The day started out promising, but towards the post-rush departure time, it was evident Des was secretly yearning for a morning nap. No worries, the trip was going to go at Des’ speed.
After a long nap, we hustled up to midtown for an afternoon in Central Park. The zoo was a hotspot for kids, so we lunched while watching the sea lions swim around.
I fear it may be several generations of projecting, but Des lit up watching the penguins zipping by.
After exploring the main zoo, we walked over to the children’s zoo for some toddler-sized fun. Des meet llama.
It was a beautiful fall day for a stroll around Central Park, even if it was a bit cloudy. Des posing on the edge of Gapstow Bridge.
Before we headed back to Brooklyn, Des and dad walked up to Strawberry Fields to pay tribute to John Lennon.
The final night we all took another long walk into Park Slope to a pizzaria. What better way to spend an evening in Brooklyn?
While mom had one last session to attend Thursday morning, Des and dad walked over to a new bagel place. We enjoyed our breakfast bounty at the nearby neighborhood playground.
Maybe it was early in the morning, but Des opted for “feet first” this time.
Back at the hotel, it was time to pack up. Des is ready to go!
Little did we know, public transportation back to LaGuardia required a bus transfer. Nope, not gonna happen with luggage. We hailed an uberFAMILY ride (with carseat) on our phone, and within a few minutes, we were loading our bags into a new Toyota Highlander for a comfy ride back to the airport. Cheaper than a taxi, way less stress than transit.
Des traveled well on the return trip too, sleeping at all the right times. Of course there was a mildly dramatic start to the flight when Des triggered a TSA screening because dad inadvertently tried to sneak 8oz of water onto the plane via a sippy cup. He was ultimately too cute, the agent let him pass through security.
In all, it was the absolute perfect experience to celebrate Des’ upcoming first birthday. Life will be full of adventures.
