Beauty in the breakdown.

Pieter and I took Bella and Alec to the Sculpture Garden in Hamilton NJ and we hung out, walked through the park, viewed sculpures, danced around them and had a really nice time.

This is a great unexpected result, since taking kids to anywhere can always be unpredictable. Plus, when we read about the gardens on the Internet, it seemed very strict and foreboding "no talking loud, this is a contemplative space, no running..."



So, we took our chances, cut up some apple to bring for a snack, loaded up on cups and waters for the kids as Pieter and I filled up our mugs to bring fresh fair trade coffee (thanks Bradley!)as we drove over there. Luckily, the kids were as excited and happy to see the art as we had hoped. Anyway, after we got there, we first went to a water sculpture area, saw a live peacock much to our surprise, and continued on our journey, spotting secret service men looking statues, abstract pieces that just make you say hmmmmmm, animals, nature pieces and more. Each one was fitted around nature, surrounded by grass, trees, and or near water as if the nature was half of the show. Plus since the weather was absolutely gorgeous, the whole event was sun filled, cool weather and perfect for walking.

There were so many moments of watching the kids view this stuff for the 1st time, asking questions of how it sculptures are put together, posing queries on what "marble" is, or how a something looks as if it is flying. I think that Pieter and I were gathering their comments in our mind's collection of moments to keep: "Wow loooooook at that..."I wish I could hop scotch on it!" or Alec amazed and growling at a sculpture dog.

Most of the day was filled with these moments, observing their faces, laughing at their expressions of surprise, awe of nature, art and the world in general.

Cool.

Tickets to Sculpture gardens: 36 dollars
Price of map and guidebook: 3 dollars
Price of the apple and water bottles: 2 dollars.
Watching your kids dancing like a sculpture...Priceless.