I woke up early, a half hour or so before 6. I made my last Starbuck's run down to Columbus Ave. The girls woke early with my stirring in the apartment, which was good since the hired car would be picking us up at 8.
Photos of girls prior to leaving to come.
The car arrived 15 minutes early. Luckily, we were ready. We scurried down, and began packing our things in the car. While Steven went back up for one more run, I got a few photos outside with the apartment building in the background.
Photos of apartment building to come.
The ride to the airport was uneventful. At one point though, while looking at Manhattan in the distance, Bea started crying, saying how much she was going to miss New York. I couldn't help but tear up myself. We had made some wonderful memories in New York, memories that I will always cherish having with my girls. I was still looking forward to getting home though. We have lots waiting for us there, and many more memory making opportunities to come.
Photo of girls on ride to airport to come.
We had a bit of a long wait trying to check in our bags. I gave Charlotte my iPhone to help distract her since she was getting antsy. She started playing the Shape Builder game, which is a puzzle game. We started her on it several days ago, and now she is a pro at it. Really good for those eye, hand coordination skills. Bea pulled my old iPhone (which is now hers) out of her backpack, and began playing games too. They managed to entertain themselves long enough to get through the baggage check line.
Probably the most consuming task is going through security. We have to take apart the stroller (2 pieces), and put it through, along with the carseat and our other belongings. Shoes come off everyone, and then it's a mad dash to get all of our things back together on the other side. We made it through with flying colors.
We had plenty of time to get a bite to eat while we waited for our flight. Bea managed to confiscate our old digital point and shoot from Steven, which he has been promising would be hers. She quickly went to work taking photos in the airport.
Photos taken by Bea at airport to come.
Before long, it was time to board our flight back to Houston. We settled in, and like the flight up, Charlotte fell asleep before takeoff. She slept for 2 hours and 15 minutes of the 3 hour flight. When she woke up, she wanted to play on the iPad, and I got a photo of my 3 techies each on some device. Charlotte on the iPad, Steven on his laptop, and Bea on my iPhone.
Photo of techies on flight to come.
We had a bumpy descent, which all the kids on the flight loved, one calling out, "It's like a roller coaster!". Really, not what an adult wants to hear on a flight, but it was cute and funny.
Upon landing, the flight attendant announced over the intercom, "Well...we're here!", to which the cabin responded with laughter.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Times Square, Ellen's Stardust Diner, and the Sanrio Store
Our last day in New York, and last minute, I decided we would go down to Times Square, have lunch at Ellen's Stardust Diner, and pick up some gifts for my nieces and nephew at the Sanrio (Hello Kitty) store.
We took the express subway to Times Square, and meandered our way through all the tourists (I guess I don't consider myself one.). Bea pointed out where we would need to go for the Hello Kitty store. I'm ashamed that my 4.5 year old knows more about Times Square than me.
We continued through Times Square to 50th and Broadway where we stopped at Ellen's Stardust Diner. The girls were in awe, and Charlotte, especially, seemed to get into the spirit of the atmosphere. The waiters and waitresses sing as they wait on you. Our waitress's name was Blondie, and we weren't there long before it was her turn to sing.
The girls enjoyed the singing and clapped at the end of the songs. I thought it was really neat, and these kids were really talented as well. I wish all the best for their success.
Photos from Ellen's Stardust Diner to come.
After lunch, we made that treacherous walk back through Times Square to go to the Sanrio store. I stopped in the middle of Times Square to take the obligatory Times Square photo.
Photo in Times Square to come.
Bea, again, told me where I needed to go to get to Hello Kitty, and I cross checked it with the map on my phone. She was right. We went inside the store, and Bea started looking for gifts for her cousins.
Photo of Sanrio store to come.
I picked out some cute Hello Kitty NY hats for the girls, and I was informed that the girls wouldn't like what I picked out, but would love what Bea picked out. I gave Bea the benefit of the doubt, and she picked out an Hello Kitty dolls wearing bikinis. She told me they are tan because people come in all different colors and sizes from all over the world, and they speak many different languages. The sales clerk told us they are Hawaiian Hello Kitties. I picked out Hello Kitty rings with each of the girls birthstones.
We didn't find anything for Nathan there, but I had seen some NY matchbox cars at a store near the apartment, so I planned on stopping there on the way home.
Charlotte was asleep at this point. We got back on the subway towards 72nd Street, and the store I wanted to go into was right across from the station. We popped in there, and I found little subway replicas of the different lines in NYC. I picked the 7 local line that is right by the apartment, since it is the one we take if we take the subway.
We made one last trip to Duane Reade, and then went back to the apartment for the rest of the evening. Steven picked up Chipotle on the way home from work since thunderstorms were expected to roll in. And, we ended our time here the same way it began, with a nice, cozy thunderstorm.
Photo from storm to come.
After dinner, Bea started Night at the Museum, to see it one last time while in NYC. We made a pallet on the floor, and I popped some popcorn for our impromptu movie night.
Photo from impromptu movie night to come.
We took the express subway to Times Square, and meandered our way through all the tourists (I guess I don't consider myself one.). Bea pointed out where we would need to go for the Hello Kitty store. I'm ashamed that my 4.5 year old knows more about Times Square than me.
