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.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
American Girl Place
After weeks of anticipation, this is the day Beatrix has been waiting for. We had decided that Steven would take Bea while I stayed at the apartment with Charlotte. It's still too hot to really do anything outside, so it was another day in for me and Charlotte.
Charlotte's birthday is coming up, so Bea planned on picking out a Bitty Baby for Charlotte. I have no idea what Bea will pick out for herself. I told her she has a budget, and could either pick out a new doll, or get accessories totaling the price of a new doll for her dolls at home. They first picked out a cute, dark headed Bitty Baby for Charlotte. Steven said they then looked at the My American Girl dolls, and then went to the floor where the period dolls are, but Beatrix was insistent that she wanted a My American Girl doll. I've been wanting her to get a doll that resembles herself. She has been resistant to getting a blond doll for some reason.
Photos of Bea at American Girl Place to come.
I had planned on making reservations for the cafe, but I never got around to it. I thought Bea might want to do some of the other things there that don't require a reservation, but Steven said she was eager to get back to the apartment so she could play with her doll. I couldn't wait to see what Bea picked out for herself. She gets home, and we first give Charlotte her doll.
Video of Charlotte getting doll to come.
I then get a glimpse of Bea's My American Girl doll, and it looks nothing like her. She is gorgeous though, with dark hair, skin, and eyes. I asked her why she didn't get one that looks like herself, and she said there were no dolls that looked like her, and she just likes the dark hair. Daddy was very generous, as he let Bea pick out two accessory boxes for her doll. One was a black and white sundress with purple accents, and the other was a roller blading set. I must say, the roller blading set was pretty neat. Bea enjoyed changing her doll's outfits and helping her skate all afternoon.
Photos of Bea with her My American Girl to come.
Charlotte immediately took to her doll, trying to put a Hello Kitty diaper on her, cleaning underneath her nails, etc.
Photos of Charlotte with her Bitty Baby to come.
Steven caught this final photo of the evening of Bea sleeping with her doll.
Photo of Bea sleeping with her doll to come.
Charlotte's birthday is coming up, so Bea planned on picking out a Bitty Baby for Charlotte. I have no idea what Bea will pick out for herself. I told her she has a budget, and could either pick out a new doll, or get accessories totaling the price of a new doll for her dolls at home. They first picked out a cute, dark headed Bitty Baby for Charlotte. Steven said they then looked at the My American Girl dolls, and then went to the floor where the period dolls are, but Beatrix was insistent that she wanted a My American Girl doll. I've been wanting her to get a doll that resembles herself. She has been resistant to getting a blond doll for some reason.
Photos of Bea at American Girl Place to come.
I had planned on making reservations for the cafe, but I never got around to it. I thought Bea might want to do some of the other things there that don't require a reservation, but Steven said she was eager to get back to the apartment so she could play with her doll. I couldn't wait to see what Bea picked out for herself. She gets home, and we first give Charlotte her doll.
Video of Charlotte getting doll to come.
I then get a glimpse of Bea's My American Girl doll, and it looks nothing like her. She is gorgeous though, with dark hair, skin, and eyes. I asked her why she didn't get one that looks like herself, and she said there were no dolls that looked like her, and she just likes the dark hair. Daddy was very generous, as he let Bea pick out two accessory boxes for her doll. One was a black and white sundress with purple accents, and the other was a roller blading set. I must say, the roller blading set was pretty neat. Bea enjoyed changing her doll's outfits and helping her skate all afternoon.
Photos of Bea with her My American Girl to come.
Charlotte immediately took to her doll, trying to put a Hello Kitty diaper on her, cleaning underneath her nails, etc.
Photos of Charlotte with her Bitty Baby to come.
Steven caught this final photo of the evening of Bea sleeping with her doll.
Photo of Bea sleeping with her doll to come.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Record Breaking Temps
Record breaking temperatures can only mean one thing when those numbers are three digits. A "do nothing, movie day" as Beatrix dubbed it. I stepped outside early in the morning, maybe 7 to get breakfast at Starbuck's, and it was already oppressive. Beatrix seemed to welcome a day of nothing, after all, I suppose we have been going almost non-stop since we got here.
I had thought about taking the girls to see a movie about 11 blocks away, but decided that the walk in the heat would not be worth $25 and one hour of entertainment. Instead I bought two movies on iTunes: A Night at the Museum (thought it would be neat after all the time we have spent in The Museum of Natural History) and Beatrix's choice, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Ironically, it cost the same as entrance to a one hour movie, but gave us hours of entertainment.
