CJ's visit to the Smithsonian

While Uncle Alex was here for Thanksgiving, we took a trip down to the National Mall. Alex and I love museums and I hadn't been to visit one in ages. I want to instill in CJ a love of art and museums, so I figured it's best to go while he's still young.

When I worked for the San Francisco Education Fund after college, my Executive Director, Glady Thacher, used to say that people don't suddenly appreciate the opera, art or the symphony when they turn 21 or 30. It's the kids whose parents took them to museums and the symphony early who later on love the arts and become art patrons. Yes, CJ got a little rambunctious, but overall, he was pretty good. The guard at the Freer only had to shush him once when he started running around and talking a little too loudly.

We visited the Freer and Sackler Galleries; we loved the Peacock Room (as usual), I admired the Japanese scrolls and we absolutely loved an exhibit on the Falnama (the Persian Book of Omens.) At the National Museum of African Art, we enjoyed an exhibit by Yinka Shonibare MBE.

CJ playing around with Uncle Alex. We played hide and seek and I ended up
hiding behind of the bushes, while lying on the ground. I got so dirty!

CJ and Uncle Alex in front of the Sackler Gallery.

CJ in front of the Smithsonian Castle. He desperately wanted to walk in the perfectly
manicured lawn, but I said no, so we played hide and seek elsewhere on the rounds.

More Funny CJ Expressions

CJ continues to make me laugh with all the things he says. The most recent are:

Mama: CJ, come over here so I can put lotion on you. (after a bath)
CJ: (starts jumping and dancing around)
Mama: CJ, what are you doing?
CJ: Giving you a challenge.
Mama: What? Why are you giving me a challenge? (barely able to suppress a laugh and trying to look stern)
CJ: Because you pressed the challenge button.

CJ: Mama, where did you go again?
Mama: Las Vegas
CJ: I know why it's called Las Vegas.
Mama: Why?
CJ: Coz it was Vegas and it was lost.

Before school carpool:
Mama: See you later, CJ. I love you.
CJ: I know that, mama. Why do you have to keep saying that?
Mama: So you won't forget that I love you.
CJ: Okay. Love you mom. Bye.

The next morning, after decorating our tree:
CJ: Mama, the tree still looks great. But the house is not perfect yet. The house is not done.
(Yep, we are indeed not done with the house.)