Museum of Manchester, hospital and coping skills.

We braved storm Imogen to take the boys to Manchester Museum. We have visited MOSI before and this time went to the Natural History museum. The boys really enjoyed it but we couldn't do the whole site as Sam's energy levels we too low. Even so we had a great experience.

The Vivarium

Bumble Bee poison dart frog

Lizards

Monkey tree frog..we found his expression hilarious.

Coins

Glass

Pottery

Lamps

Owen showing me the one he likes best 

I like these

Artwork inspired by the insect exhibits...they like that both their names were in this display.

Fossils and Skeletons

I couldn't keep up with all the questions being fired at me here...hence blurry photos

Hammer head shark jaw. Sam's favourite.

Ostrich

Juvenile sperm whale head and body

Human, monkeys and Apes

Shells

Egyptian section

Not Egyptian but I can't remember 

Exhibits from Pompeii 

Lots of stuffed animals, which the children found fascinating and a weird all at the same time.

They thought this was very much like our Tamaskan 

English animals

Spent quite some time examining the samurai display area and other weapons.

We stopped off for something to eat on the way home and the boys did some wordsearches as they were waiting for their food.

On getting back we were pleased to find our sensory equipment had arrived from this place:

http://search.physioroom.com/search#w=Balance%20board

The boys enjoyed trying out the new things. Sam's cough is gradually worsening as the day goes on and I make notes for the consultant tomorrow.

We played the UK geography game.

Sam enjoys reading out facts about the places.

Well the day finally arrive to see Sam's consultant. She's not completely sure what's going on and is recalling his X-ray to have a look herself. As his cough ( as ever) sounds so croup like , she is wondering if he has a floppy airway. This has been mentioned previously with our last consultant , it's a congenital disorder and has a very long name I can't remember. She issued a long dose of steroids, a new bronchial dilator inhaler and a long course of antibiotics, in the hope it settles everything down and he recovers fully. Fingers crossed. It was a trying day for the children and Sam found all the procedures and people really hard to deal with. He just managed to hold it all together till we started walking down the corridor and then his emotions overwhelmed him. It hadn't helped that we had a minor car accident on the M6 when we were traveling down. Thankfully no one was hurt. Owen has been very helpful going to all the appointments but he was struggling too, so we made haste getting back home where they could relax.

The next day both boys seen brighter in themselves but still very tired. We looked at this video, as it tied in with the remains we saw at the museum on Monday.

http://www.openculture.com/2016/02/watch-the-destruction-of-pompeii-by-mount-vesuvius-re-created-with-computer-animation-79-ad.html

As the steroids start to kick in its a case of battering down the hatches because they affect Sam's moods very dramatically. In addition, Owen has come down with a cold and feels miserable. I have to make sure everyone's needs are met. For the next few days we concentrate on managing side effects and looking after two poorly boys. Sam's cough lessens as the week goes on and he seems to be improving but we have another week of his various medications to manage. 

Both boys potter around , following me like little lost lambs, we play board games and snuggle under blankets.