Field Trip - Central Park and FAO Schwarz

We have been experiencing some freakishly warm weather in New York this year. While it's a little scary to think about the part that Global Warming may play in this (it's real!), it's also kind of nice to be able to get out of the house on the weekend instead of trembling under a blanket on the couch and watching "People's Court" episodes (Johnny is mildly obssessed with Judge Marilyn Millian). A few weeks ago, we decided to take a jaunt up to Central Park and soak up some nature, something we don't get nearly enough of in our Concrete Jungle-y lives. 

Central Park is pretty much my favorite place on earth. No matter how many times I go there, I always find something new to explore. This is the Turtle Pond, which should really be called the Duck Pond, because it's full of the most adorable little ducks! Check out that blue sky... I forgot the sky was actually a thing.

There's a little pier that you can stand on and the ducks will paddle right up to you, undoubtedly seeking food. 

We all know what this is... a memorial for everyone's favorite defunct toy store, "The Imaginarium". Remember that little entrance that was just for kids? Sigh... Just kidding! This is obviously the John Lennon memorial located in the Strawberry Fields section of the park. I'm a little embarrassed to admit I'd never been there before this day. We visited on a non-descript Saturday, but there were lots of tributes to Lennon laid out on the memorial and many people paying their respects. A couple of musicians nearby were singing and playing his songs on the guitar. Johnny said he always gets sad at this place, but I actually felt really hopeful. Lennon accomplished so much in his short life and his message is still so relevant. 

That's The Dakota, the building where John and Yoko lived for many years, and where he was shot. It's such a gorgeous building, but there's a definite darkness around it.

After the park, we walked to The Paris theater on 58th Street and took in a showing of "The Artist". It was the perfect venue to see it in, it's a really old theater and has lots of charm. The movie was also quite excellent, that doggie just slayed me!

On the way back to the subway, we happened upon FAO Schwarz. How is it that neither of us had ever been there?! We hightailed it inside and feasted our eyes upon all that was before us...

A statue of Indiana Jones made entirely of Legos? Yes, please.

A foosball table with Barbies as the players? Don't mind if I do!

Johnny wearing a Minnie Mouse hat intended for a small girl? Well, that's just a bonus!