Last week’s “Kate & Kate + 8″ Adventure with our eight kiddos ages 9-and-under landed us at Maymont.
Specifically, we opted for the coolness of the Maymont Nature Center for most of the morning. At just $16 entry fee for all of us (adults are $3, kids $2 and children under 4 are FREE) this was a fabulous investment. 
As our eight raced inside to see the wonders that awaited them, we breathed a sigh of relief that they’d all be contained (and entertained) for a bit. 
From one year to age nine, they loved the fish, turtles, eels, and especially the sea otters. 
We probably spent the most time in the back of the nature center watching those cute little critters bounce in and out of the water, sending bubbles behind them in their quest to entertain us (or so it seemed). 
We were lucky enough to have a guide who explained the fascinating box turtle and allowed us to touch it’s hard shell. 
I was surprised this place wasn’t packed full of people, although if you could have heard our eight you’re probably glad you weren’t there when we were. They were bubbling over with excitement, and I’m pretty sure they didn’t even realize they were learning while they were having fun. 
When I looked at the map of Maymont and the expanse that we could’ve covered, it was pretty amazing that we spent two hours in just one of Maymont’s corners. We did venture outside for a shady spot to enjoy a fine picnic lunch provide by Ukrops Homestyle Foods. We had all the favorites: chicken salad, macaroni salad, white house rolls, chicken tenders, and of course bananas and cookies to top it off. (Thanks Ukrops! You saved us some serious time, allowing us to play more.)
The kids were braver than the two Kate’s as they hurled themselves down the massive mountain outside the Nature Center, nestling themselves on a rock and finding a muddy stream along the way. 
After running in circles in the hot sun, they tired and slugged up the hill. (Note: this makes for good napping later.)
Long after our six friends left my kiddos talked me into ice cream at the Maymont Cafe, and we stole a few moments of summer together before heading home.