We continued through Times Square to 50th and Broadway where we stopped at Ellen's Stardust Diner. The girls were in awe, and Charlotte, especially, seemed to get into the spirit of the atmosphere. The waiters and waitresses sing as they wait on you. Our waitress's name was Blondie, and we weren't there long before it was her turn to sing.
The girls enjoyed the singing and clapped at the end of the songs. I thought it was really neat, and these kids were really talented as well. I wish all the best for their success.
Photos from Ellen's Stardust Diner to come.
After lunch, we made that treacherous walk back through Times Square to go to the Sanrio store. I stopped in the middle of Times Square to take the obligatory Times Square photo.
Photo in Times Square to come.
Bea, again, told me where I needed to go to get to Hello Kitty, and I cross checked it with the map on my phone. She was right. We went inside the store, and Bea started looking for gifts for her cousins.
Photo of Sanrio store to come.
I picked out some cute Hello Kitty NY hats for the girls, and I was informed that the girls wouldn't like what I picked out, but would love what Bea picked out. I gave Bea the benefit of the doubt, and she picked out an Hello Kitty dolls wearing bikinis. She told me they are tan because people come in all different colors and sizes from all over the world, and they speak many different languages. The sales clerk told us they are Hawaiian Hello Kitties. I picked out Hello Kitty rings with each of the girls birthstones.
We didn't find anything for Nathan there, but I had seen some NY matchbox cars at a store near the apartment, so I planned on stopping there on the way home.
Charlotte was asleep at this point. We got back on the subway towards 72nd Street, and the store I wanted to go into was right across from the station. We popped in there, and I found little subway replicas of the different lines in NYC. I picked the 7 local line that is right by the apartment, since it is the one we take if we take the subway.
We made one last trip to Duane Reade, and then went back to the apartment for the rest of the evening. Steven picked up Chipotle on the way home from work since thunderstorms were expected to roll in. And, we ended our time here the same way it began, with a nice, cozy thunderstorm.
Photo from storm to come.
After dinner, Bea started Night at the Museum, to see it one last time while in NYC. We made a pallet on the floor, and I popped some popcorn for our impromptu movie night.
Photo from impromptu movie night to come.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Adventure Playground, Sheep Meadow, and Dinner with John
I have been putting off going to the Adventure Playground because I really just thought it would be too much for me to deal with trying to keep up with two kids, including one who insists on trying to hurt herself. Now, I'm kicking myself because we tried it out, and it was perfect for the girls. Absolutely perfect!
What was so great about this playground? Well, just about everything. It had a water sprinkler on one end, which drained into a little river. It had a sandpit at the other end. In the sandpit were climbing structures, but appropriate for all ages. A child would have to have certain skills to make it to the top of the structures. In the middle of the playground was a pyramid shaped structure with stairs going up and 2 slides coming down. There was actually no way for Charlotte to get into trouble. I still had to follow her around, but I was much more relaxed.
Photos of Adventure Playground to come.
The girls enjoyed playing in the sand. Bea enjoyed using her shoes to transport water to the sand pit. I like that she is thinking outside the box!
We walked to a Subway on 72nd street to pick up lunch, and then we walked it back to 67th street to find a spot under the big tree at Sheep Meadow in Central Park. We ate our lunch. This time Charlotte did as she was asked to do and sat on the blanket to eat. When we were all done, the girls pulled out the balls and played for a bit.
Photos from Sheep Meadow to come.
We stayed until 2, and then went back to the apartment to rest a little before dinner. We had dinner plans with Steven's former co-worker, John. We ended up meeting him at Patsy's Pizzeria, same place where I met Mara a few weeks ago. John showed up with cookies from Levain Bakery. What a nice guy to bring us cookies, and funny enough, if we had gone to his side of town, I was planning on picking up cookies from Levain to take to him.
We had a nice dinner. John was so personable and really took an interest in the girls. Bea colored him a picture, which he hung on his refrigerator.
Photo from John to come.
What was so great about this playground? Well, just about everything. It had a water sprinkler on one end, which drained into a little river. It had a sandpit at the other end. In the sandpit were climbing structures, but appropriate for all ages. A child would have to have certain skills to make it to the top of the structures. In the middle of the playground was a pyramid shaped structure with stairs going up and 2 slides coming down. There was actually no way for Charlotte to get into trouble. I still had to follow her around, but I was much more relaxed.
Photos of Adventure Playground to come.
The girls enjoyed playing in the sand. Bea enjoyed using her shoes to transport water to the sand pit. I like that she is thinking outside the box!
We walked to a Subway on 72nd street to pick up lunch, and then we walked it back to 67th street to find a spot under the big tree at Sheep Meadow in Central Park. We ate our lunch. This time Charlotte did as she was asked to do and sat on the blanket to eat. When we were all done, the girls pulled out the balls and played for a bit.
Photos from Sheep Meadow to come.
We stayed until 2, and then went back to the apartment to rest a little before dinner. We had dinner plans with Steven's former co-worker, John. We ended up meeting him at Patsy's Pizzeria, same place where I met Mara a few weeks ago. John showed up with cookies from Levain Bakery. What a nice guy to bring us cookies, and funny enough, if we had gone to his side of town, I was planning on picking up cookies from Levain to take to him.
We had a nice dinner. John was so personable and really took an interest in the girls. Bea colored him a picture, which he hung on his refrigerator.
