James & Daddy Weekend

For the weekend Jenny made plans to visit with Janice in NYC so James and Daddy have the weekend to ourselves. This really marks the first time that we have a 'boys weekend' and we are more than ready. Together we came up with an itinerary that neither pushes nor drags. Essentially we do whatever James wants to do, but I take him to some of the iconic DC spots for little guys. As far as documentarian duties I don't want to let many moments go by without at least a chance to share with you all (and to preserve as this blog is quickly becoming a 'memory book' for the 21st century)... so one video is not enough this week. I have to file two with this post.

After waving bye-bye to Jenny at Union Station for her sojourn north by rail James and Daddy locate the car and drive to our local McDonald's on 1st NE for McNuggets and Fries (which became a staple for 48 hours). After dinner instead of going home for nite-nite we first stop off at the Gallaudet playground for some running, climbing, and swinging (the BEST).

On Saturday morning we wake up and after breakfast make a B-line for the Air & Space Museum driving down and finding parking in record time. We are in line for their 10am opening and while James grows a tad impatient it is worth the 10 minutes of wriggling to be one of the first in. James has his run of the place without the masses. In the first video you see that he is in his element running to and from each installation and back to his favorites multiple times.

Once we stop for a little lunch (thankfully the food vendor in the Air & Space is McDonald's -- one of the few upgrades that I notice from my childhood visits) we head out onto The Mall for some serious running around. We make our way to the carousel and James is VERY interested. We purchase two tickets and when it is our turn he runs in and selects his horse. It just so happened that he favors a black stallion with the number three on his hindquarters in the style NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt, Sr. "The Intimidator" (may he rest in peace). The video doesn't capture the pure joy and excitement that James experiences on the ride. Perhaps it would do more justice if I film the crying fit he launches into when the ride is over (but this post is not about that). There is no choice in the matter that we HAVE to go again. And when we do he runs right back to his trusty steed #3 for a second go-around.

After nap we work in an epic trip to J.O. Wilson Elementary which includes the playground, the field and football, chasing squirrels, and general merriment (not to mention a trip to the bodega for "juicy").

On Sunday we wake up and take the Choo-Choo (Metro) down to the Smithsonian station making a smart westward turn immediately avoiding sight of the carousel and head up the hill to the Washington Monument. James is quite excited to run around at the foot of our tribute to the first U.S. President and marble obelisk that most defines the skyline of his city (for what its worth the tallest stone structure in the world). After rounding out the trip with a walk to the World War II Memorial and back James is tuckered out enough to nearly fall asleep on the Choo-Choo.

After our nap we get in the car and make our way to Grandpa and Glamma's house where we have a cookout with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Matt, as well as, Great-Uncle John and Auntie M who are on a spring visit to Washington and Virginia. We have a lovely time playing outside on the deck and in the yard even venturing into the woods for a little exploration. What a wonderful way to end a weekend with of James and Daddy, but with Daddy's family get together !