We played hooky today. I woke up with that glorious sun shining into my bedroom, and decided that today was going to be all about fun. I had a few errands to run, but nothing was tremendously urgent. My son had his usual afternoon Montessori – but it’s the last couple weeks of school and things are winding down into more of a free play schedule.
With my visiting cousin, we made our way to Centre Island to explore the rides and water activities on this hot, hot day. I love the ferry ride from Toronto harbour – watching the skyline from the ferry is simultaneously relaxing, and awe-inspiring. The people-watching on the ferry is another highlight for me; it’s Toronto residents mixed with tourists – a melange of sweaty, happy diversity with a common denominator of strollers and diaper bags – the universal accoutrements of mothers.
At Centre Island, we partook in some of the highly toddler-friendly rides: the bumble-bee ride (which my two-year old loved, but which my four-year old found boring) and the water slide – very fun and thrilling even for me as the log container (containing us) whizzed down the water slide into a blur of water spray and screams.
Next, we visited the Island beach, and walked out to the pier – the beautiful lake gleamed in the June sun as Canada geese in a perfect V formation elegantly flew by in close proximity to the water’s surface. Being a weekday morning, we were able to wander freely without many crowds or congestion. There were no lines for rides or the food stalls. As my daughter took a break from her lunch to sip her orange juice, a seagull (always amazes me that there are so many seagulls in Toronto?) swooped down and grabbed her pizza! That was definitely the most memorable event for my daughter of the day. I often listen to hear what nugget of information she gives people about any given event – with all we experienced today it is the seagull story that she shared with her cousin and aunt immediately after!
Tired and exhilarated, the journey home was quick and peaceful. Back home just in time to get dinner ready and prepare for the return to tomorrow’s routine.
