AMB Field Trip: Queens Botanical Gardens

The last field trip the Eagles took was to the Queens County Farm at the end of February and Carolina missed it because of a sick day. I was really bummed for her, but I knew there would be a few more chances to get out this semester. So I was happy to volunteer to chaperone their trip to the Queens Botanical Gardens at the end of March. The day was sunny and bright even if the winds were chilly. The kids were pretty amped to be outside and they really tried to listen to the tour guide as she took us around the gardens. Of course, Carolina started in about being hungry and wanting snacks as soon as we got off the bus. I brought a few contra band items for her to enjoy, but we waited until lunch to do the real swap out for sandwiches. Apart from the greenhouse tour which was a warm spot on a cool day, I really loved watching the kids run around the open space on the hill after lunch. It's one thing to learn all about seeds and plants and how the cycle of life works. But it's another to see these little minds happy to run free after a morning of exercising patience and control. The classroom lesson on eating an orange and taking its seeds to plant in a small container was good, if somewhat boring. Getting to eat lunch outside and then take off to play was the real highlight of this break from school. They rolled down the hill again and again, helped each other collect sticks to make a "fire" pit, and generally acted like the exuberant kids they are. This marks the homestretch in terms of finishing up preschool and every day I am reminded that they are just about to begin their real learning journey. I'm glad Carolina has found so many great friends amongst this group. And I really look forward to seeing them grow even more as they start Kindergarten in the fall. 

Queens County Farm Fair

Before the month closes, I have to post about our three-family trek to the Queens County Fair earlier in September. It is an event I always put on my calendar hoping that the weekend doesn't coincide with our beach trip. And fortunately, this year it didn't. But it did conflict with a few other plans so we ended up holding off until Sunday and going post-birthday party. Because it was later in the afternoon, and the sun had decided to show itself after a gray morning, I wasn't surprised to see crowds. But still, it was probably the most crowded I've ever seen it and that's saying something.  In a way, it was hard not to compare it to last year when muggy, gray skies kept the masses at bay and we were able to run around in relative peace with Leonardo and Carmen. Maybe because we also upped the numbers with Jose and Irene in tow, but it felt like a lot more to juggle this time around. And with me on my own with the girls, it also meant I left one kid with someone while I raced over to another ride. Thankfully, they are older and better about sticking with me (cue memories of Elisa running away at the fair at age three) and it helped a lot that I was there with families we know well and trust. Because these big events can be overwhelming even for the parents, let alone the kids who want to do and taste it all at the very same moment. So we started with a quick bite of food for Carmen and crew, and ice cream for our kiddos. Then it was off to the amusements and each kid got three rides to choose. The "vroom vroom" cars as they are now known were a must. And Elisa and Leonardo ventured onto the Ferris Wheel after being turned down for another ride. Meanwhile, Carolina and German made do with the firetruck merrygoround and everyone enjoyed the motorcycle racing. Yes, it was a good, if crowded day at the fair...

We caught just the end of the pig racing this time around, and I absolutely had to stand in line for a funnel cake (or two) to sate my growing hunger. The girls were happy to watch an aerial artist bounce around the trampoline for a bit as the sun was setting. And then it was time to hit the pony rides and petting zoo before closing. That part felt a little rushed and anticlimactic, but that might have been that way even if we'd started the day over there. Things were kind of all backwards in my head which meant I kept trying to find a rhythm there all day that I couldn't place. I also never got a beer at the music pavilion which was probably my only regret. There just wasn't time. Hopefully next year we can come back, start a little earlier and check off all those must haves. Who knows, we've also never made it onto the hay ride or through the corn maze. So yeah, I think we have a few more fairs to see and happily so. It's something the girls really look forward to now as well, so I'm glad they have that. It reminds me a bit of the Santa-Cali-Gon Days I grew up attending on the town square in Independence, MO. Something about being a kid at the fair brings back lots of good memories. And from what I can tell, I think Elisa and Carolina are making their own. At least there weren't any tantrums and I didn't have to carry anyone kicking to the car. Oh yeah, we're making progress. See you again next year, farm!

Girl Scouts Field Trip: NY Hall of Science Sleepover

Last December Elisa had her first sleepover with the Girl Scouts. It was a St. Sebastian's Parish Center in Woodside and it marked the first time she'd ever spent the night somewhere without us or a relative.  I knew I wouldn't be able to go with her since I had a photo shoot that day followed by another the next morning. And even though I had faith she would do well, I was still a little nervous dropping her off that evening. A few photos from other mom friends who stayed the night helped give me the assurance I craved that all was well. And by the next morning, Elisa returned tired but triumphant. She had a great time and loved telling us all about it. Fast forward to spring and I was happy to register for the spring sleepover at the New York Hall of Science. Not only would this be the first (and possibly last) time I'd sleep in a museum, but it would be a chance to do something special with Elisa and see if she was eager to continue scouting next year. The jury is still out on that, but I can definitely say she had a good time. Who wouldn't love running around a museum late at night with just a few dozen fellow scouts? Here's the slide show to remember it all by...

After our initial check-in at 6pm, there was a bit of playground fun out back behind the museum. After such a lovely warm spring day, I'd say some of the girls already looked tired, but the playground sure perked them up. Then we went in to start the orientation and get our checklists for the museum adventure.  We started with the pitching cage upstairs and I was immediately impressed with Elisa's arm. That girl can throw a ball! She was the first (and one of the few) to break the 23mph barrier since most were getting about 15-16mp, and she didn't even seem to be trying that hard. Made me think we should investigate T-ball again. Hmmm....we'll see though she has recently expressed an interest in swim team. So many activities, so little time.  And then we were off to the lower areas of the exhibits to start on the pillow case decorating where even the moms got to express their creative sides. We made signing our cases something of a yearbook event with lots of "Stay cool" and "BFFs Forever!" comments. After that, we moved over to build our dowel rod structures which had to shelter all 6 team members and remain standing for 10 seconds. Not that easy, but with help from all the girls, and especially Sabrina who got right in there and made those triangles and joints, it was done in just a few minutes. Quite the accomplishment! 

Then there was the treehouse structure we got to explore while waiting to make our air/land/sea vehicles. Elisa was so distracted running around the balconies and enjoying the views up top that I ended up totally forging her vehicle for her. Oh well. At least I had fun making it. And of course we went with an airplane motif since that would be something cool we could show Papa from our time in the museum. Elisa added the foil overlay and the seat for Waddles the Penguin to sit in and we were done. One more stop at the cardboard construction city with little battery-powered lights and we were almost through with our checklist. Elisa again kind of let the chaos overwhelm her, so we made a very quick A-frame Pet Hospital since the goal was to build a structure that "would make the city better." I think we nailed it. And just in time to run upstairs to set up camp for the night before our bedtime treat of milk and cookies while watching "Big Hero 6." Yes, it was a jam-packed evening for the girls (and moms) but I think things were well paced. By 12:30 a.m. after teeth were brushed and lights went out (a bit prematurely as we returned from the bathrooms downstairs without flashlights!), Elisa and friends were racing up and down the Hall of Mirrors like sleepover pros. But that burst of energy was not to last. By 1 a.m. the place was almost completely quiet save for a few shrieks and coughs. And I managed to doze somewhat peacefully until our 6:57 a.m. wake up call. They couldn't even wait til 7 a.m. as promised?? Oy. That was rough. But we forced the girls up and at it, packing and folding and getting everything back in the bins for our roll out. Breakfast was served up and we had another hour to run around the museum before calling it a day. Overall, I was happy to be part of this event and thought they really enjoyed the evening. Sleepover success!