I had thought about taking the girls to see a movie about 11 blocks away, but decided that the walk in the heat would not be worth $25 and one hour of entertainment. Instead I bought two movies on iTunes: A Night at the Museum (thought it would be neat after all the time we have spent in The Museum of Natural History) and Beatrix's choice, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Ironically, it cost the same as entrance to a one hour movie, but gave us hours of entertainment.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Museum of Natural History Take 3: Discovery Room & Dinosaurs
Hot! Hot! Hot!
With another hot day ahead, we had our minds set on something indoors. Why not go back to the Museum of Natural History? We had a membership after all, so costs were a minimum.
Discovery Room
we hadn't been to the Discovery Room yet, so we decided to give it a go. As usual, Charlotte was a bit of a handful, but Beatrix did well, and both girls seemed to enjoy exploring.
Photo of girls in Discovery Room To come.
We had lunch in the cafeteria in the lower level before going to see the dinosaurs again on the fourth floor.
Dinosaurs
We really took our time looking at the Dinosaurs. We had a good time spotting the babies and eggs.
Photos of girls in Dinosaur Wing to come.
Dinostore
We paid a visit to the Dinostore, where my wallet paid for two dinosaur head grabbers and two pink digging hats with lights.
Photos of girls with their Dinostore merchandise to come.
The World's Largest Dinosaur Exhibit
We've gone to the frog exhibit at each of our two prior visits to the museum. While checking in at the membership desk, Beatrix insisted she wanted to see the frog exhibit again, and perhaps I should have listened. While this exhibit has gotten great reviews, and I'm sure perfect for an older child and adults, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I guess I should have read up about it prior to getting tickets for it. First off, we had timed tickets for 1:30, and we were at the exhibit door 20 minutes prior to our time slot. I decided we may as well walk around and look at the dinosaurs, maybe see something we hadn't seen yet. That's when I got these photos of the girls.
Photo of girls waiting for exhibit to come.
1:30 came fast so we went back to the exhibit. The line was super long, wrapping around the gift shop and doubling back to the entrance. People were rushing, and very territorial. If you even looked at the line, you got told to go to the end of the line. We took our time. We weren't in a hurry, and when we finally stepped foot in the exhibit, I was very underwhelmed. I suppose I expected to see more big dinosaur bones, but we only saw one large bone of a dinosaur leg. This exhibit, I find out later, wasn't about the excavation of large dinosaurs, or the bones of large dinosaurs, but rather how they lived, what they needed to survive, and how their bodies worked. It was very crowded, and loud, and hard to disseminate that information back to my 4 year old. Perhaps the best part for my girls was the time limited (5 minutes) dig pit, though most people weren't adhering to the limit, despite the long line of waiting children. I had to drag my 2 year old away screaming. Funny enough, this part of the exhibit was the only thing the reviewer I read knocked, as it was more about excavation, and had nothing to do with the rest of the exhibit. My girls enjoyed it though. I just don't think it was worth $16 for me and $12 for Bea.
Photo of girls with dig pit to come.
It was time for us to head back to the apartment at this point, and though we are only 8 blocks away, I was feeling the effects of the humidity. I made a stop into a Duane Reade to get the girls batteries for the lights on their digger hats, which requires a screwdriver, so the lights still aren't working.
With another hot day ahead, we had our minds set on something indoors. Why not go back to the Museum of Natural History? We had a membership after all, so costs were a minimum.
Discovery Room
we hadn't been to the Discovery Room yet, so we decided to give it a go. As usual, Charlotte was a bit of a handful, but Beatrix did well, and both girls seemed to enjoy exploring.
Photo of girls in Discovery Room To come.
We had lunch in the cafeteria in the lower level before going to see the dinosaurs again on the fourth floor.
Dinosaurs
We really took our time looking at the Dinosaurs. We had a good time spotting the babies and eggs.
Photos of girls in Dinosaur Wing to come.
Dinostore
We paid a visit to the Dinostore, where my wallet paid for two dinosaur head grabbers and two pink digging hats with lights.
Photos of girls with their Dinostore merchandise to come.
The World's Largest Dinosaur Exhibit
We've gone to the frog exhibit at each of our two prior visits to the museum. While checking in at the membership desk, Beatrix insisted she wanted to see the frog exhibit again, and perhaps I should have listened. While this exhibit has gotten great reviews, and I'm sure perfect for an older child and adults, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I guess I should have read up about it prior to getting tickets for it. First off, we had timed tickets for 1:30, and we were at the exhibit door 20 minutes prior to our time slot. I decided we may as well walk around and look at the dinosaurs, maybe see something we hadn't seen yet. That's when I got these photos of the girls.
Photo of girls waiting for exhibit to come.
