How many adventures can be had in one day? For Gavin, Logan, Shawna, and Grammy the count came in at four. Shawna and Grammy got online to find some cheap things we could do.

We started the day at the Insect Lore Bugseum. Who knew there was a zoo for insects. Its just North of Bakersfield in Shafter. Wouldn't you know. I tried to find it again and can't. Anyway it is a way fun place to go for FREE which always fits in my budget. We found out that the state insect is the dogface butterfly. I would have thought it was the monarch that populates Nipomo each year.

This museum was started by a couple who like insects and have traveled the world finding the most unusual and put them on display in several different places in the United States.  They had a few of the common bugs like wolf spiders and butterflies and lady bugs. I was most impressed with the huge centipede found on a construction site just outside of Bakersfield. The docent Ralphie told us that a bite from that centipede would feel like an intense burn much like a fire ant burn but stronger. Sorry, I didn't get a picture of the beast.

Ralphie picked out a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach for the boys to pet. It was kind of creepy. I could probably get used to having these in the garden they are great composters. We learned that they molt when their skin gets too tight for them. I guess most school kids already know that. Its news for me. (I didn't hear any hissing.)

Since the museum was free we spent a   few dollars buying souvenirs. We gave  the Bugseum a thumbs up and said good bye to Ralphie.

That adventure took up about two hours of our day including the driving time.




Next stop -- Lunch.  Clint finished his work day at home so we picked him up and headed for lunch. Well really we headed for the cheap movie theater to see Madagascar III. But since we weren't watching the time we got there about an hour early. Just enough time to get lunch.





Yep! Carl's Jr. No, Gavin did not get that large drink.

Back at the movie theater we noticed that The Avengers was starting just 15 minutes after Madagascar. I'm with the boys right? They quickly out-voted Grammy and so we saw The Avengers. They loved it. I liked it as much as when I saw it the first time. Bakersfield has a nice Edwards Theater next door to the Ice Hockey arena. I think the matinee was only $6.00 and they set up a summer movie schedule for the kids. $1.00 gets the kids in to see a movie. The movies aren't  new releases but still what a fun way to spend a hot summer afternoon in Bakersfield.

Our next adventure took us to Kohls where we bought a couple of things nothing exciting and no pictures to share.

Time to eat again.

Logan knows what he wants to eat.

Gavin knows what he wants to eat.

Famous Dave's BBQ.  One of the best bbq places...outside of my backyard (thanks sons). I think we waddled out to the car. Yummy.

 It was a great day with the Lowe family. I said goodbye the next morning to head to the Los Angeles Temple for a few days of quiet and spiritual nourishment.


Hang in there with me kids while I get the hang of blogging regularly. I am learning to use my big camera as well as my droid camera. These pictures were all take on my droid. It does a decent job when I can stop shaking.