As with every weekend in recent and not-so-recent history, the focus of this weekend has been Getting the Kids Away from the House so that Paul Can Work. Luck for us, the business apartment rented by my Dad’s company was available. So directly after school Friday afternoon, Paul dropped us off in the Central Business District and we’ve been here ever since.
Staying at the apartment is like being a tourist in our own city; exploring a new neighborhood. We’ve stayed here many times before and each time I like it more. Saturday morning, we walked around the corner to the Farmer’s Market, where we listened to live music and the kids ate sample strawberries. Then we walked through the CBD, past Will’s favorite hotel (the “W”) and looped around the line of diners outside Mother’s, which just felt like a photo op.
After admiring the fountain in front of Harrah’s, we finally ended up at the Aquarium because it made sense. The kids played in the park at the riverfront while we waited for it to open, mostly admiring the tugs hard at work and marveling at how incredibly high the water is this year.
Inside, the kids were great. They worked me in classic style. Will shouted for my attention at every second, while Kate was happy to silently wander herself lost. It made more sense for me to follow the silent one, since she so easily would disappear in the crowd. So Will became That Kid who annoyed everyone shouting “MOM COME HERE RIGHT NOW, PUHLEEZE!!!” Every. Ten. Seconds. I managed to be Teflon Mom and not be annoyed. In other words, I tried hard to be a Normal Person and had much more fun as a result.
We had a great visit, made especially fun by the White Alligator, who was up for action. He floated, opening his mouth and showing his big teeth, right up by the glass.
No worries, Kate. We know you totally could take him.
I tried out some different exposures in the viewing room. Meaning that I got a few minutes of playtime myself. Score One for Mommy!
(That’s Will and Kate on the left.)
Initially, I thought we’d take the streetcar somewhere for lunch. Maybe down to the French Market? But it ended up being noon when we left, the snack I brought along didn’t satiate, and I had no sunscreen. So we walked through the shade of Riverwalk to the end and then turned up Julia Street back to the apartment. I kicked myself the whole time… all this cool stuff around on such a beautiful day and we’re in Riverwalk??… but the kids loved the fountain and checking out the river boats, so I figured I was redeemed.
Will stopped all walking when he saw this: “MOMMY! LOOK AT THAT GO SAINTS SIGN!”
The Children’s Museum was in full swing with a block party. I forgot to buy the early member tickets and didn’t want to pay the hefty door fee, so we enjoyed Johnette Downing from the street. The plan was to do this again for The Imagination Movers, but we all ended up sleeping through their performance. Will was disappointed, so we put on the Calling All Movers! CD and had a dance party inside.
We woke up to church bells and enjoyed the procession of brides and bridesmaids into the church next door. After dinner, we ran out in our bare feet to dance on the sidewalk as they second-lined down to the Ogden.
Paul joined us for an hour for dinner, then headed back home to work a few hours before bed. He gave Kate a bath which was a nice break for me (read: I threatened to swallow the key and trap him forever.)
One day, we hope to stay here as a family — scratch that, maybe just as a couple? — and be tourists in our own city.
(Random note: These pictures… actually virtually all of the pictures I’ve taken in the past two weeks… were all taken with the ‘new’ used 10D (the $300 deal was worth every penny) and the 28-135 IS lens. I’m still getting used to both. The 10D is heavier and bulkier, but I like that it feels meaty in my hand. I don’t think the weight would bother me too much if I was shooting an event, but it impacts storage and ease of access for when you’re not holding it all the time. I love the controls and the sound of the camera, which are definitely built for a more advanced user compared to the design of the Rebels. I notice noise much more in this camera at high ISOs than with the 400D, but this is really the only performance issue that stands out, and I rarely shoot above 800. I am really having fun with the ‘new’ toys… and need to get some pro input because have no idea what makes sense to take to Peru!)
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