can't have enough of these trains

Extra day off this weekend for Martin Luther King Day. Yesterday was a perfect day to be lazy in the toasy apartment- outside was in the teens all day. Taiyo totally enjoyed staying naked- and he can use his potty quite well now but only when he's naked. He still refuses to wear underwear so he's not ready to lose diapers. Today, we were still feeling lazy for the first few hours, then Taiyo suggested to go see "Train Show." It was a little too late to catch the last day of the Train show at the Botanic Garden, so we went to check out this one in the Grand Central Terminal. You can't have enough "train show" for a little boy! It's a little train exhibit, but quite charmingly done with feelings and details of both New York City and some quaint old town. Taiyo also picked out a perfect little toy train in the store, which has been the best toy ever for the rest of the day.

We stopped at Dishes on 45th street between 5th and Madison Aves. It's bright modern sterile looking deli. It's like one of those fancier deli chain- pricey, but food is generally fine. It was not the best time for the buffet table, obviously, late lunch on a slow holiday, and we didn't have much choice but enough to assemble a small plate for us- mainly mirin and soy flavored rice. It was pretty tasty Taiyo ate most of it. We also liked coconut crusted chicken fingers. For $12/pound it's pricey for a salad bar, but food quality seems good and place was kept very clean and neat. It's also spacious and plenty of room to park a stroller, although it would probably get kind of hectic for midtown business day lunch.

At Bryant Park, the fountain has turned into beautiful ice sculpture. The ice skate rink had a very long line. There was a outdoor terrace with comfy seats around a fire or heat lamps hanging above. It seemed like an interesting place to hang around one of these cold days. And Taiyo had to go on a carousel, of course. When we got there, I just pointed at the little horse in front of me and asked him, "This one?" He answered, "No. Rabbit!" And I realized, Oh, yes, they have a rabbit here. And of course he remembered that he was on a rabbit last time- about 6 months ago.

Across the street, we have to stop at Kinokuniya Bookstore. Downstairs, they have the cutest Japanese stationaries and other little goodies to entertain a little person forever. Taiyo picked out a set little erasers in shape of pots, pans, cooking utencils and a plate of a steak. This was the second best toy ever for him for the rest of the day.