Lately: Ice Day #2 and Art in the Park

Tuesday was Ice Day #2 for 2014. The meteorologists had called for up to 5 inches of snow, but in typical Houston style, we ended up with ice pellets and a few icicles instead. Schools were closed, again, and the whole city shut down. I have to admit Ice Day #1 was fun, but having two ice days in four days just made for restless folks.

The highlight of the day was heading outside to see the icicles that formed in the late afternoon.

We spent the rest of the day playing, finishing homework and school projects and trying not to go too stir-crazy.  The day ended with some relaxing yoga. 

Ironically, we went back to school on Wednesday for only half a day. The district had an early release day that couldn't be changed, but I knew I had to get the boys out of the house for a bit, so we went to the library and MFAH for lunch and to look at some art.  

Gene laughs because I am constantly looking at the weather forecast, but I like to get my active boys outside when the weather is good. They need to burn off some of their abundant energy. Yesterday was pleasant and today it is supposed to rain, so yesterday afternoon, we headed out to Hermann Park to run and run and run.  

Hermann Park is 100 years old this year, and in honor of its centennial, the Hermann Park Conservancy launched the Centennial Art Project, Art in the Park, which is a series of contemporary art installations. The first two sculptures were installed last week, and I wanted to take the boys to see them.  

The first is a bent-twig scupture by Patrick Dougherty called Boogie Woogie. It is a maze-like sculpture with rooms, ceilings, windows and walls made out of saplings gathered from Houston's Generation Park. It is big and beautiful and the perfect place for little boys to explore.

 Sapling ceiling

Boogie Woogie is located right next to the Japanese Garden, so afterwards we went for a stroll (or run if you are 5 and 7) through it. Beautiful sweet-smelling flowers.  

And then the boys ran some more.

They were pooped.

We walked down by the water and explored near McGovern Lake.

We saw a great white heron.

And we ended our visit to Hermann Park with a stop to see Wind Waves by Yvonne Domenge, a Mexican artist. This sculpture is located near the science museum and is quite beautiful.

Henry is already asking when we can go back to Hermann Park!