Brooklyn Bound

A few weeks ago we made another trip on the East River Ferry to visit DUMBO and take in all the Brooklyn Bridge sights. It was much more low-key than our previous ferry outings since this was already afternoon (leaving around 4 p.m.) and we didn't really plan to spend hours and hours there. It felt like a shorter ride (I guess because one of the Williamsburg stops was closed) and in no time, we were off treading the pier and heading for ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.  The girls played and ate and we cooled our heels in the shade of the building before walking over to the carousel for a little spin. Carolina probably didn't remember being there before but she definitely stepped right up and loved getting her own horse. And the waterfront views from the glass box it sits in really can't be beat. 

After that, we made it over to the Main Street DUMBO playground that has the biggest pirate ship playground for kids. I was both fascinated by how many parts of the ship connect to structures on the playground and also by a family photo shoot that was taking place nearby. I have to say, I'm a much more entertaining photographer! ;)  That woman barely spoke and they had a family pet going down the slide again and again with the little boy. Neither one looked remotely happy doing it. Oh well. Hope the other pics turn out. After that, we met a fellow mom who seemed to summarize all that I disdain about the BK parenting scene. With her faux hippie braids, her birks and her mason jar of water, I was less than impressed. Really? Who brings glass into a park? Ah, well. Maybe I should just stick with Sunnyside. I can smell the pretension in parts of Brooklyn from a mile away. But it is lovely...just to visit for an afternoon...

And then by sunset, we were back in Long Island City at Hunters Point South. We enjoyed a beer at the new plaza and the girls snacked on a hotdog and fries. We let them run around the playground and exercise area too before calling it a night. It was a great day to be outside and one of those midweek family outings that I savor so much right now. We know that we're lucky to have this time together as a family, and yet I can never get enough of it. In a few more weeks, Nacho will be starting a new job and our time apart is definitely going to increase. But for now, for this summer, we are making the most of what we have. And this little river excursion on a summer evening was just what I needed. What a beautiful place to be.