Photo from John to come.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Charlotte's 2nd Birthday and Victorian Gardens Amusement Park
Seriously, we have been dealing with terrible two's for at least 6 months. Today is Charlotte's 2nd birthday, and it has been a less than stellar day thus far. When she woke up, I tried singing "Happy Birthday" to her, only for her to put her little finger to her lips and say, "Shhhh!".
Honestly, I should have known based on the diva attitude I received first thing in the morning.
Telling me, "No, mama. No.".
We tried going to the park for a nice lunch. I picked up sandwiches at Subway on our way to Sheep Meadow. I took her out of the stroller and told her she needed to stay on the blanket. We've been working on this while we've been here, and she had been getting better about staying near us. As soon as she got out, she took off running. I had to chase her down, and back in the stroller she went. I'm sure people are judging me, but I can't leave my 4 year old and our belongings unattended to chase Charlotte down every 30 seconds.
So, she is back in the stroller, and I give her her chocolate milk.
She's drinking it and people watching. I look down for a second, look back up, and she has dumped it all in her lap, all over the stroller. Yes, this can be cleaned, but I find it unacceptable. This will happen, I know, because of her age, but it wasn't something I could just shrug off and laugh at. I want her to know it's unacceptable. I told her so in a stern voice. She cried, and wanted a wipe, which I couldn't give her because I forgot them (totally my fault). She was just going to have to sit in her sticky mess until we were done eating. I swear I was getting dirty looks, but maybe I was just being self conscious.
Because of the sticky, wet mess, I scratched our plans to go to the playground after lunch. Instead, we went to a bakery to pick up some cupcakes for Charlotte's birthday.
We get back to the apartment. I get Charlotte's clothes off, get the stroller seat off, and we took them down to the basement to wash.
I got extra cupcakes, so I let the girls each have one. I open the box, and the icing has all but slid off the cupcakes. Still, I think they will be delicious. There is a juice box left over from this morning that Charlotte starts drinking. I should have anticipated it, but I didn't. I come back in, and she is squirting it all over the seat, making another huge mess. I scolded her again. She cried again. But, I don't think she is getting it that it is not acceptable.
She is into everything today. I heard clinking and clanking, and I turned around, and she had managed to open a cabinet that has china in it. I have been on edge the whole time we've been here since this isn't our place, but today has been worse.
This is one of the few times Charlotte was actually staying out of trouble.
I decided it was time to start getting the girls ready to go to Victorian Gardens Amusement Park. This amusement park is run during the late spring and summer months. During the winter, the location is an ice skating rink, known as Wolman Rink.
While I'm getting things together, I felt the need to check on Charlotte and found her wearing our digital SLR around her neck and trying to take pictures. Like I said, into everything!
I finally get us all ready and we head out the door. Charlotte hadn't slept all day, so I suspected she would fall asleep during the 20 minute walk to the amusement park, which is located in Central Park. Like clockwork, she fell asleep, and I hoped she would wake up in time to enjoy the amusement park, as it was her birthday after all. We arrived at 4, and the park was open until 7, so 3 hours is all we had.
Bea sizes up the park, trying to decide what to do first.
Since Charlotte was sleeping, Bea rode the rides by herself for a while. She was having so much fun.
I'm glad we didn't get there earlier, as there was a lack of shade, and that sun on that concrete was stifling, despite the occasional mister they had going. I decided I needed a drink, and that's when Charlotte woke up. She didn't have the nap she needed, but I was glad she woke up so she could enjoy the fun.
The first ride we rode was the water boat ride. Charlotte was not happy that she had to ride with me. She wanted to sit with Bea, and kept her eye on her most of the time.
Here she is turning around to look at Bea.
Bea really was having fun.
We then rode the airplane ride. Again, Charlotte was upset that she wasn't sitting with Bea, and then she was upset that I was trying to keep her from jumping off the ride.
This ride just about did me in. Too many turns on too tight of a radius. I was feeling quite ill afterwards.
Next up was the roller coaster. I thought it might be better for me since it didn't just turn in small circles. It wasn't too bad, but again, Charlotte wanted to sit with Bea and/or jump off the ride.
I didn't get any photos of our first time on the roller coaster, but I got some when Steven rode with the girls later.
This is when I needed Steven to get there quick, so I texted him saying so. I couldn't stomach another ride. The girls played a game. Unfortunately, they require 2 people to play so they can have a winner. So dumb. My child just wanted to hit the dang moles with a pallet. So, I held Charlotte and helped her bang away at the moles while Bea did the same. Problem is, I was too good, and I beat Bea. The game lasted maybe 15 seconds, and I was announced the winner and given a stuffed animal. Bea was so upset, and I felt terrible, though she needs to learn it is just a game and not everyone can win.
Beatrix then went down the giant slide. I was so busy taking photos that I missed seeing her slide.
Finally, Steven showed up to rescue me, and he took the girls on several rides. But, first, he got a photo of me and the girls.
Bea gets on the big swing.
Steven takes Charlotte on the train.
Steven and Charlotte get a quick photo at the amusement park.
Steven takes Charlotte on the frog ride.
Steven and the girls ride the roller coaster, and this time I get photos.
Steven and the girls ride the frog ride again.
Steven actually made himself dizzy on the balloon basket ride. Took him a while to recuperate.
