Washington, DC Vacation - Day Three

Crissy May 27th, 2006

Today we are attended the Baptism of the daughter of a friend of mine from Junior High. This was the whole reason for us coming down to Dc in the first place. Aiden is still a little sick, but seems to be getting better and after a small freak out from us leaving late we arrived just as the ceremony was starting.

The drive over was shorter than we expected, but Aiden was supposed to take a longer nap which slowed down the getting ready process. We also needed to pick something up as an appetizer and then we drove in the wrong direction for about 10 minutes. Being that the ceremony had just started when we arrived I don’t think we were as late as we could have been. Of course I have a thing for being latek, which made the ride over quite unappealing to Chris.

The ceremony was at my friend’s in-law’s house which is beautiful. It was held outside by the pool and as we stood there watching and listening, Aiden decided to announce that he was hungry. So, during the entire ceremony he was signing and saying, “Eat! Eat!” I tried to quiet him, but he wouldn’t let up. Apparently the fact that it was lunch time was not being overlooked by him. He was hungry and he could not wait. Fortunately the ceremony was short and we were able to feed him. Whew!

It was so nice to visit with my friend and meet her daughter finally. She is a cutie pie (the daughter, not my friend. Not that my frined isn’t cute, actually I would consider her to be pretty, but I was always the cute one of the group. But I digress). Aiden got quite a bit of attention with his blue eyes, curly blond hair and adorable wide-stance walk as he chased their Daschund around. The poor dog couldn’t get out of the door fast enough! We stayed as late as Aiden would let us, although we did want to join the croquet game that was starting as we were on our way out. Catching up with friends is much harder when you have a little one in tow.

As we were there, I did notice how different our parenting styles were. I needed to know where my child was and who was with him if I wasn’t. My friend felt that since there were so many responsible adults around that her daughter was most likely being watched by one of them. I guess I’m not that trusting, even if it was my own family. I know “it takes a village,” but I’m not sure I’m ready to just let the village take over. Too much of a control freak, maybe. I know I will have to let go eventually, but I’m just not ready yet.

Our friends wanted us to stay so we didn’t have to go back to a lonely hotel room while Aiden went to bed early. We left anyway, saying that since Aiden wasn’t feeling well we should let him get some rest. Secretly, we were happy to have the time in the room by ourselves. We were able to put Aiden in the bedroom and close the door. We talked and watched movies and did things we don’t normally do at home because there are just too many things to clean, put away, etc. It was heaven!

Off to bed so we can get up and out tomorrow. I wish we could stay longer, but I am glad to be leaving before the traffic hits on Monday.

Entry Filed under: Travel, Parenting, Holidays/Events