Outings – The Mothners

Around Westchester

You might have noticed that Brittney still likes to go on adventures in Manhattan frequently. But we’re also trying to explore Westchester more. On one of the last days of winter break, we checked out the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. We saw the Sesame Street planetarium show and some cool exhibits.

Admiring photos of dancers at the Hudson River Museum.

Listening to the sounds of the Hudson River.

We also saw an elaborate doll house in a Victorian mansion — An elaborate doll house in a Victorian mansion.

We also made stamp art by painting fish (rubber, not real).

Another day we went to the Lego discovery center, also in nearby Yonkers. We made earthquake proof buildings.

Played wrecking ball.

And (sort-of) did karaoke. They didn’t know any of the song selections; we’re still mostly listening to (cool) kid CDs, classical and show tunes.

This photo is a good example of the kids’ differing artistic sensibilities. With the same program, Julie used every color available, Max stuck to a minimalist palette.

We are exploring further afield with our first family trip to Disney World tomorrow…photos coming soon.

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Tap Dancing & Folk Art

One August Saturday, Julie and I revisited our old neighborhood. First we went to the Lincoln Center Atrium (where we used to hang out so much we became friends with the manager) to make tap shoes that Julie enjoyed testing out during a tap/swing show.

Then we met up with Max’s school friend Zayanna – who Julie thinks is her friend – and her little brother for a workshop at the American Folk Art Museum. As always, Julie held her own with the older kids, making a yarn-covered bumble bee she flew around the museum.

They were so cute their photo made the museum website.

Then we went to a Lincoln Center Out of Doors performance of Latino music & poetry but Julie was mostly interested in sticking popsicle sticks in her bumble bee, drawing in the dirt and being BFF with a 5-year-old.

While we miss living blocks away from cultural meccas, we still visit often. But for weekends like these when our cultural plans get foiled by spring snow and sniffles, it’s nice to have a big house with a toy room and pirate ship to relax in.

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Peppa at the Zoo

We made many trips to the nearby Bronx Zoo this summer to visit the gorillas, baboons and other animals.

And one Sunday the kids were very excited to meet book & TV star Peppa Pig. Julie wanted to offer her some prosciutto she was snacking on.

After Peppa went for a nap, they spent a long time looking at the house and debating where Peppa’s brother George was.

Then we came across a concert/dance party. Kids were very into drumming and dance moves.

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Dreaming of Summer

As we suffer through snow storms and record cold, it’s fun to remember outdoor fun in July. We miss the playground! Especially this platform that moves.

loj

Max did a week of camp at Pelham Arts Center – which meant more chances to run through the beloved pink art installation.

One sunny day we met up with old neighbors at the Madeleine exhibits & storytime at the New-York Historical Society. We made our own cardboard tea sets and tried on Madeline accessories.

Then we hung out on benches and sang on stoops around the UWS.

At honey day on the High Line, we completed a flower scavenger hunt, met a hipster beekeeper with crazy hair and of course sampled some sweet nectar.

They wanted to thank the bees for the honey we bought.

Admiring a wet foot in the fountain.

We are very much looking forward to at least a little February sunshine when we head to Florida this Wednesday to see Mark’s parents.

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July Part 1

Some of our fun adventures in July. Swimming and riding ponies at his awesome camp at his new school.

Walking to a playdate with neighbors. Julie’s BFFs Uga and Lovey came along.

Storytime & crafts at the New Rochelle library, some interesting favorite books, and scones at a cute bakery nearby.

Ice cream at a local shop and at the end of a habachi dinner. Max loved when the chef threw food at him. Julie did not like when the grill lit on fire.