The McDonald Family: Imagination Station

Today we had planned a surprise adventure for Eli. I came across a link to the "Imagination Station" sponsored by the public television station in the Quad Cities. It was a free event featuring the characters from many of the shows dressed up in costume along with coordinating themed activities at each station. Before going I thought it might be fun for Eli to keep this event as a surprise and not tell him what we would be doing until we were just about there. I'm not so sure he enjoys the element of surprise just as both Ian and myself like to be aware of what is going on and to know what to expect as opposed to any kind of spontaneity.

Ian's parents watched Aliyah while we took Eli to the event. I think it is important to still do things once in a while with just him now that he has taken on the big brother role. We have only done this one other time when we took him to a mini getaway to Grand Harbor and my parents watched her. Both times he had the same reaction of being quite reluctant to go anywhere without her and even a bit apprehensive about the whole idea. Once we dropped her off and were on our way he still voiced his concern about missing his little sister but it wasn't long after we arrived at our destination that he seemed to enjoy himself more but was still glad to be reunited with his baby sister when we came back home.

After we enjoyed a lunch at Applebee's, we were off to Moline. It didn't take long to realize why there was a shuttle bus offered as an option for those who parked further away. There were so...many...people! This event took place on the Western Illinois University campus. They utilized various classrooms for each of the stations. It was very crowded the entire time but there was still a steady flow of people in and out of each area so we were able to keep moving.

There were 15 stations to choose from and periodically throughout the day the characters made guest appearances. Eli seemed to be most excited about Sid the Science Kid and Wyatt from "Super Why." While he had some reservations at first about any kind of photo op with these larger than life characters, he eventually warmed up to them and more willingly stood next to them for a pose. I was really impressed with the wide variety of activities at each station. There was even a group of therapy dogs for the kids to interact with at the "Martha Speaks" station. They also gave out free books sponsored by one of the local libraries. The "Dinosaur Train" area featured a DJ and a Plinko game (with an incredibly long line so we decided to pass).

The entire event was very well done from beginning to end. The characters arrived at their appointed times. I always appreciate a well-organized event that stays on schedule. Each area was very clearly marked and various symbols relating to each show were used on the floor to lead a path in the hallways to help direct traffic and make each one easier to find. It was such a great opportunity for Eli to see the characters from some of his favorite TV shows come to life along with participating in the engaging learning activities along the way.