Where do I begin? Today was a super-cool day for the kids, my mom, and I. First, we started out by driving over to catch the MAX bus over to Crown Center Square. Riding the bus would've been enough excitement in and of itself. Seriously. The boys were SO, SO, SO thrilled to be riding on the bus. We ended up following N all the way to the back of the bus where he plopped down in the very last row and took to the ride like a pro. I remember the whole way there as I kept looking back at him from my seat which was just in front of him, he kept smiling at me from ear to ear and then blowing me kisses. He was having a ball!

�

N has literally been begging me to go on a bus ride since we returned from Disneyworld earlier this year so he was digging the ride. I totally enjoyed the relaxing, cool bus ride too. We stopped by lots of fun and cool things that make Kansas City unique, like UMKC, the Plaza, Liberty Memorial, Kemper Art Museum, and more. This bus ride made me totally realize why I love Kansas City more than I ever thought I would. We may live totally in the burbs but we're just minutes from big-city life and attractions. My kids are total city boys too….and I am so glad! They definitely take after their mommy.

Once we arrived at Crown Center, we headed over to their current exhibit, Moneyville. The kids had a blast learning about counting money, coins and their values, setting up their own merchant market, designing their own play money, playing bankers, and even putting their own faces on a one-million dollar bill! Yes, that's right, they printed their very own money starring…….. them!

After checking out everything at the exhibit, we headed upstairs to one of our favorite places – the Crayola Store! We ended up picking out a gift for a friend of N's whose birthday party is later this week. Plus, I had a 20% off coupon for the store so that made it totally worthwhile. The kids had fun playing with the different Crayola displays and of course, drawing and coloring.

After our mini-shopping spree, it was time for lunch! We headed out the front doors of Crown Center to walk on over to Panera to enjoy their yummy offerings. Immediately after entering the restaurant, we found a cute little nook which had just enough seating for all of us and N and W took to their own comfy chairs. N enjoyed his lunch while eating fireside.

Lunch was extraordinarily tasty! Afterwards we headed over to the UMB Bank building right next door and rode the escalator up to the glass walkway bridge that connects the bank to Crown Center. Again, it's no surprise this was a HUGE hit with the kids. They loved being able to stop right above traffic and look out onto busy Main St. with cars and busses passing by.

Our one final stop inside Crown Center was Topsy's – a Kansas City favorite! I had a coupon for a BOGO FREE 32 ounce popcorn bag from my Entertainment book (jeez, I love that thing!). The boys enjoyed watching the employee pop fresh popcorn to fulfill our order.

I had NO idea the bag would be this big. It was almost comical. N was insistent on carrying one of the bags we were taking home. Needless to say, my mom will undoubtedly be snacking on popcorn during the entire drive back to Texas tomorrow.

Today was a perfect day for a cool bus ride and visit to KC's top places for kids. We all can't wait to go back again! On the bus ride back to the car, N was enjoying looking out the window at all of the different sights and W fell fast asleep. My favorite part about today was the excitement in their eyes and on their faces that made today totally worth it!