1:30 came fast so we went back to the exhibit. The line was super long, wrapping around the gift shop and doubling back to the entrance. People were rushing, and very territorial. If you even looked at the line, you got told to go to the end of the line. We took our time. We weren't in a hurry, and when we finally stepped foot in the exhibit, I was very underwhelmed. I suppose I expected to see more big dinosaur bones, but we only saw one large bone of a dinosaur leg. This exhibit, I find out later, wasn't about the excavation of large dinosaurs, or the bones of large dinosaurs, but rather how they lived, what they needed to survive, and how their bodies worked. It was very crowded, and loud, and hard to disseminate that information back to my 4 year old. Perhaps the best part for my girls was the time limited (5 minutes) dig pit, though most people weren't adhering to the limit, despite the long line of waiting children. I had to drag my 2 year old away screaming. Funny enough, this part of the exhibit was the only thing the reviewer I read knocked, as it was more about excavation, and had nothing to do with the rest of the exhibit. My girls enjoyed it though. I just don't think it was worth $16 for me and $12 for Bea.
Photo of girls with dig pit to come.
It was time for us to head back to the apartment at this point, and though we are only 8 blocks away, I was feeling the effects of the humidity. I made a stop into a Duane Reade to get the girls batteries for the lights on their digger hats, which requires a screwdriver, so the lights still aren't working.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
It's been at least 10 years since I've been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and with another hot day on the horizon, I thought this would be a great place to spend the day.
Photo of girls in front of Metropolitan Museum of Art to come.
I read up on popular exhibits with kids before we went, and had my notes of places to visit in the museum. We still barely scratched the surface of this place, and I'm hoping we can come back next week.
Medieval Art
We started in Medieval Art and made our way to the Arms and Armor section. We enjoyed looking at the different styles and sizes of armor. We even found a piece made for a five year old prince. It was tiny, and I'm not sure it would fit Beatrix, who is 4.5.
Photo of girls in Arms and Armor to come.
An hour had already passed, and it was time for lunch, so we headed down to the ground floor to have lunch in the cafeteria.
Egyptian Wing & the Temple of Dendur
After lunch, we made our way to the Egyptian Wing. I was excited for Beatrix to see the fantastic temples that lie within. She was mesmerized by the rippling water, and really seemed to take it all in.
Photo of girls in Egyptian Wing to come.
The Met Store
I promised Beatrix we would get something to make a new art project. She found a paint set in The Met Store, and I found a children's guide book to the Met. Charlotte fell fast asleep.
We went back downstairs for a quick snack before heading to the Nolen Library for 3 o'clock storytime.
Photo of Beatrix looking through guide book to come.
Storytime in Nolen Library
With about 30 minutes to spare, Beatrix got busy exploring a program on the computer in the library. It was a program geared towards children showing them what pieces could be found throughout the museum. She then moved to one of the computers where she could listen to stories of her choice.
Photo of Beatrix at computer in Nolen Library to come.
Before long, it was time for storytime. A colorful, older man, read the stories to the kids. I can't remember the first book, but it was a hit with the kids.
Photos of storytime to come.
It's been at least 10 years since I've been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and with another hot day on the horizon, I thought this would be a great place to spend the day.
Photo of girls in front of Metropolitan Museum of Art to come.
I read up on popular exhibits with kids before we went, and had my notes of places to visit in the museum. We still barely scratched the surface of this place, and I'm hoping we can come back next week.
Medieval Art
We started in Medieval Art and made our way to the Arms and Armor section. We enjoyed looking at the different styles and sizes of armor. We even found a piece made for a five year old prince. It was tiny, and I'm not sure it would fit Beatrix, who is 4.5.
Photo of girls in Arms and Armor to come.
An hour had already passed, and it was time for lunch, so we headed down to the ground floor to have lunch in the cafeteria.
Egyptian Wing & the Temple of Dendur
After lunch, we made our way to the Egyptian Wing. I was excited for Beatrix to see the fantastic temples that lie within. She was mesmerized by the rippling water, and really seemed to take it all in.
Photo of girls in Egyptian Wing to come.
The Met Store
I promised Beatrix we would get something to make a new art project. She found a paint set in The Met Store, and I found a children's guide book to the Met. Charlotte fell fast asleep.
We went back downstairs for a quick snack before heading to the Nolen Library for 3 o'clock storytime.
Photo of Beatrix looking through guide book to come.
Storytime in Nolen Library
With about 30 minutes to spare, Beatrix got busy exploring a program on the computer in the library. It was a program geared towards children showing them what pieces could be found throughout the museum. She then moved to one of the computers where she could listen to stories of her choice.
Photo of Beatrix at computer in Nolen Library to come.
Before long, it was time for storytime. A colorful, older man, read the stories to the kids. I can't remember the first book, but it was a hit with the kids.
Photos of storytime to come.
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