First Taste of Fall

The weekend before last was our final one without Nacho home. His training wrapped up the first week of October so we had a few more days to fill our schedule without Papa around. The weather looked nice and sunny but the winds were deceptively cool.  It was the first real sign of fall and I decided to proceed with our plan to head over to Socrates Sculpture Park on that beautiful Sunday morning. Nothing a few coats and scarves can't handle. And for the most part, the girls enjoyed the outing. They were feeling a little feisty with one another--nothing new--but with plenty of space to run I thought we would do okay. And the new installations were fun to check out. The giant iron bridge was beckoning from the moment we walked in, and before I knew it, the girls were half way up. I stayed behind to try to get a good photo, only realizing later that the platform was curved and kind of awkward to walk on. No wonder Carolina was squealing to get down. Another sign warned that children should not climb it unaccompanied. Oops. And in all seriousness, the guardrail was so low that if I had tumbled, I could have easily fallen right over it myself. Oh well. Nothing like art mixed with a little danger. 

The rest of the spaces were more inviting and we managed to spend a good 45 minutes roaming around. Elisa turned one of the walkways into a fashion show, hips swaying and arm bent on her hip. I swear this kid has a bigger life planned than I can possibly imagine. And later at the mirrors the girls were a study in sisterhood. Poking, prodding, intimidating. It was all there in their reflections to watch. I think I have my own exhibit to make. And then we were off to Rainey Park nearby for a little playground fun. Which quickly devolved into two hungry and tired kids tearing into each other. I was barking at them more than I like, but really? Can't we just go out once without tears? And then we were back home to rest. Pretty sure I took a nap that day too. With this cool weather, it's so nice to just curl up and let the day pass. Saving myself for more outdoor activities in October. So much to do this month and we're ready to have Nacho home to join in.

Sculpture Time Again

Last week we had a few cooler days with gray skies and I figured we still had to get out of the house to do something. I'd been hoping to visit the new exhibits at Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria for awhile and knowing it wouldn't be an all day affair, we trekked over just before lunch one day. The main draw was the Queen Mother of Reality walk-in sculpture by Pawel Althamer. It seems like a trashy sleeping Buddha up close and fittingly on our visit was home to two teenage pot-smoking losers.  We managed to traipse through it nonetheless but I was slightly underwhelmed even though in photos it is amazing to see all the detail. The girls were also in a mood to get on with things and "get to the playground" next door to Socrates at Rainey Park. So I suppose that also made our little art walk a bit more rushed. The Scarecrow installation with its shimmering streaks across the sky made somewhat more of an impression, I think. And I loved both the boat or ark that greeted us on the way in as well as the large painting (Citoyen du Monde) which was the artist's vision of a global flag. Even if it wasn't a big outing or a time for great contemplation, I think it's still nice to have this kind of art up close and in our lives. And Nacho even got interviewed for someone's project before we left. Art plus wide open space plus local means we'll be back again soon. 

Socrates Sculpture Park

Yesterday we joined in with a group of our playgroup moms and kids to hang out at Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, Queens for a picnic and some running around. The weather has really perked up these past two weeks with temps closer to 70 and now even 80 degrees most days. Ah yes, summer is fast approaching. So with plenty of snacks and sunscreen, we set out for a little drive to the park which borders the East River. It's a great open area with lots of big sculptural pieces to frolic around and there was no stopping these kids once we turned them loose.

Of course, it's easier now to sit still and watch Elisa do circles around me, but at times, I still wonder what trouble she's getting into. The whole concept of hovering is one we moms openly discuss and there's really no right answer. Depending on the park or the day, I can be following her every move or sitting back and waiting for her to come and find me. Add to that, the reality that each kid can be so different with his or her risk taking and adventuring that there is no hard and fast rule about how much space/freedom to give them. Elisa has definitely gained confidence and a pretty independent attitude about playing away from me lately, but I think she's also pretty tame when it comes to real dangers or testing physical boundaries. I might be getting overly lax, but seeing her run and play with the kids yesterday really made me appreciate this age in a new way. She needs me less. And that's a welcome relief...

The night before this adventure, we had been at SGP having a relaxed barbecue when Elisa's friend Bix got a little over-eager with his tackling moves. Elisa was upset and by the next morning, she told me that she didn't want to see Bix when I mentioned he'd be at the picnic. Of course, nothing like toddler to forget all about that stuff when the fun begins. These two were nearly inseparable for a good part of the afternoon. Something about their mutual spunkiness assures me that the hurt has been forgiven.

I mean, really? Is this my daughter? Where did this bright light come from? I have to say that the butt wiggle and sassiness has only increased tenfold over the past few months. She has such a glimmer in her eye most days that when it's not completely ill-timed and frustrating me to no end, it's absolutely adorable. Yep, that's parenthood for you--if I'm not crying and/or screaming, I'm laughing. It's a delicate balance.

As we trudged out of the park and over to a nearby playground, the kids all seemed to be having fun and there were no tantrums (epic success!). The group play aspect was going better than I expected and the waterworks only added to their enjoyment. Elisa was hesitant at first to join in, preferring the swings, but once she caught on to the splashing, she didn't want to leave. The cool thing about this particular park is that the sprinklers are on a timer so every few minutes it shuts off and the kids got to take turns running over to hit the button to turn the water back on. There were a few moments of pushing to have this honor, but once they agreed to push the button together, peace was restored. And then they were off to the slide...All in all, it was a great afternoon and almost made me feel like I'd been playing too. It was so easy to watch them wear themselves out. By the time we were ready to head home, Elisa had completely soaked her hair (a first!) and clothes, and was acting like she'd never leave. Having a quick change of clothes was a bonus--must remember that from now on--and so off we went home with a dry set and just in time for a nap. High five!