Before we knew it, it was 7, and time for the amusement park to close, and time for us to get dinner and go back to the apartment. We stopped at Traviata Pizza and took it back to the apartment. After dinner, we lit 2 candles on Charlotte's cupcake and tried to sing "Happy Birthday". It was a comedy of errors though, and we had to start and stop a couple of times. Charlotte, not surprising, put her finger in the flame. You will have to watch the video to see this one. Hopefully, I will have it up soon. Luckily, no damage was done. She also scolded me throughout the birthday song.
Charlotte enjoyed playing with her cupcake mostly. Still full from pizza.
It was a long day that didn't go exactly as planned, but I think we ended it well with some fun at the amusement park, and some yummy cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery to top it off.
Happy 2nd Birthday to my sweet, loving, enthusiastic, dare devil, Charlotte! We love you!
Honestly, I should have known based on the diva attitude I received first thing in the morning.
Telling me, "No, mama. No.".
We tried going to the park for a nice lunch. I picked up sandwiches at Subway on our way to Sheep Meadow. I took her out of the stroller and told her she needed to stay on the blanket. We've been working on this while we've been here, and she had been getting better about staying near us. As soon as she got out, she took off running. I had to chase her down, and back in the stroller she went. I'm sure people are judging me, but I can't leave my 4 year old and our belongings unattended to chase Charlotte down every 30 seconds.
So, she is back in the stroller, and I give her her chocolate milk.
She's drinking it and people watching. I look down for a second, look back up, and she has dumped it all in her lap, all over the stroller. Yes, this can be cleaned, but I find it unacceptable. This will happen, I know, because of her age, but it wasn't something I could just shrug off and laugh at. I want her to know it's unacceptable. I told her so in a stern voice. She cried, and wanted a wipe, which I couldn't give her because I forgot them (totally my fault). She was just going to have to sit in her sticky mess until we were done eating. I swear I was getting dirty looks, but maybe I was just being self conscious.
Because of the sticky, wet mess, I scratched our plans to go to the playground after lunch. Instead, we went to a bakery to pick up some cupcakes for Charlotte's birthday.
We get back to the apartment. I get Charlotte's clothes off, get the stroller seat off, and we took them down to the basement to wash.
I got extra cupcakes, so I let the girls each have one. I open the box, and the icing has all but slid off the cupcakes. Still, I think they will be delicious. There is a juice box left over from this morning that Charlotte starts drinking. I should have anticipated it, but I didn't. I come back in, and she is squirting it all over the seat, making another huge mess. I scolded her again. She cried again. But, I don't think she is getting it that it is not acceptable.
She is into everything today. I heard clinking and clanking, and I turned around, and she had managed to open a cabinet that has china in it. I have been on edge the whole time we've been here since this isn't our place, but today has been worse.
This is one of the few times Charlotte was actually staying out of trouble.
I decided it was time to start getting the girls ready to go to Victorian Gardens Amusement Park. This amusement park is run during the late spring and summer months. During the winter, the location is an ice skating rink, known as Wolman Rink.
While I'm getting things together, I felt the need to check on Charlotte and found her wearing our digital SLR around her neck and trying to take pictures. Like I said, into everything!
I finally get us all ready and we head out the door. Charlotte hadn't slept all day, so I suspected she would fall asleep during the 20 minute walk to the amusement park, which is located in Central Park. Like clockwork, she fell asleep, and I hoped she would wake up in time to enjoy the amusement park, as it was her birthday after all. We arrived at 4, and the park was open until 7, so 3 hours is all we had.
Bea sizes up the park, trying to decide what to do first.
Since Charlotte was sleeping, Bea rode the rides by herself for a while. She was having so much fun.
I'm glad we didn't get there earlier, as there was a lack of shade, and that sun on that concrete was stifling, despite the occasional mister they had going. I decided I needed a drink, and that's when Charlotte woke up. She didn't have the nap she needed, but I was glad she woke up so she could enjoy the fun.
The first ride we rode was the water boat ride. Charlotte was not happy that she had to ride with me. She wanted to sit with Bea, and kept her eye on her most of the time.
Here she is turning around to look at Bea.
Bea really was having fun.
We then rode the airplane ride. Again, Charlotte was upset that she wasn't sitting with Bea, and then she was upset that I was trying to keep her from jumping off the ride.
This ride just about did me in. Too many turns on too tight of a radius. I was feeling quite ill afterwards.
Next up was the roller coaster. I thought it might be better for me since it didn't just turn in small circles. It wasn't too bad, but again, Charlotte wanted to sit with Bea and/or jump off the ride.
I didn't get any photos of our first time on the roller coaster, but I got some when Steven rode with the girls later.
This is when I needed Steven to get there quick, so I texted him saying so. I couldn't stomach another ride. The girls played a game. Unfortunately, they require 2 people to play so they can have a winner. So dumb. My child just wanted to hit the dang moles with a pallet. So, I held Charlotte and helped her bang away at the moles while Bea did the same. Problem is, I was too good, and I beat Bea. The game lasted maybe 15 seconds, and I was announced the winner and given a stuffed animal. Bea was so upset, and I felt terrible, though she needs to learn it is just a game and not everyone can win.
Beatrix then went down the giant slide. I was so busy taking photos that I missed seeing her slide.
Finally, Steven showed up to rescue me, and he took the girls on several rides. But, first, he got a photo of me and the girls.
Bea gets on the big swing.
Steven takes Charlotte on the train.
Steven and Charlotte get a quick photo at the amusement park.
