The Harry Potter Exhibit and Children's Museum of Manhattan

Tori and I spend a lot of time at odds. I can't figure out if it's because we are so similar or so different, but either way, recently I have noticed that I spend more time rushing her through orders to meet my schedule than really spending time having fun with her. So, in attempts to bond, I've taken her out on a couple mommy/daughter dates in the last couple weeks. Thank you to my wonderful husband for these great moments. 

I purchased a ticket to the Discovery Museum's Harry Potter and Spy exhibits. I was going to do both exhibits the same day, but since it was down in Time Square and I'm constantly functioning on "my child's a ticking time bomb" mode, I figured one would be sufficient. 

Like everything here, you spend an arm and a leg to get in and then can't take any pictures. Luckily, we found this spare scarf next to this conveniently secluded poster for a photo op. Wouldn't matter as I would later spend WAY to much for a souvenir photo.

Once inside the exhibit, we were treated to a small demonstration of the Sorting Hats sorting abilities. This was easily Tori's favorite part, leaving the biggest impression. While she didn't volunteer to get sorted, she was perfectly content at watching. Lots like her mama...wallflowers.

I cheated and snapped a few pics inside before I got yelled at. 

Hermione Granger's wand

I love that I caught this pose. "No pictures please." 

The golden egg...not featuring the mermaid song

I would later impulse buy this photo, and deeply regret it as our trip home would end up costing almost more than I spent on the tickets. Considering though I didn't get to photograph my daughter in Hagrid's chair or with ghosts and a dragon head, I wanted, at least, one conciliation prize.

After the exhibit, we went over to the Disney Store and played and pretended to shop then put everything back then debated if we should get one little thing, then decided we should wait for her birthday to come pick out one big thing. 

Magic mirror. She's thrilled.

Tori and I got another chance to go play on a double date with our good friends Alex and Tyra. Another Target sponsored free admission night to the Children's Museum of Manhattan. I've wanted to go to this for a while, especially the free night since it would otherwise cost me $33 to get in, which after going...I don't know that I would want to pay that much even though it was really fun. I'm willing to brave the masses in order to eat out at least once more at Cascabel Taqueria.

Tori's eyes lit up like the 4th of July as she exclaimed, "This if FUN!" upon entering the museum. She was beyond overstimulated, and I was grateful we picked such a loud outfit, because she was running from one thing to the next with or without supervision.

She waited patiently for a turn on this bike. 

Dora and Diego exhibit

Hands on fun!

More exploring with Dora. 

The rainbow bridge

Driving a firetruck...she sort of looks like a natural.

We then grabbed a bite to eat at the Hi-Lite. Nope, nothing to brag about but there were french fries so Tori's and my belly was happy.

I've been so grateful to spend time with her not having to rush to catch a bus or meet someone at a playdate or if we're being honest having to worry about my very curious, busy and fearless son. With both of these outings, I've succeeded in getting Tori and I into weird situations trying to get home. I'm determined to stop relying on taxi's but without fail, we've ended up having to walk at least 10 blocks to finally get home and without fail, she has always had to use the restroom. Last night I was at least familiar with the street so we stopped at a Starbucks I knew of to use the restroom. She was hysterical, but when we went into Starbucks she inquired as to what we were doing and I said we were there to use the restroom. Her tone was so gracious when she said, "Oh thank you Mommy." After that we finished our 12 block walk home where we agreed that she would walk at least 6 of the blocks and I would try to carry her the other six. It was such a pleasant walk and this time I was glad for my mess up. She gave me a kiss and told me how much she loved me. I explained to her that I was feeling sad about messing up our bus route but that her kiss made me feel better. Then she gave me a hug. Each block she walked on her own she celebrated her endurance. And yes, we finally made it home.