Fear of Flying

A plane fit for Indiana Jones

The aviators and astronauts who flew the planes and space capsules now on display in the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum might have been fearless, but it appears my 3-year-old grandson Owen might need a little more courage before he's ready to soar to their heights.

Owen and his 4-and-a-half-year-old sister Audrey are staying with us this week while their Mom and Dad vacation in Mexico and today we took them for their 1st visit ever to the National Mall. We let each of them pick one thing they wanted to see. For Owen, it was the planes and for Audrey it was Dorothy's ruby slippers, which now form the focus of  the American Stories exhibit at the Smithsonian's American History Museum.

However, when we arrived at the Air and Space Museum and Owen eyed the ceiling full of aircraft, he suddenly decided he really didn't want to see them after all. The pilots of those craft might have been interested in up, but Owen only wanted one direction - out. "Outside, Grandpop. We go outside," he insisted.

We didn't head outside immediately. I stayed with Owen while Grandmom and Audrey explored the inside of some of the aircraft. And by doing so, I learned some facts that I didn't know from one of the volunteer guides leading a group through the facility. He was discussing an old American Airlines steel corrugated plane from the 1930s. It seems there are 10 of them in the world that are still in flying condition and one of them was used in the Indiana Jones movie series. I also learned that originally all airline stewardesses had to be certified nurses. But soon, Audrey and Grandmom returned from their brief explorations and we left the museum way ahead of schedule.

Al fresco dining, D.C. style

Once outside, we headed to a bench in the National Sculpture Garden for an early picnic-style lunch. You know, the astronauts had their Tang and freeze-dried food packets, but it's amazing how quickly Capri Sun, Pirate Booty, and a peanut butter sandwich can restore a 3-year-old's confidence and energy.

Rested and satisfied, Owen declared he was ready for his sister's museum stop. But maybe he was a little too satisfied because on the way there he fell asleep. He slept through the history  museum. He slept on the walk back to the L'Enfant Metro stop. He slept on the Metro ride to Crystal City, waking up only when we started through the Crystal City underground. However, in so doing, I think he established that he is indeed a Price man. A Price man can sleep anywhere. My father, for whom Owen is named, could. I can. My son Michael can. And now Owen has proven that he can, too. Yep, he's a Price man alright. And anyway, I'll take a good sleep over courage any day of the week.

Tales, Tidbits and Tips
Coming up tomorrow. Audrey's encounter with Dorothy's ruby slippers teaches her a good life's lesson.