Steven takes Charlotte on the frog ride.
Steven and the girls ride the roller coaster, and this time I get photos.
Steven and the girls ride the frog ride again.
Steven actually made himself dizzy on the balloon basket ride. Took him a while to recuperate.
Before we knew it, it was 7, and time for the amusement park to close, and time for us to get dinner and go back to the apartment. We stopped at Traviata Pizza and took it back to the apartment. After dinner, we lit 2 candles on Charlotte's cupcake and tried to sing "Happy Birthday". It was a comedy of errors though, and we had to start and stop a couple of times. Charlotte, not surprising, put her finger in the flame. You will have to watch the video to see this one. Hopefully, I will have it up soon. Luckily, no damage was done. She also scolded me throughout the birthday song.
Charlotte enjoyed playing with her cupcake mostly. Still full from pizza.
It was a long day that didn't go exactly as planned, but I think we ended it well with some fun at the amusement park, and some yummy cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery to top it off.
Happy 2nd Birthday to my sweet, loving, enthusiastic, dare devil, Charlotte! We love you!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Madison Square Park
Today, I decided to try something different. Thanks to Mommy Poopins, I found out about a free summer kid's concert series at Madison Square Park, called Madison Square Kids. Today's artist was Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band. After a little looking around, we decided I would take the subway from 72nd street to Penn Station, where there is elevator access for the stroller. It would require a mile walk or so, but it was a pretty morning with temps in the 70's, so completely doable.
We arrived at Penn Station, and made our way down Broadway to W 25th street. The shops along that stretch are not so upscale, reminding me of Harwin in Houston where everyone sells their cheap wares and knock offs.
Madison Square Park is situated between large buildings in the Flatiron District on W 25th. It is a pretty park with lush green grass, a huge art sculpture of a head, a nice playground, and Shake Shack (I know what we are having for lunch!).
When we arrived, the band was setting up and doing sound checks. Charlotte was already clapping along. We put our blanket down in front of the stage, alongside another blanket that was already there. We still had 40 mi urea or so before the show started, so we went over to the playground for a little bit. I got my workout chasing Charlotte around on the play structure.
Photos of girls at Madsion Square Park playground to come.
We went back to our blanket with about 15 minutes to go. I didn't come prepared with snacks (shame on me), but I had some ice cold water, and a few packets of trail mix in my bag. It would have to do, and the girls picked what they wanted, mainly the cashews and cranberries.
Photos of girls waiting for show to start to come.
The concert started right on time at 10:30, and Charlotte immediately got to dancing. Beatrix watched with a sweet smile on her face.
Photos and video of girls at concert to come.
It seemed right as the concert started, the shade we were sitting in disappeared, and we found ourselves in the full sun. After 30 minutes, we decided to find some shade. It was 11:00, and knowing how crowded Shake Shack gets, I decided we would order our food and sit at a shaded table.
Photos from Shake Shack to come.
I got the girls cheeseburgers, fries, lemonade, and of course a chocolate shake!
While at lunch we got a chance to talk with Antie using Facetme. The girls enjoyed seeing their Auntie for the first time in several weeks.
After lunch, we went back to the playground. There wasn't as much shade over the play structure as I would have like, and it was heating up fast. Still the girls played for a while.
Photos of girls playing after lunch to come.
Another little girl decided she wanted to share her chalk with Charlotte and Bea. It was so sweet. The girls colored with her for a bit sunder the play structure in the shade.
Photos of girls coloring to come.
I took Charlotte over to the swing for a little bit, and she enjoyed swinging in the shade, while I enjoyed standing in the shade.
Photo of Charlotte swinging to come.
It was getting later, and hotter, so it was time to start heading back. We walked back to the subway at Penn Station, caught the express (fewer stops), and made it back to 72nd street. We made a quick stop in Duane Reade to pick up my prescription and other odds and ends, and spent the rest of the afternoon in the cool apartment.
Tomorrow is a big day. Charlotte turns 2, and I remember my father as he would have celebrated his 67th birthday.
We arrived at Penn Station, and made our way down Broadway to W 25th street. The shops along that stretch are not so upscale, reminding me of Harwin in Houston where everyone sells their cheap wares and knock offs.
Madison Square Park is situated between large buildings in the Flatiron District on W 25th. It is a pretty park with lush green grass, a huge art sculpture of a head, a nice playground, and Shake Shack (I know what we are having for lunch!).
When we arrived, the band was setting up and doing sound checks. Charlotte was already clapping along. We put our blanket down in front of the stage, alongside another blanket that was already there. We still had 40 mi urea or so before the show started, so we went over to the playground for a little bit. I got my workout chasing Charlotte around on the play structure.
Photos of girls at Madsion Square Park playground to come.
We went back to our blanket with about 15 minutes to go. I didn't come prepared with snacks (shame on me), but I had some ice cold water, and a few packets of trail mix in my bag. It would have to do, and the girls picked what they wanted, mainly the cashews and cranberries.
Photos of girls waiting for show to start to come.
The concert started right on time at 10:30, and Charlotte immediately got to dancing. Beatrix watched with a sweet smile on her face.
Photos and video of girls at concert to come.
It seemed right as the concert started, the shade we were sitting in disappeared, and we found ourselves in the full sun. After 30 minutes, we decided to find some shade. It was 11:00, and knowing how crowded Shake Shack gets, I decided we would order our food and sit at a shaded table.
