Avionics & Lincoln’s Hat… Maybe

So here we are at Friday.  The last full day to get done in D.C. that which we have either put off, re-scheduled, re-thought or just plain ignored.  In other words, whatever Jon decided was not worthy of our attention, or his.

So how did we get to the point where a 9 year old [8 according to his Abuela] directs our journey through our Nation’s Capital?

Well actually we can’t put it all on Jonathan.  Seriously do you really think I would let my middle-namesake Grandson [Jonathan Charles] take the fall?  No, it was those sadistic teachers with their Spring-Break Homework schedule… and the morning video alarms…er uh… games, and "just one more biscuit" breakfasts and… oh lets face it, hug-a-bed late starts.

But Today, we will correct those mis-steps.  We will venture forth and catch up on all that has eluded our quest.  We shall make up ground and visit those missed opportunities, or Whatevah.

Actually, today’s schedule includes the National Air & Space Museum [the one in D.C. - there's another one in Chantilly, Va] which was originally scheduled for Sunday until DELTA screwed the Pooch by canceling Saturday’s flight and we were just able to squeeze in the pre-booked visit to Arlington and time with Prima YiYi.

As usual, a late start after another belt busting breakfast from the kitchen of our hosts and some requisite homework [curse you Avant Garde Acadamy] left us arriving at our final SpotHero parking spot at L’Enfant Plaza around 11:30 for a bit of a hike to Air & Space.

We almost made it there without incident until the odor of grilled onions, crispy fries, and fresh [not frozen-so they claim] meats came wafting down the way from the pop-up McDonalds trailer just outside the museum. 

Yeah… nothing could stop the moans and groans of:

“Oh Papa Please... Chicken McNuggets are calling my name”

And,

“Quarter Pounder with Cheese Puleeze!”

How could I deny our little troopers… besides I could use a Quarter Pounder too.

Belly’s full, for now, and we queue up for entrance to the Museum, past the X-Ray machines and David is again in Heaven.  Daniel who has joined us again follow’s his lead and Jon… wellll, it just not Dinosaurs.  Ok, 4 out of 5 are eager to fly [pun intended] through this tribute to man’s quest to soar above the earth and beyond.

Starting on the Airplane side, we get to visit most of the exhibits including the naval aviation portion which highlighted the part it played in both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam, helping to advance technology etc.  It also gave Papa [a history buff] a chance to expand on some of the exhibits, much to David ad Daniel’s excitement, Jon… still not so much.

The trip over to the other side where the rockets and Space Stuff didn’t take long before they were starting to wear out and much to Chucky’s dismay, the American History Museum and Lincoln’s hat were vetoed as this took a bit longer than expected.

Fortunately, there was an Ice Cream truck just outside the museum to quell any further gripes of "Are We Done Yet" and we worked our way back to the car.

Now very familiar with the traffic patterns, Chucky got them out of town in record time.  One last stop at GIANT for some Breakfast fixin’s and to restock the Wine wrack and we were back at Villa McGlynn in record time.

Angie had to Work at the Neo-Natal unit today, but Danny had made plans to take us to his favorite spot for dinner, Sweetwater Tavern.  Another Great Treat!

No reservations allowed but a call ahead had us set up for a short wait for a very broad menu with something for everyone.

If you ever get the chance to visit one of these “Great American Restaurants” [they've got 8 brands] you MUST try the Blue Crab and Shrimp Fritters with grilled corn salsa & lobster ginger sauce, Oh My!!!

Jon was in Heaven with Grilled Smoked Salmon, Dave and Daniel wailed on grilled Tenderloin with a side of Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and all was good in their world.

Once back home with some great leftovers for Angie, Video games ruled downstairs, Wine and Conversation upstairs as Angie arrived to dig into the Fritters etc.

Same old nights end routine prevailed as Chucky knocked out one last NOWAT for posting after they return.

Saturday would bring an end to this most wonderful sojourn with a trip to Dulles International for a 3PM flight home via Atlanta.

More on that in the next post, along with the usual wrap-up… or whatever strikes his fancy.  

Uh... pass that Tasty Cabernet over here please...

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The sorry its ending so soon, 

Dragon Lady