“Is that a leeeeeemo?”
First words I heard last Saturday morning as my 9 year old football fan stood patiently by the front door at a ridiculously early-for-a-weekend hour.
His smile stretched wide as he peered over his shoulder at me hopping on one foot trying to buckle my shoe and screaming something about why come I couldn’t find my BAG.
I paused to appreciate his excitement.
It was not a leeeeeemo, but it was close enough because it was black, and shiny, and stocked with water and snacks and candy and G-U-M, and manned by the awesomest chauffeur (shout out to my boy Syed Dan who owns US Limousine and Sedan but came to us by way of Blacklane) a 9 year old dude could ever hope to have for a day. He sort of has a thing for chauffeurs, and butlers, and the people who bring you room service at the hotel.
The relaxing ride to the BWI Amtrak station was just step one in a whirlwind, exciting day for the two of us.
We were heading to the NFL draft (so mommy could sit on a Heads Up Football panel and Dude 2 could have his football-loving mind blown by the possibilities) in New York City for the day.
I specifically reserved this experience for #2. #3 went to Toronto with me last summer. And, Dude #1 got to go on a previous NFL and meet-Will-Smith-and-Jaden-Smith-at-a-movie-premiere excursion. So, it was his turn.
**Begin unsolicited advice***
I like to do Mom-Dude dates from time to time. Solo action with your kid allows them to have their she-loves-me tanks refilled in a way that lumping them together and screaming them into action just doesn’t. Plus you get to know them. The real them. Because you’re not as rushed, and you can listen, and they speak freely because they aren’t worried about their big brother calling them a dumb baby head the whole time.
If you have a bunch of little humans in your charge I urge you to make time for one-on-one kid time, away from the others, not daily (pshaw, ain’t nobody got time for that), but periodically.
**End unsolicited advice.**
So we spent the morning on the Amtrak (“They have food on here? And I can order it and eat whatever I want? Is there ice cream?!”)…
And we arrived in NYC where his suburban mind was instantly blown by all of the excitement (“So, I can just put my hand up and a taxi will come for us? And there are TVs on every corner. And it’s so noisy. And, New York sorta smells like poop, Mom.”)…
We made it to Radio City Music Hall in time to experience the excitement of the draft (“This is just like going to a game. When can we get a hot dog?”)…
And then, Dude #2 got to watch Mom sit on a panel, with former football players, while current football players (“Mom, are you sure these are high schoolers, because they’re like men sized?”) mostly ignored me because I am not as interesting as someone with a pro-football career under their belts asked us questions about football life. He snapped a series of really terrible photos of me and then played Flappy Bird before remembering to pay attention…
My brave dude did decide to take to the mic to ask the players on the panel a question (the only thing that matters when you’re nine: how old are you?).
Following, we got to enjoy a tour of the draft experience, from where the youngsters wait to hear the news of their fate, to the actual stage where acceptance speeches are made. He even got to walk out there, in front of the crowd like a real life draftee (“Just like Kaepernick, right, Mom?”)…
He wanted to contribute to this blog post by sharing his experience. It took him 15 minutes to type, “When I went to the NFL Draft…” So, we figured a video made more sense. If you’re not super busy a comment would be awesome, he’s going to read them all later, You know, for homework.
*We received a complimentary ride via Blacklane, a global limosine service provider. You can use their easy booking system to arrange for travel for your next adventure. If you live in the DC area, ask for Syed, he’s pretty awesome. All opinions are my own.
Dude #2 – you got my little guy Zaid so excited when normally he doesn’t pay much attention to football. He’s 4 and usually just likes basketball so it was fun to see him enjoying watching you talk. I’m glad you had a good time!
Dude #2, you did a stellar job on your first video blog! Loved seeing your thoughts on the day. Your mom is pretty awesome, and now we can see she’s raising awesome kids too – not that we couldn’t tell from her blog posts, but there is just something about “meeting you” via video. Well done! (PS: you’re cooler than her on video … Don’t tell her I said that, she might not be friends with me anymore and I adore her to pieces..)
What a super fun experience!! Thanks for sharing it with us. Especially love the part about your mom’s “workers”. It sounds like you enjoyed your time in NYC and I’m super jealous that you got to hang out with NFL players for the day. I love football and am looking forward to the upcoming season.
GO NINERS!
OK, now that that’s out of the way, thanks for sharing this awesome experience! My son would LOVE to get to go to something like this!
You did a great job covering it, you mom should be proud (which I’m totally sure she is)
Thank you for watching. What’s your sons name?
Max. He just turned 6 last month, but my husband and I grew up in the Bay Area in the 80s, watching Joe Montana and Steve Young, so we got him YOUNG on the Niners train! :)
Hi, this is Cole’s mom. Wow, sounds like you had a great time in New York (I love NY)! You are so very lucky to have met all of those NFL players. Thank you for the information about concussions too! What was your favorite part of the day…limo ride, free food or NFL players?
Hi Cole’s Mom. My favorite part was the limo ride! -2
Great re-cap! NYC is crazy, and you described its craziness very well! I also love your information on preventing concussions….they are no fun! Just ask my daughter :-(
She got a concussion? How?
Dude #2 – I’m so incredibly jealous of your experience! I love football and this sounds like a really fun experience. Did you get to meet any players?
Thanks. I got to meet like 6 or more players. -2
Loved how your Mom didn’t know how to get into a cab in Times Square! Soooo glad you told us that in the video- because she probably would never have told us herself! And I love your video! Especially the part about academics and believing in yourself- so true!
Great Video! Keep making them!
Thanks. I want to make another if my mom lets me. -2
Awesome experience Dude #2! My boys would have loved that trip too. Great video!
You should take your boys in a leamo. Its fun. -2
I hope your mom shows you her commentary on the video, because she’s super funny, even though you probably don’t think so!
And, even though your story is a little different then the way your mom felt it played out, you did a great job recapping what the football players told you!
And yes, school is super important!
Thanks. My mom is not funny. She’s nice most of the time. -2