Photos from Shake Shack to come.
I got the girls cheeseburgers, fries, lemonade, and of course a chocolate shake!
While at lunch we got a chance to talk with Antie using Facetme. The girls enjoyed seeing their Auntie for the first time in several weeks.
After lunch, we went back to the playground. There wasn't as much shade over the play structure as I would have like, and it was heating up fast. Still the girls played for a while.
Photos of girls playing after lunch to come.
Another little girl decided she wanted to share her chalk with Charlotte and Bea. It was so sweet. The girls colored with her for a bit sunder the play structure in the shade.
Photos of girls coloring to come.
I took Charlotte over to the swing for a little bit, and she enjoyed swinging in the shade, while I enjoyed standing in the shade.
Photo of Charlotte swinging to come.
It was getting later, and hotter, so it was time to start heading back. We walked back to the subway at Penn Station, caught the express (fewer stops), and made it back to 72nd street. We made a quick stop in Duane Reade to pick up my prescription and other odds and ends, and spent the rest of the afternoon in the cool apartment.
Tomorrow is a big day. Charlotte turns 2, and I remember my father as he would have celebrated his 67th birthday.
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Bronx Zoo
I admit, yesterday was tiring for me. When we got back to the apartment around dinner time, I ate dinner, and almost immediately felt like I needed to lay down. Charlotte was still sleeping, so I took my chance. I was surprised at how tired I was given I had stayed in 2 days in a row due to the heat. I wasn't sure if I was going to manage anything today. We had plans to meet an old high school friend, but I hadn't heard from her, so I thought maybe we would go to the Bronx Zoo. There is method to my madness. I knew the general direction to the zoo because it is near the Botanical Garden. I knew a route I could manage with the stroller, and I knew we would enjoy it.
This morning I felt tired, but determined to see this week through. I set my plan in motion, but this time we took the express train (1 stop) to Times Square, and then walked a few blocks to Grand Central. I got my ticket (girls are free), and we had an hour to kill, so with at least 1 hungry stomach (Bea), we went downstairs to the dining concourse. We stumbled across a Magnolia Bakery, and I realized it was the one (different location) that I've read great reviews about. Steven informed earlier on that it was featured in Sex in the City, and apparently has been popular with tourists. At any rate, I figured we could give these cupcakes a try. At Bea's request, I got the chocolate cupcakes with pale green buttercream icing. I got an iced tea and chocolate milk for the girls. I wasn't expecting anything more than a Horizon's chocolate milk, but they actually make it fresh. It looked yummy.
Photo of Magnolia Bakery cupcakes to come.
The time passed quickly, and we boarded our train, ready for our adventure to the Bronx Zoo.
Upon arrival to the Botanical Garden stop, we had to walk about a mile to a zoo entrance. Had I listened to Bea, we would have walked a little less, but hey, we made it to an entrance and had our total experience tickets, which allowed us entry to all exhibits without extra cost, in our hand.
Photo in front of Bronx Zoo to come.
Of course, at this point, it's lunch time, so we stop nearby and grab a bite to eat. Afterwards, we start to explore getting a quick look at the Sea Lions.
Photo at Zoo Center to come.
Photo of sea lions to come.
I get my bearings and decide on a plan for our time at the zoo. Essentially, I decide to follow the zoo loop, which gives easy access to most of the animals. I knew we wouldn't see everything since we only had about 3 hours, but I wanted to maximize what we did see in that time.
We made a stop at the Bug Carousel, and yes, I know, another carousel! But, this carousel was different, at least, for the rides were bugs and not horses or zoo animal. I think this is a first for us.
Photos from bug carousel to come.
Our next stop was the Mouse House, quite an interesting little building with various rodents. I can call them rodents, right?
Photos from Mouse House to come.
The Butterfly Garden was nearby, so we went right in. The girls enjoyed spotting the various butterflies.
Photos from Butterfly Garden to come.
From the Butterfly Garden, we stumbled upon the giraffes and ostriches. Bea was on the hunt for Lego structures of certain animals. When you found one, you got to stamp a special map with the impression of that animal. The giraffe was the first one on her list to find.
Photo of giraffe Lego structure to come.
The lego structures are cool and all, but I'm at a zoo, and I want to focus on the real thing, so we watch the giraffes for a little bit.
Photo of giraffes to come.
We were in the area, so we hit the Congo Gorilla Forest next, which is where Bea picked up her next stamp.
Photo of gorilla Lego structure to come.
I guess this zoo gets kinda busy some days, so they have a policy of leaving strollers in a stroller parking area for most exhibits, which makes it harder for me with my back and runaway toddler. This was one of those exhibits, o we didn't really spend too much time here.
Photos from gorilla exhibit to come.
Leaving the Congo Gorilla Forest, we came across the flamingos, and another Lego structure. This is when the rain started.
Photo of flamingos to come.
Next up on our map was the bears, but first we ran into another Lego structure, the toads, just outside the Reptile House.
Photo of toad Lego structure to come.
Due to our time constraint, we didn't go into the Reptile House, and instead made our way to the bears, and another Lego sculpture.
Photo of bear Lego structure to come.
We saw 2 brown bears and a polar bear. One brown bear stayed up high on rock pacing back and forth, while the other decided to take a dip in the water.
Photo of brown bear to come.
