Explorers Adventure, a Guest Post by Tante

For the past year or so Owen and I have been taking special Owen-Tante trips to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Owen has loved looking at all of the exhibits, the dinosaurs, the big blue whale, he was even brave enough to go and look at the Squid vs. Whale exhibit up close. It has gotten him very excited at the idea of becoming an explorer and so one day, soon after Ellis was born, Owen and I had an explorers adventure. It was both fun for us and an uninterrupted nap break for Mommy and Ellis, double score! We started out by coloring in an old egg crate to become our specimen sample box, and decorated and taped together some cardboard paper towel tubes for our binoculars. A quick change into an explorer’s apron and Safari hat for Owen and we were ready to go.

The first stop was along the running trail in Van Cortlandt Park across from Owens house. We immediately found all kinds of colorful samples to add to the collection box.

Owen also found this white one and tested its wish-granting abilities.

He also very gently cut the stem off for our collection with his new kids scissors.

Soon it was time for a Clementine break by the rabbit and the hare statue. Exploring is hard work and you’ve got to keep your energy up!

A quick puddle jump was also deemed necessary.

We hiked to the Van Cortland Historical House and Nature Center only to discover both places closed, but Owen still discovered a cool Coyote to befriend.

Next we decided to take a closer look at a tree stump in a field. Upon closer inspection we found a broken pencil jammed into the center and when we pulled it out discovered a baby worm! Owen named him Smuhlky.

We continued on our way and found a path through some beautiful wetlands (who knew??) that led to a large pond. Owen diligently (and cutely) searched for ducks with his binoculars.

He loved throwing pebbles into the water to see if they would make ripples.

Here he is with a handful of pebbles, very excited.

He contemplatively watched the ripples grow and the leaves in the water glide under the bridge.

After our very intensive hike (for a Toddler and a Tante with a bum knee) we decided to have an explorers treat. I let Owen choose between an ice cream and french fries and he wisely chose the latter. We explored our way to a nearby Burger King where Owen chose a table by the window (and some sassy ladies applying lots of makeup) to gobble down his fries.

After that we headed home and Owen told his baby brother and Mommy and Daddy all about our discoveries. Ellis was so enchanted by Owens stories of the wild that he fell promptly asleep.

The next day Owen and I returned to the Historical House and took a tour of some fancy gated off rooms and hallways and discussed what the creaking sound we kept hearing could be. Owen was concerned that maybe someone still lived in the house but we soon discovered that it was an unlatched window on the top floor banging against the house in the breeze.

All in all, the house was not too interesting for a 3 1/2 year old (or a 29 year old) but we liked looking out the window and making up stories about the family that once lived there.

Afterwards we headed to the tiny garden outside and smelled some herbs…

…and did some sweet and silly poses under a beautiful tree.

Owen is an excellent explorer and we had a great time on our adventure(s). There is much more to discover in the world around us so I think another Explorers Adventure will be happening soon. Hold on to your hats!!!