Tuesday, Day Four: National Zoo

We’ve certainly adjusted to east coast time…children are awake around 7 each day, just like home! Oatmeal and bagels for breakfast (looking for some bulk, to stave off the hungries as long as we can)! A bit late getting to the Metro, but we were fine for time. One thing on the agenda today: The National Zoo. After a 6 block walk from the Metro stop to the Zoo’s entrance, I got a map and we got our bearings for the place.

Look, a sea lion special event at 11:30. Let’s go! We hooved it through many areas of the zoo, not stopping to look at elephants, Mexican wolves or even eagles. We were glad for that, too, as the sea lion was really fun to watch. The zookeeper introduced Maureen to us, and told us all about her. Then the demonstration of Maureen’s abilities – which had our attention throughout!

After a quick lunch (can you guess? How about…sandwiches) we saw a variety of primates, invertebrates and more. Lollygagging along, we enjoyed the animals a great deal.

The wheelchair has proven to be an outstanding tool. Sharing driving duties are myself and the two oldest boys. It is a good wheelchair and handles well. One son’s driving is a cause for prayer...he is somewhat reckless, and Dena has a posture of prayerfulness as they careen along. In fact, he nearly dumped her into the street today after hitting a pothole just off the curb!

Anywhere we go, this family has Presence. We’re unavoidable, really. Picture a toddler in the stroller and Mom in her wheelchair, and one other adult, two teen boys, three gradeschool girls, backpacks and all. People get out of our way when we walk down the sidewalk. They look at us when we get in line to look at something or to go through security. Many smile, some seem unsure of how to deal with us. It’s fascinating, really, to watch.

We take a lot of time to board the Metro. We take a lot of space on the train. Getting off today was quite an exercise. One kindly gentleman took it upon himself to make sure Dena could get off at our stop. “Ma’am, we’ll get you off, don’t you worry.” He then proceeded to make sure all ten or so folks crowded in around her knew that she had to get off soon, and that hey needed to get out of the way. As would be said in Texas, “Bless his heart!”

Anyway, home for spaghetti dinner, and then another movie (hey, it IS vacation). Did some laundry. Picked up a bit. Prepared a little for tomorrow. BTW, Zane is holding up well, for which we are grateful. When he is cranky, we just feed him. Works pretty much every time! Sleeping through the night. Also, the apt here is perfect...comfy and convenient. Could not have asked for a better arrangement.

We are enjoying the trip a lot thus far. Was going to make some calls for rooms - still haven't nailed down all the details for next week. Guess that’ll wait. Now to bed, good night.