The polar bear paced back and forth at the furthest distance it could from us. We really didn't get a good look at him, and Bea seemed more interested in catching raindrops with her tongue.
Photo of polar bear to come (Bea catching raindrops).
From here, it seemed reasonable that we would go to Tiger Mountain to see the tigers. Again, having to leave the stroller behind, it makes it harder to enjoy the exhibit. We stayed for a little bit, and got a glimpse of the tigers, but not the tiger Lego structure.
Photo of tigers to come.
At this point, it is raining heavier, and we had planned to hit the children's zoo on our way out. We only had about 20 minutes to spare, and I wasn't sure the children's zoo would be a good idea in the rain. I made the decision to go ahead and catch the train a half our earlier, but I knew we would have to boogie in the rain to get there on time. Luckily, it paid off and we caught the 4:58 train. Beatrix had been complaining since we left the zoo how cold she was. It was 70 degrees and raining, but compared to the alternative, I told her we need to be thankful it isn't burning up outside. Charlotte, meanwhile, had a good sleep on the train.
Photo of Bea shivering on train to come.
We made it back to Grand Central at 5:22 where Steven met us to help us back to the apartment.
This morning I felt tired, but determined to see this week through. I set my plan in motion, but this time we took the express train (1 stop) to Times Square, and then walked a few blocks to Grand Central. I got my ticket (girls are free), and we had an hour to kill, so with at least 1 hungry stomach (Bea), we went downstairs to the dining concourse. We stumbled across a Magnolia Bakery, and I realized it was the one (different location) that I've read great reviews about. Steven informed earlier on that it was featured in Sex in the City, and apparently has been popular with tourists. At any rate, I figured we could give these cupcakes a try. At Bea's request, I got the chocolate cupcakes with pale green buttercream icing. I got an iced tea and chocolate milk for the girls. I wasn't expecting anything more than a Horizon's chocolate milk, but they actually make it fresh. It looked yummy.
Photo of Magnolia Bakery cupcakes to come.
The time passed quickly, and we boarded our train, ready for our adventure to the Bronx Zoo.
Upon arrival to the Botanical Garden stop, we had to walk about a mile to a zoo entrance. Had I listened to Bea, we would have walked a little less, but hey, we made it to an entrance and had our total experience tickets, which allowed us entry to all exhibits without extra cost, in our hand.
Photo in front of Bronx Zoo to come.
Of course, at this point, it's lunch time, so we stop nearby and grab a bite to eat. Afterwards, we start to explore getting a quick look at the Sea Lions.
Photo at Zoo Center to come.
Photo of sea lions to come.
I get my bearings and decide on a plan for our time at the zoo. Essentially, I decide to follow the zoo loop, which gives easy access to most of the animals. I knew we wouldn't see everything since we only had about 3 hours, but I wanted to maximize what we did see in that time.
We made a stop at the Bug Carousel, and yes, I know, another carousel! But, this carousel was different, at least, for the rides were bugs and not horses or zoo animal. I think this is a first for us.
Photos from bug carousel to come.
Our next stop was the Mouse House, quite an interesting little building with various rodents. I can call them rodents, right?
Photos from Mouse House to come.
The Butterfly Garden was nearby, so we went right in. The girls enjoyed spotting the various butterflies.
Photos from Butterfly Garden to come.
From the Butterfly Garden, we stumbled upon the giraffes and ostriches. Bea was on the hunt for Lego structures of certain animals. When you found one, you got to stamp a special map with the impression of that animal. The giraffe was the first one on her list to find.
Photo of giraffe Lego structure to come.
The lego structures are cool and all, but I'm at a zoo, and I want to focus on the real thing, so we watch the giraffes for a little bit.
Photo of giraffes to come.
We were in the area, so we hit the Congo Gorilla Forest next, which is where Bea picked up her next stamp.
Photo of gorilla Lego structure to come.
I guess this zoo gets kinda busy some days, so they have a policy of leaving strollers in a stroller parking area for most exhibits, which makes it harder for me with my back and runaway toddler. This was one of those exhibits, o we didn't really spend too much time here.
Photos from gorilla exhibit to come.
Leaving the Congo Gorilla Forest, we came across the flamingos, and another Lego structure. This is when the rain started.
Photo of flamingos to come.
Next up on our map was the bears, but first we ran into another Lego structure, the toads, just outside the Reptile House.
Photo of toad Lego structure to come.
Due to our time constraint, we didn't go into the Reptile House, and instead made our way to the bears, and another Lego sculpture.
Photo of bear Lego structure to come.
We saw 2 brown bears and a polar bear. One brown bear stayed up high on rock pacing back and forth, while the other decided to take a dip in the water.
Photo of brown bear to come.
The polar bear paced back and forth at the furthest distance it could from us. We really didn't get a good look at him, and Bea seemed more interested in catching raindrops with her tongue.
Photo of polar bear to come (Bea catching raindrops).
From here, it seemed reasonable that we would go to Tiger Mountain to see the tigers. Again, having to leave the stroller behind, it makes it harder to enjoy the exhibit. We stayed for a little bit, and got a glimpse of the tigers, but not the tiger Lego structure.
Photo of tigers to come.
