NYC Summer for Me and My Girl, Part 2

New York City remains a truly wonderful place to raise a child, with my daughter and I continuing to have some wonderful adventures this summer (read about the first series of adventures here. The diverse experiences my daughter has experienced during her life to date are remarkable. Hopefully, there will be more to come …

Moonwalking at the Michael Jackson’s birthday celebration in Brooklyn on August 24.

Puppet Shows
One of the hidden gems in Central Park is the Swedish Cottage that houses a marionette theater. Throughout the year, the theater puts on a number of productions. We saw a compelling tale, Bessie’s Big Shot, which was about a cow who wanted to be in a circus. *Spoiler alert* – The cow accomplishes her goal.

U.S. Open: Arthur Ashe Kids Day
“Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day is the largest single-day, grassroots tennis and entertainment event in the world, with chart-topping performers, celebrities and some of the best tennis players in the game coming together to celebrate the life and values of tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe. The event takes place the Saturday before the U.S. Open.” (Source: www.arthurashekidsday.com)
Ashe is one of my idols, so it means a great deal to take Camilla to this day that honors him. Learn more about Arthur Ashe.

Koronet Pizza
I decided to take Camilla to my favorite pizza place in all of New York City. Granted I have not consumed pizza in every borough, but this is my story, so I can embellish. Koronet Pizza on Broadway between 110th & 111th streets in Manhattan is home to the jumbo slice, pictured below, that has fed many a Columbia student over the years. I love this spot, so I thought it would be a worthwhile addition to our summer adventure tour. She loved it and couldn’t get over the size!

Mr. Met
On our way to Koronet, we made a quick stop at the Citibank on 96th and Broadway. During the summer, Mr. Met has been visiting Citibanks throughout the city. Although I am not a true fan of the professional sports mascot, I thought it would be fun for Camilla, especially since she is. She gave him a big hug and wanted a picture. She did, however, ask if she could take a bat to his head because it was a baseball. Observant young woman.

Michael Jackson’s Birthday Celebration

Spike Lee has organized celebrations of Michael Jackson’s birthday in Brooklyn since he passed away five years ago. Since Camilla is a die hard MJ fan, we had to make it to the event this year. It’s a free, joyous and truly wonderful celebration.