Picnic in the Park

Alec had made plans for us to meet up with some Mexican friends in the Parque de la Ciutadella yesterday.  We don’t go there very often, and I don’t know why, because it’s beautiful and not so hard to get to.  I baked salty caramel brownies, Alec and Jody made sandwiches and, after what seemed like forever, we made it out the door.  Alec went by car with C.C., Milo and Peter, while Jody, Matt, Zadie and I went by public transit.

The day was gorgeous—bright, hot sun, but cooler and dry in the shade.  When we got to the park, we discovered that a big festival was going on—something called Tamborinada. The main arteries of the park were lined with white tents full of activities and information.  There were bands, puppet shows and crafts.  We found our friends, and a square of shaded green in which to park our blankets.  The boys kicked a soccer ball and C.C., who had brought a long stick she had found in the park behind our house, practiced her jousting.  She is very much into all things medieval these days.  In fact, she would like us to find her a medieval-themed summer camp for when we get back to New York.  Unlikely.

We ate and chatted.  Zadie lounged in her portable bed, and then got passed around from person to person.  As part of the festival, someone had set up a whole series of musical instruments created from everyday objects—rubber boots, pan lids, brooms.  I loved it, and so did the kids.  After leaving most of the remaining brownies with our friends, and giving away Milo’s old scooter to one of our friends’ kids, we packed up and went to the pool.  Everyone was hot, we had promised the kids a swim sometime during the weekend, and Zadie had never been swimming before—we all wanted to be there for it.

The water felt good—Zadie got floated around the Jacuzzi part of the pool and chilled.  Jody, Alec, C.C., and Milo played chicken.  I lay on one of the thermal lounges and closed my eyes.  By the time we got home, Milo was ready to pass out.  He had had a 24-hour play date that included staying up late to watch the Barca final, and had been going nonstop all day.  Not a problem, really, except that he left this morning for the Kindergarten/first grade overnight trip.  He will rally, I’m sure, but his wagon was dragging a little this morning as he headed out the door.