The attempt at arts and crafts and science experiments has been thwarted by many other priorities- including our recent trip to New York City. Strega Nona and Poppi wanted to take Edward on a train to the big city. Brad and I couldn't help joining. It was a bright sunny sweltering July day, chock full of city fun.
Edward popped out of bed that day with a huge smile- for those of you who know him well - this is a rarity (he's got my morning grumpies gene). He danced around the platform waiting for the train to arrive in Port Jervis.
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| Silly excited- waiting for the train. |
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| Here comes the train- "chooo chooo". |
The train ride was over 2 hours- but it felt much shorter. Edward was mystified by the speed of the train and jumped from lap to lap during the journey. He did ask at every stop along the way if we were in the city yet.
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| "It is really fast outside my window." |
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| Enjoying this mode of travel. |
When we finally arrived in the city, Edward was miffed that he couldn't see the big buildings. It took some explaining that we were still in the station underground and a lot of speed walking to the surface to appease him. He held tight to daddy as we made our way to Times Square. He played it pretty cool- taking in the sight. He was focused on the promise of the big toy store with Spiderman. He kept saying - "I don't see Spiderman."
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| First view of Times Square |
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| Very serious about arriving at Toys R' Us. |
Where is it? Although Toys R' Us was not high on the list of Poppi's New York stomps, he was happy to lead the way. Edward was super excited and a bit overwhelmed. Daddy was a little more into the picture with T Rex than Edward. He admitted to being a little nervous.
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| A little nervous about the T-Rex. |
Edward was disappointed that he couldn't get closer to Spiderman - who hovered 20 feet above us. Luckily at the final stop to FAO - the "real spiderman" was there for photo opts (no personal picts of this- we had to pay of course- but Edward takes the photo down from the shelf where it sits several times a day to admire his favorite super hero and himself).
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| Loving Spider Man!!! |
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| Poppi the Hulk? |
We picked up some coffee (much needed) , bagels and muffins and made our way to central park. Edward scaled two huge rocks. He was proud of his rock climbing the first time and danced on the rock face. The second ascent he clambered up with poppi. We didn't think he would even attempt the entire 25' foot climb of sheer jagged rock. But he made it and hung up top- cool as a cucumber while daddy paced below. The picture below does not do it justice.
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| Central Park with Mommy and Daddy |
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| Climbing really really high with Poppi- while everyone else held their breathe. |
The Central Park zoo was a bit of a bummer. It is beautiful, as far as zoo's go. But the Polar Bear was no where to be found and they were in the process of their semi annual cleaning of the Penguin Tank. Fortunately, the tropical zone was in full effect. So we spent plenty of time dripping in the 110 degree humidity, slithering through narrow passage ways in search of exotic reptiles and ducking limbs and
all matters of winged creatures in the high ceilinged annex. When we made our way, gasping, outside into the near ninety degree sun, it felt as if someone turned on the air conditioning.
The children's zoo was a hit. Edward tried out all the climbing, crawling, bouncing and sliding opportunities.
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| Spider web at the children's zoo. |
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| Turtle egg at the children's zoo. |
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| Lily pad crossing at the children's zoo. |
We adults treated ourself to a trip to Whole Foods before our departure and our final adventure- the subway. Edward was disappointed that we didn't make it to the M&M store he had heard so much about. He talks about going back everyday since- he'd like to bring Anthony next time and show him around.
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| Still smiling at the end of the day- in the subway with Poppi. |
Thanks Strega Nona and Poppi for making Edward's first trip to NYC a spectacular one!
