Mystery House

My brother and his wife visited this week. It was awesome to see some familiar faces and play many games of Euchre. Xander and Josie were beyond ecstatic to see them. There were hugs and kisses and cuddles galore. It was especially nice to see Josie not panic at the sight of Uncle Lee like she did at Christmas.

One of the few things that we attempted to do together was go to the Winchester Mystery House.

I will pause right there and insert a PSA.
Winchester Mystery House and other mansion walking tours are not appropriate for small children. There is no where to take them if they lose it. You can't give them toys that make noise. You can't give them food or drink. Just don't do it.

That being said, we tried it. Josie did not want to play 'Follow the Line of Strangers' and instead kept trying to duck under ropes. She became rather loudly upset when Chris stopped her. He followed behind the tour and tried to occupy her, but then we had to stop in a room and close the door. Chris and Josie had to join the group. Then Xander, who was walking along happy as a clam, started to lose it. The guide was more than happy to stop the tour and call for someone to walk Chris out with the kids. I stayed with my brother and wife to continue the tour.

I thought the house was pretty cool. I was a little disappointed by how some of the rooms were bare, even had the walls torn down, but they left the house alone since Sarah Winchester's death. While the architecture was crazy, it was still interesting and beautiful. Maybe I'll try to make it for a night time tour while we are out here.

Meanwhile, it was raining outside. Chris had to spend an hour in the car with the kids. He is my hero.