A perfect way to spend the “last” day of summer. Yes, we too “unofficially” start “school” tomorrow.

Dante, being quite the bike rider now had no problem with the 7 mile (each way) ride down to batter park city.

We were originally hoping to ride Governor’s Island (only open on weekends) but we could find anywhere on their website that said the ferry would be working today. We’re saving that for another day.

We did take plenty of breaks.

Anika, cooling off.

Melvin, taking every opportunity to get his iPhone “fix”.

The bikes.

The newest (most modern) landscape designed areas and playgrounds have got to be along the Hudson River Park.






My cutie pattutti.

And finally, a roadside break for dinner. It was a looong ride.


I LOVE summer in the city!!!

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This is the official documentation required by the NYC Department of Education Office of Homeschooling we mailed in: Letter of Intent and Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) plus the MetroCard application. Note the Star Wars stamps :-D.

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We went specifically to see the special Superhero Costumes exhibit before it ends Sept 1st… that and Melvin’s mom who has been in NYC many times had never been to this particular museum.

It truly was the coolest thing ever…but no photography was allowed.
We then luckily got to catch another couple of special exhibits that will also be leaving soon.

Jeff Koons on the Roof





and Tara Donovan at the Met


Other than that we each got to pick a special area. I picked modern art.


Dante picked Arms and Armor. We probably spent over an hour fully engaged. It was pure learning awesomeness.

and finally both Anika and Dante picked Egyptian Art. Anika had enjoyed the special exhibits so much she didn’t have a particular interest in anything else and since Dante really wanted to see Egyptian Art she willingly agreed and was actually interested as well.

Unfortunately, Dante, with his many fears lately couldn’t stop thinking about the Samurai costumes and Egyptian mummy coffins at bedtime.

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with Mel’s mom and dad.

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Vegan place few blocks from here Mel’s dad had been wanting to go to for months.

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Mel’s parents are in town and staying with us for a few days. (His dad is actually here on business so he’ll be off to his hotel by Monday night, but his mom stays with us.) We got to share one of my favorite activities ever…laying on blankets at the park…this time Riverside Park…

that way we get the Hudson River view.

Then we came home and made a special recipe from Mel’s dad’s veggie blog:
MiCocinaVegetariana (just a little side hobbie site of his)

They’re a veggie feast on plantains. Here is the full meal:

(The turkey on the side was just for me, the kids and Mel.)

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I marked the occasion months ago on my calendar but somehow the day came and we hadn’t really planned for it. As soon as I noticed it on my calendar on my way to meet a friend I texted Mel and he was on it. Immediately the days plans were shifted to one seriously fun (and free) afternoon.

Well, the kids may differ in opinion…



Really, they did amazing and actually did enjoy much of the concert. I even got a compliment from some people behind us at the end at how wonderful they thought the kids were.

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Who would have thought a simple trip to Ikea could be such a memorable event.


Well it certainly helped that the kids were with Mel’s family in Florida and we were “honeymooning” living it up going out with all kinds of friends and staying up to the wee hours of the night (a hem…morning). We weren’t just on the water taxi to Ikea we were lovin’ life and cruising the Hudson enjoying spectacular views.

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from the 29th Floor!

We actually only took a few breaks out on the balcony…we did not hang out there the whole time. This was from a Taco Bar/ Killer Sangria/ Couples Game Night event.

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We spent a day there exploring all around spending time in each of the two playgrounds. Great views of the Hudson; not so great playgrounds (one was too big and the other was next to a basketball court with too many men floating in and out). Nonetheless, the kids had a wonderful time since there were with friends. Nice for short quiet strolls or relaxing moments on the bit of grass. This park is on a very hilly area so there is not much open grass space. It’s claim to fame are the Cloisters.

Fort Tryon Park

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