Nerds Take New York!

My Heathen #3 is a nerd - he loves school and everything about it.  The social aspect.  The bus ride.  The cycle classes.  The teachers.  And, the learning - he LOVES to learn new things.  Learning is a challenge this Heathen accepts with open arms and then asks, "Isn't there more?"

Many days ago, I wrote a post about my little "quarter-circle nerd."  The conversation that I documented, I also shared with my father in a phone conversation - who then shared it with my younger brother.

My younger brother was a "quarter-circle nerd" as well, and I love him dearly.  He and my youngest Heathen remind me so much of each other that I occasionally use my brother's name when talking to Heathen #3.

Approximately three weeks ago, I received an email from my brother:

Yo Danners,

Awhile back Dad mentioned Landon saying he was disinterested in something because other kids thought it was nerdy.  I’d be happy to bring Landon to Two Sigma for Take Your Kid To Work day on 4/23 so he can see what grown-up-and-nerdy is like.

You two could come in the day before.  I’d take Landon to work for the event and you’d have a day in Manhattan to yourself.  I fly out for Austin on Friday after work but you two would be welcome to stick around into the weekend if you like.   Should be able to fit everyone at my apartment so the only expense would be transportation to/from the city.

Let me know either way,

Rhys

My younger brother doesn't know it, but he made me cry that day.  It had been a difficult "mom" day with the Heathens, and then I opened this email.  I have the BEST younger brother - have I mentioned that?

I immediately accepted the invitation - what an ADVENTURE it would be for Heathen #3.  The older Heathens had each gotten to go on an adventure trip with me and without any siblings.  This was PERFECT for the littlest Heathen.

The Asst. Zookeeper made my travel arrangements.  He truly is the best travel agent to have on hand!  Plans were made.  Arrangements were made for the Zoo to run smoothly in my absence.  Bags were packed.  And the adventure began!

We took Amtrak from the Johnstown station to Penn Station in New York - it was perfect.  The train, and its dining car, were popular with the littlest Heathen.

Waiting for our train to arrive at the Johnstown station.

Finally!  All aboard!

Breakfast on the rails.

Comfortable for 7.5 hours - not a single complaint!

 Once we arrived in Penn Station, my brother met us.  After stopping at his apartment to drop off our backpacks, we headed for Central Park to exercise the Heathen.  Anyone who owns a Heathen knows that it is like owning a dog - exercise after a long period of little physical movement is REQUIRED.

Heathen #3 spent more than an hour running through the park and climbing up and down the biggest rocks he could locate.

Central Park, New York

After feeding and ablutions, the Heathen was exhausted and fell asleep with no difficulty, despite the excitement of the upcoming day.

The "boys" headed out the door at 8am.  And the trip to work required another trip on the subway (always a hit with the Heathen when we go to New York).  After the required "mom" speech (behave, be polite, BEHAVE), I sent them out the door!

My two FAVORITE quarter-circle nerds.

How I spent my day is NOT important.  I will admit that a lot of it was thinking about what was happening with the boys and really hoping that everything was going well.

I met them in the building lobby at 5 pm, and Heathen #3 was BUBBLING with his adventures and what he had done.  He had gotten a t-shirt.  And had a group leader.  And they fed him breakfast AND lunch.  And they built a robot. And. And. And.  

SUCCESS.

Heathen #3 talked the entire time we walked to the Staten Island Ferry.  I wanted him to do something "New Yorky" that evening that the other Heathens had not done.  And his uncle planned well.  Riding the Ferry was a new experience and gave the Heathen the closest look he's ever had at the Statue of Liberty.

We took this photo on the way back to New York on the State
Island Ferry.  That's the Statue of Liberty over his shoulder.

Again, it was dinner, ablutions, and then crashed into bed.  The Heathen was exhausted, but happy - which is all that mattered.

Friday morning, my brother headed off to work before we had to catch the train home.  While it was a short visit, and he spent most of the time with my Heathen, it meant the world to me.  Someday, I hope to be able to return the favor in some manner.

Heathen #3 and I headed out and found a little restaurant for breakfast, then took the Subway to Penn Station.  

Penn Station and waiting for the track number
to appear on the board for our train,
the Pennsylvanian.

Heathen #3 made sure he could wear his new t-shirt to school today.  He had an adventure that he will NEVER forget.  And, I hope, he feels a little more comfortable as a "quarter-circle nerd."  He has a great future ahead of him, wherever he goes.

And, to my younger brother - thank you.  Helping my littlest Heathen be more comfortable in his own skin is one of the greatest gifts you could have ever given me.  Thank you.