At this point, it is raining heavier, and we had planned to hit the children's zoo on our way out. We only had about 20 minutes to spare, and I wasn't sure the children's zoo would be a good idea in the rain. I made the decision to go ahead and catch the train a half our earlier, but I knew we would have to boogie in the rain to get there on time. Luckily, it paid off and we caught the 4:58 train. Beatrix had been complaining since we left the zoo how cold she was. It was 70 degrees and raining, but compared to the alternative, I told her we need to be thankful it isn't burning up outside. Charlotte, meanwhile, had a good sleep on the train.
Photo of Bea shivering on train to come.
We made it back to Grand Central at 5:22 where Steven met us to help us back to the apartment.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New York Hall of Science
Today we took the subway all the way to Queens to visit the New York Hall of Science. The temperature was down a little, and with a slight overcast, the one hour journey wasn't too bad, but not something we could stomach doing often.
We started off in the Circus Under the Big Top exhibit. Beatrix had the option to walk the tight rope and/or get harnessed and do a bungee type thing. They require you to step on a scale and it weighs you based on a color. You had to have a certain color to be able to do it. Initially, her response to having to step on the scale was, "No way, no how!". She was adamant about this, and opted not to do either. So, we walked through the exhibit to look at other things.
The girls enjoyed the bubble wand station. Steven was able to create some pretty long bubbles.
Photos from bubble wand station to come.
With our late start, it was time for lunch, so we ate a quick lunch in the cafeteria, and returned to the circus exhibit. First thing we came across was a cyclone exhibit that we watched for a bit.
Photo of cyclone to come.
Then, Steven found a soap screen that you would pull a string on, and it would raise a soapy screen. Beatrix enjoyed raising it up and down while Charlotte stuck her hand through it to pop it. After a while, Steven noticed Charlotte's hand was so soapy she could stick it through the soap screen without popping it.
Photos of soap screen to come.
We came upon the bungee station again, and this time, Bea said she was ready to give the bungee a go, so she weighed in with the color blue, which was within their limits, and waited 30 minutes for her turn. Meanwhile, Charlotte was getting antsy, so I followed her around the various stations in the exhibit.
Photos of Charlotte in exhibit to come.
I kept an eye on the bungee thing, and when I realized it was Bea's turn, I walked back over to take some photos. Steven took video as well.
Photos of Bea doing the bungee to come.
This bungee didn't have a trampoline to spring off of. You really had to use your whole body to move up and down or turn somersaults. Bea really just hung there the whole time, trying very ard to move her body. She did manage to go up and down at one point. Despite her lack of movement, she still enjoyed herself, and said she liked being up high.
After Bea's bungee experience, we went upstairs to check out the Maker Days exhibit where they had several stations set up for children to make things. We stopped at the Zoob station where the girls tried their hand at creating something with the Zoob connectors.
Photos from Maker Day to come.
When the girls had enough of that, we went back downstairs to check out Preschool Place, a room dedicated to preschoolers.
Photos of girls in Preschool Place to come.
We had planned on playing miniature golf before we left, but a storm was brewing, and with no refunds, we decided to stop in the museum store before heading out. Of course, that's when it started pouring, so we browsed in the shop until in stopped, and then made our way back to the train for the subway ride home.
We started off in the Circus Under the Big Top exhibit. Beatrix had the option to walk the tight rope and/or get harnessed and do a bungee type thing. They require you to step on a scale and it weighs you based on a color. You had to have a certain color to be able to do it. Initially, her response to having to step on the scale was, "No way, no how!". She was adamant about this, and opted not to do either. So, we walked through the exhibit to look at other things.
The girls enjoyed the bubble wand station. Steven was able to create some pretty long bubbles.
Photos from bubble wand station to come.
With our late start, it was time for lunch, so we ate a quick lunch in the cafeteria, and returned to the circus exhibit. First thing we came across was a cyclone exhibit that we watched for a bit.
Photo of cyclone to come.
Then, Steven found a soap screen that you would pull a string on, and it would raise a soapy screen. Beatrix enjoyed raising it up and down while Charlotte stuck her hand through it to pop it. After a while, Steven noticed Charlotte's hand was so soapy she could stick it through the soap screen without popping it.
Photos of soap screen to come.
We came upon the bungee station again, and this time, Bea said she was ready to give the bungee a go, so she weighed in with the color blue, which was within their limits, and waited 30 minutes for her turn. Meanwhile, Charlotte was getting antsy, so I followed her around the various stations in the exhibit.
Photos of Charlotte in exhibit to come.
I kept an eye on the bungee thing, and when I realized it was Bea's turn, I walked back over to take some photos. Steven took video as well.
Photos of Bea doing the bungee to come.
This bungee didn't have a trampoline to spring off of. You really had to use your whole body to move up and down or turn somersaults. Bea really just hung there the whole time, trying very ard to move her body. She did manage to go up and down at one point. Despite her lack of movement, she still enjoyed herself, and said she liked being up high.
After Bea's bungee experience, we went upstairs to check out the Maker Days exhibit where they had several stations set up for children to make things. We stopped at the Zoob station where the girls tried their hand at creating something with the Zoob connectors.
Photos from Maker Day to come.
When the girls had enough of that, we went back downstairs to check out Preschool Place, a room dedicated to preschoolers.
Photos of girls in Preschool Place to come.
We had planned on playing miniature golf before we left, but a storm was brewing, and with no refunds, we decided to stop in the museum store before heading out. Of course, that's when it started pouring, so we browsed in the shop until in stopped, and then made our way back to the train for the subway ride home.
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