Oct 5, 2006

Divide and Conquer: A Strategy for Taking Boys to Museums

The public schools had off for Yom Kippur, so I took Jack on Monday to the Please Touch Museum, at his request. He has been begging to go, although I thought he was a little old for it. And yes, he was a little old for it. Little planes moving slowly on a track in the air? Bo-ring. Playing with plastic boats in water while wearing a too-small smock? Please. At least we got to ride the trolley and subway, which we enjoyed. We took that instead of regional rail, because we could park near Will's school and easily pick him up later in the afternoon, and take him to an appointment. Jack and I waited for him in the local Borders. I had forgotten to bring my book, Devil in the White City, so I got Home Cooking, by Laurie Colwin, which I have been meaning to read ever since she died in 1992. I bought two more Captain Underpants tomes for Jack. I drank coffee and he had water and we sat there quietly reading. For an hour.

This Monday, Will has Columbus Day off (These dueling holidays do get annoying!) and he wants to go to the Franklin Institute, a more appropriate place. Plus, we're members, thank you. They have a new exhibit called "Animal Grossology," which he should find appealing. Despite grousing about different holidays, I find it quite wonderful to have this time with each boy separately. We get to have such great conversations. And one boy is about ten times easier to manage than two. Nobody yells. No competition. A minimum of whining. Separate holidays? Bring 'em on.

4 comments:

Amy said...

The Animal Grossology exhibit at FI is really gross. I took Will to it the other day, and he loved it. But he REALLY loved the Baldwin Locomotive on the 1st floor. Have a great time!

Scrivener said...

Did I read that right? Did you say that you sat quietly next to each other and read for an hour? Wow.

Unknown said...

If you want company at the Franklin Institute on Monday, let me know. I've never taken the girls, and it's on our list of places to go.

Suzanne said...

I've yet to summon the inner reserves to attempt the Franklin Institute with my kids -- I think they're too young right now (although they would love the train, I think).

And by the time the Please Touch Museum has moved to its new location, they'll be too old for it.

Ah, well. I'm still planning on seeing the Tut exhibit, hopefully without children.