Post originally published in Year 2010.
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My dear Benny.
Lately I’ve been thinking about places that I’m going to take you, to see things that will make your eyes bright with wonder.
Benny: Like where, Auntie Sally?
Me: Like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in DC. You’ll see things that can fly through the air and into space. Space exploration is truly something to see.
Benny: But Auntie Sally, I can do space travel with Star Trek. Armageddon with Bruce Willis isn’t too bad either.
Uh, but wasn’t that movie rated PG-13?
Me: Uh…well…ok. How about we explore the bottom of the ocean with the National Aquarium in Baltimore? We can see stingrays and scary sharks!
Benny: But Auntie Sally, I’ve seen scary sharks in Finding Nemo. The clown fish is my favorite!
Hm. This is harder than I thought.
Me: Well, in that case, we’re going to have to visit the National Museum of Natural History! Wait until you see the dinosaurs there!
Benny: But Auntie Sally, Jurassic Park is on IMAX. The T-Rex is awesome! It sure can run fast!
Must. Practice. Patience.
Must. Remember. I. Am. Peace. Loving. Buddhist.
I’m not going to be trumped by a month-old smart aleck kiddie.
Me: Okay, how about…
Benny: Oh, and Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser is great too, Auntie Sally. You should see it!
OMG, did this kid just steal my thunder?
Being an auntie is going to be tougher than I thought. But with a nephew like this, I’ve got game.
