The Berkshire Trip: Day 1

So we did it, we went on a mini-road trip to the Berkshires. And we had a glorious time. Before Cole got sick, we were planning on going south, not northeast, but after Cole got sick we were EXhausted. So we weren't planning on doing anything but chillaxin at home. Then we changed our minds, again. We decided we'd do an overnighter to the Berkshires and visit Mass MoCA, the coolest contemporary art museum ever (and we've seen a few: P.S. 1 in Queens, DIA in Beacon...). That way we'd get away, but we wouldn't be too far (the museum is only about 2.5 hours away) and we wouldn't be away for too long. Keith got a recommendation about a bed and breakfast called The Porches Inn in North Adams (where Mass MoCA is located).  So we called up on a whim Tuesday night and got a "suite" deal ($40 cheaper than their usual nightly rate since we were staying on a Thursday night) on a one-bedroom suite with a view of the museum. So on Thursday morning, away we went!

Of course, since we have a 10-month old it took us a lot longer to get there than the GPS said it would. Plus, we weren't in a huge rush. Part of the trip was the trip itself, so why not enjoy it? We stopped at the New Baltimore rest stop on the Thruway and fed Cole a banana in the Roy Rogers section of the rest stop. He was so enthralled with his seat (no confinement and tons of people to watch- what more could a baby want?) that we thought to ourselves, why are we even bothering going further than this rest stop? A rest stop is enough entertainment. But then we reminded ourselves that we needed some entertainment too, so we moved on.

Here is Day 1 in iPhone pics...

This is at the rest stop. Cole totally had a ball here.

After driving through some pretty (and some pretty depressed) towns, we finally made it to our destination. 

 This is part of the Katharina Grosse exhibit.

This is where Cole and I went as soon as we got to the room. He had fallen asleep in the short ride from the museum to the Porches Inn. So I cuddled him so he could get a nap in and we could have a normal dinner (read: NO BABY MELTDOWN).

Here is Day 1 with Keith's digital point-and-shoot.  And it's a good thing he had this camera, because we left our Digital Rebel (all packed and ready to go) at home. Warning: I am no good at editing my own photos, so don't be surprised if this post feels never ending.

This was part of the Sol Lewitt exhibit. There were three floors of his work. I liked the early work the best, but unfortunately, we didn't get to enjoy it as much since that is when Cole started to become Mr. Crankapotamus.

I don't think I posted about this ring sling. So I'll write about it now. I got this Zolowear ring sling from Waddle and Swaddle. I LOVE it. It's secure and doesn't fall down my shoulder like the Baby Balboa ring sling. And it's easier to adjust because it has a tail. Cole likes it too, mostly because he likes to be held on my hip.

Keith and Cole at the beginning of the Katherina Grosse exhibit.

A family portrait. Love the self-timer!

This was part of an exhibit about the digital age called "Memery." This piece was of the sunsets the artists found on Flickr.

A written version of Wikipedia. Very clever.

Cole having a ball in the Lickety Split cafe.

Keith making the "face" as Cole (can you see the tip of his head by the table there?) investigates the chair.

This is the early work of Sol Lewitt, and this is where Cole got cranky. It was at this point that we made our escape.

Cole playing with his favorite ball, post bath.

This kid has so much fun with this ball.

And as you can tell....

so does Daddy.

After putting Cole to sleep in the bedroom, Keith and I hung out in the dark drinking wine in the living room. This is me looking at Randalin's Instagram feed on my iPhone.

A nice way to end the night.