Hangin’ Out With Dada at the Fine Arts Museum!
Toddling along at the Legion of Honor
A warm, sunny day in the San Francisco Bay Area – the perfect day to take a toddler to the museum! Maybe, I thought, the halls of the California Legion of Honor in San Francisco would be empty while the masses are out enjoying the sun at beaches and parks. On our drive to the Legion of Honor, an indication that I might be right was the horrible traffic jam at the Hwy 1 exit off the 101 South freeway, the route that leads to the beaches and beautiful California coastline.
I was particularly happy about the traffic-free journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. Vehicles heading southbound now pay the bridge toll electronically, rather than having to stop for a human cashier. So far, it seems like a great idea!
Thankfully, the museum’s small parking lot had plenty of spaces available! The museum was also nearly empty, and minimally staffed. I’ll feel less guilty if Bethypoo decides to act up.
We agreed to focus on paintings or sculptures featuring dogs, but she couldn’t help pointing out works of art depicting babies or young children. We explored every room with her leading the way, and for a 21-month old she behaved quite well even by her standards, though occasionally I had to remind her to whisper as she was unable to contain her excitement at times.
Anyone in need of a gardener? Bethypoo will be happy to help out! After our tour, she was having a grand time on the museum’s lawn creating a pile of pulled dandelions, and was extremely disappointed that we couldn’t stay just a little longer to make it even larger.
We had a wrestling match that I won when I pinned Bethypoo back into the car seat, but lunch at the Barnes and Noble Starbucks in Corte Madera cheered her up!
The front area of the Legion of Honor
Admiring The Thinker
First dog she spotted! The Crowning of Mirtillo, by Ferdinand Bol, 1651
Glad no one caught Bpoo palming the dog! Marie-Anne Carolus-Duran, by Emile Carolus-Duran, 1874
Shrieked when she saw the “bay-beee” and “Mama”! Mother and Child, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1895.
We thought we spotted a dog…it was a sheep. St. John the Baptist Preaching, by Mattia Preti, aka II Calabrese, 1665
Creepy eyes! Protrait of Cosimo I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. By Benvenuto Cellini, 16th century
Picking dandelions
This requires concentration
Large pile!
Father Jogger: A North Bay Stay-At-Home Dad 
2 Responses to “Hangin’ Out With Dada at the Fine Arts Museum!”
Love the pictures.
Thanks. At times she’ll cooperate for a picture!