When a good friend scores tickets to the pop-up
Museum of Ice Cream, you find a way to drop everything and go (including the Hubs, though it was probably for his benefit ^^). Regardless of how old you are, how can you say no to jumping into a pool of sprinkles?? Either way, I don't know what we were thinking, but we decided to shuttle five kids (all in carseats) to downtown LA between the both of us into our minivan. Our scheduled time slot was mid-morning, which actually worked out perfectly with 4/5 of the kiddies' nap times (the youngest napped on the way).
We arrived early to avoid the long line, and to prepare the kids for what may have ended up being torture for us parents. After the museum curator gave us the ground rules (no touching the bananas and gummy bears...with kids? riightt), they released us into the mouth-watering world of ice-cream.
The experience felt like one was on a Willy Wonka Factory tour, minus the oompa loompas and creepy Wonka factor. The kids went bananas (literally) after all the eye candy that surrounded them, and the cherry on top was the treat that greeted them in each room (which also doubled as a bribing tool for "good" behavior). Each room was filled with IG/photo opps, and I found myself taking several hundred photos on our camera. The grand finale was the sprinkle pool, which we had to pry each of the kids out, some kicking and screaming, after our few minutes were over.
I wish I could say the kiddos all passed out on the car ride back, but it must've been the sugar high that kept 4/5 awake the entire trek back! However, everyone did knock out that evening, including Mama (and woke up completely sore). Unfortunately, the museum is leaving Los Angeles, and tickets for their next destination (SF!!), are also sold out...but would we go back? Most definitely, except this time I would probably bring the Hubs with me so that I can better enjoy my frozen treats ; ).
ice-cream squad
Ice-scream Queen
Tips for having a sweet experience:
* Arrive early, factoring in traffic - about 30 minutes is a good amount of time to find parking (valet is a great choice if you have lots of little ones to unload) and get in line.
* Bring a camera. Yes, the iPhone has a great built-in camera, but should you want to print or blow-up some of these colorful moments (and believe me, there are endless opportunities), that's when quality makes a huge difference.
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For the littles: pack an extra set of clothing for those ice-cream dribbles, though they do make for better photos ^^. Strollers are also allowed, so pack it with your water bottles (to rinse down all that sugar!), spare clothing/diapers/wipes, sling and whatever else is needed for survival. And don't feel bad if you end up eating half of your child's ice cream in order to prevent a sugar high (guilty). What I SHOULD have packed was a leash for my second one (sounds wrong, but I did lose him for a good few minutes. Luckily his scream was loud enough to be heard from the next room...bad mama!).
* Take your time. I know you're given a time slot, and you may feel as though you're being herded like cattle, but no one's gonna tell you you're taking too long in each room. And if you've got the littles with you, everything takes double (or triple) the amount of time.
* Expect souvenir sprinkles for weeks to come. I found them in their diapers, pockets, unmentionables, etc...it's the gift that just keeps on giving, and brings back fond memories each time : ).
* Most importantly, have fun! As much as we all wanted to capture all the eye-candy, be sure you have time to also enjoy the moment, cameras aside...for it all goes by much too quickly.
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