to ikea we did go

Today Garrett and I went on our own adventure to the IKEA that just opened up in Brooklyn. We rode the subway to 9th Street, then transferred to a free shuttle bus that gave us front-door service to the big blue-and-yellow box. Here are a few things we experienced, observed, and learned:

• The restaurant, which was our first stop, affords some pretty excellent views of the Statue of Liberty.
• Garrett does not like their macaroni and cheese kids meal (and, quite frankly, neither do I).
• The rumor is true: the Brooklyn IKEA IS the biggest around. Seriously, this place is huge!
  
• And they sell houseplants (which I didn't ever see at the one in Elizabeth, NJ). Yes, I bought one.
• I found lots of things I wanted to buy, but didn't. Like toys for Garrett, another bookshelf for our livingroom, a children's table, and star-shaped ice cube trays.
• I also found a few things I went there in the first place for, which I did buy. Like a glass vase for displaying my seashell collection, some basic frames to hang my bird pictures, and an apple slicer, which will come in handy this fall when apples are cheap cheap cheap.
• I am unable to get cell phone service while inside IKEA.
  
• When stopped to consider a certain item, the positioning of the stroller must be done with Garrett's curious hands in mind.
• And speaking of strollers, the 9th Street subway entrance for the return trip is far from stroller friendly. New Yorkers, though, never fail to come through to help a struggling young mother with her baby-and-bag load, and for that I am incredibly grateful. Still, though, I think next time we'll try taking the free water taxi.