blowing there. 

So up went the kites, while we all took a bit of a rest in the grass.  Then it was "come on!  Come on!  The light house!"  So away we went to the light house.  Mr O and Peaches ran, Four legs pulling at Handsome to try and go the kids pace, and I followed with the camera. 

The kids going full throttle, were up in the top of the lighthouse fairly quickly, and stood there, making faces at Handsome and I through the glass. 

The warmth that had gathered in the light house rejuvenated the kiddos for another go at the beach. 

So back down the hill we went.  Chasing waves, chasing gulls, watching the ferry, throwing rocks, and all that other kid stuff.  Oh it was a good day!