Wednesday, Day Five: Airheads?

As we ate a simple breakfast of eggs and bagels, our oldest daughter indicated her stomach was a bit unsettled. She tried valiantly to eat a bit, but her discomfort grew. So we decided Mom would stay home with her. And with the baby – no, no no. A small place devoid of toys and no possibility to explore outside would not make for a good time for a 22 month-old. So, Dad packed up the five children, sans “Al,” and we took off for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Arrived shortly after they opened at 10, and split up.

“The boys” wanted to go at a more leisurely pace, reading more and taking in more of the details. The girls wanted to move much more quickly, and within an hour were ready for some lunch. So we headed to the food court and caught the boys (who had the food…and the diapers…and the baby food…gotta fix that so I have the supplies).

After a bite, a very good demonstration about the elements of flight, which all enjoyed. Interactive and educational. Then decision time: Should we go elsewhere, like, say, the Smithsonian American History Museum, or should we go “home?” The museum is a fair distance away. The little guy is showing signs of meltdown (despite eating probably a pound of food, and getting a clean diaper, and taking a big drink of water). It is his nap time. Oh, well, now daughter two is saying that her stomach hurts. Decision made easy.

Borrow a little plastic bag from the Museum Gift Shop, to have with us just in case she loses that lunch on the way home. Head to the Metro. Hurry! We’ve got to get home before anything “happens.” Go down the escalator, hit the stop, board the train, and look at the watch. Go, train, go!

We arrive at the stop. It is an uneventful ride, thank the Lord. Through the shops, up the elevator, in the door. Ah. Made it. Whew.

At home, Mom did laundry, cleaned up a bit, and with the ill child took in a DVD and caught their breath. And she made potato soup for dinner, very tasty with biscuits. And brownies.

Meanwhile, Boy One and I head back to the Museum. Many airplanes to yet examine. Many things to read. Many exhibits to enjoy. It was easy, and we went fast – two long-legged boys wanting to see Air and Space without anyone to divert our attentions. What a place! More info than a person can digest in one visit. We’ll come back.

Back in time for dinner. We all enjoyed dessert – and it helped the kids feel satisfied, that’s for sure. Dena read some books to the younger ones, I made some calls to hotels. All is wrapped up for the balance of the trip, accommodations are secured, I can go to bed resting in the knowledge that we have places to stay for the next two weeks.

A quieter day, a good day.