Best birthday ever!

It was the best birthday ever for him, or it was simply the best day ever in two years of his life. Saturday was his 2nd birthday, and he was already too excited with the balloons in the morning, I was worried that he would crash before his birthday party at noon. But he kept his high energy up through the afternoon, enjoyed tearing open presents, running around with his little friends, doing his birthday gig on the sidewalk, blowing out the candles, chugging down a big piece of cake, and so on, and on. His happy spirit was contagious and everyone seemed to really enjoy celebrating with him. Party continued later in the evening, when my staff and his babysitter arrived. He asked to blow out the candles over and over and over and over. Each time he received applause and he was just the happiest being ever.

I thought he might be still too tired next day, but no. His energy was still up. We headed to Dumbo Arts Festival and and saw some coolest exhibitions. Then we found enormous tent lined with paper, providing the largest canvas for little people. And Jane's Carousel, beautifully restored on the scenic waterfront was now up and running! This is going to be the must-visit spot for parents or non-parents alike. The setting is stunning, the old carousel is amazing, and to top this experience there was no wait at all. Followed by the last weekend's Makers Faire, Dumbo Arts Festival is going to be our must-attend event of the year, but without it, Jane's Carousel will be the
destination for us.

Before heading home, we stopped for lunch at The Gallery on Jay Street at York Street. It was not so crowded being off from the center of Dumbo, and it had ocol and hip interior but casual enough atmosphere for us to feel comfortable. The menue is described as (new) American, which includes sandwiches, burgers, and such. Nothing really struch my eyes, but I settled for roasted vegetable panino and the soup of the day: carrot-ginger soup. The panino seemed to have no seasoning at all, which was actually nice to taste just plain roasted vegetables, but Taiyo only cared for the crispy fries that was lightly battered to have the crunchy coating. Carrot-ginger soup was a hit for him, especially he had it with the fried pastry thing that was floating on top. It was an interesting dining experience- we didn't think it was exciting menu, but the food was quite fresh and decent. Staff seemed pretentious, and they didn't offer a high chair even though they had one available. But I think we had pretty good service and nice dining experience. When we checked out the spacious and clean bathroom, I thoguht they would get a high points for installing a changing table, which they had more than enough room for, but I guess the architechts and designers hardly think about that kind of functionality. I would highly recommended it if they had a changing talbe in the bathroom. Overall, it is still recommended.

Then we hit San Gennaro Festival on their last day in Little Italy in the evening. Taiyo just loved riding in the teacup, and I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun riding in one. It was just an amazing weekend, for both of us.