As I'm chewing my breakfast I realize that after three days, I'm kind of getting used to having teenagers around. Yesterday was easier than the day before because Josh went out on Monday night and bought them both alarm clocks. He handed the clocks to the kids, then told them since they were old enough to travel without their parents, they were old enough to get themselves out of bed in the morning.
He sounded so Dad-like when he said, "I don't care how you do it, but I want you dressed and ready to walk out the door by 6:45."
Conor likes three snoozes, so he set his to go off pretty early, but Anna set hers for the last possible minute. She rushes through the house like a tornado. It's actually kind of humorous to watch. I've also enjoy watching Josh sit back and observe them with a slight smile. It's like he's studying them and taking mental notes on how to handle teenagers. God, I love him.
Overall, Tuesday was good. Even though the kids weren't thrilled about getting up early, they managed to be ready on time. And Helen and I managed to get some business discussed while the kids all bowled in the morning, then played in the pool in the afternoon. Conor really enjoyed our after work outing to the National Archives. Then he'd helped me make dinner while Josh and Anna went on a run with Phil. After dinner, we ended up back at the White House where we all enjoyed watching National Treasure. I think Conor should do his report on that movie. He'd have a lot to compare and contrast regarding historical accuracy.
"Maybe we should add the Library of Congress to our plans." Josh interrupts my internal reflections of yesterday.
"Are you thinking about the movie too?" I grin at him over my coffee cup. He really did like it.
"Yes. I think it would be fun to go to all those places. Too bad we don't have time to go to Philadelphia with the kids. He'd really be able to write a great report!"
"Well, he hasn't even picked that movie yet. And I still have Seabiscuit and Saving Private Ryan coming. They should be here tomorrow. We can all watch Seabiscuit but I don't think Saving Private Ryan is going to be appropriate for the Santos kids."
"It's not. Sam and I saw it when it was in theaters and I have no desire to see it again. I don't think you should either. It's a lot of shooting and explosions."
"Oh. Maybe I shouldn't have ordered it?"
"No, it's fine. Matt said he'd watch it with Conor."
"You are a really good Uncle! Making arrangements for Conor to have one on one time with the President! How cool is that?"
Josh grins at the praise. Then sobers a minute.
"Having the kids here has been really great. Conor reminds me a little bit of myself. When I was his age and starting to be interested in politics, that's when Leo started mentoring me. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I don't want to push Conor, but I'd like to nurture his interest and make sure he knows that I'll be here for him if he wants to go down this road."
My heart feels like it's going to burst. I just love this man so much. Does he get that he already did that once before? He nurtured my interest in politics. I wouldn't be where I am without him. Lulu gives me a kick and I laugh out loud. I really wouldn't be where I am without him. I'm about to remind him when Anna flies out of our bathroom and through the kitchen.
"5 minutes!" Josh hollers at her with a smile on his face.
At 6:45 precisely, the three of us stand before him ready to go. "You all look good!" He smiles at us like a proud Dad. We do look like the All-American family. Anna is wearing white capris and a bright red tank top. Conor has a navy blue polo and khaki cargo shorts. I'm wearing a bright blue dress. I have a white sweater for inside. I couldn't convince Josh to wear jeans even though it's a federal holiday. It's a shame because I really like him in jeans. But he looks sharp in his light blue oxford, grey slacks and a red tie with narrow white and blue lines. I give it a closer look. I think it's one of President Bartlet's ties. I'll have to ask him later. He's got his shirt sleeves rolled up on his forearms and he bounces a little as he grins at us. Even without the jeans, he's got that boyish thing going on. God, I want him.
"Let's go!" He announces, so we must have passed inspection. The kids and I follow him out the door. Today should be fun. Sure, we're still working, but it's mingling with military families, staffers, and members of Congress during a picnic on the South Lawn. Anna was a little put out last night when Josh announced that we still needed to leave at the same time.
"But I don't understand! It's a holiday. I thought we were going to a picnic. I don't want to get up early."
Josh listened patiently to her whining, then firmly told her. "I hear you. There are plenty of times in life when we have to do something we don't want to do. You have a lot of days left in your life where you get to sleep in. I need you to come with Aunt Donna and me in the morning. I love you guys just too much to leave you here, and I really need to get some work done before the fun starts."
She had a little attitude when she'd answered "Okay, Uncle Josh." But here she is, ready to go, on time, and fairly pleasant. I look at him across the seat. He's balancing the boyish charm and the future father really well. Both sides of him are an incredible turn on.
When we get to the White House, Josh and I head to our offices while sending the kids to the mess for breakfast since they didn't give themselves time to eat at home.
"Come to my office when you're done," I tell them. "Then we'll find something else for you to do."
I've actually already made arrangements for them to watch a movie in the White House theater. I think they're going to be pretty excited. Transformers is being released today and they are going to be among the first people to see it. Technically, they are screening it for Mrs. Santos. Peter really wants to see it and she wants to know if it's appropriate.
After the movie ends, Conor and Anna come back to my office. Karen shows them in with a smile. The kids are chattering with each other and telling her how great the movie is. They are obviously excited. Karen smiles at me over their heads. I told her she didn't have to come in today, but she's a good assistant. She doesn't like to leave me alone in the office very often. Together we manage to clear a lot off my to-do list.
"Okay Karen, work time is over. You can go to the party or go home if you'd rather."
She gives me a look. "Are you really leaving the office?"
"Yes, the kids and I are going up to the Residence so they can give their report to the First Lady."
Once the kids have given Helen their report, they join Peter and Miranda in the game room.
"They're really good kids." Helen tells me with a smile. "It's been fun having them around."
"Yes, I'm really glad they were allowed to visit. Carly really wanted to, but I don't know if I could handle the younger ones on my own."
"Sure, you could. And I'm sure Peter and Miranda would be thrilled. They're closer in age, right?"
"Yes, Liam is almost 13, Aidan is 12 and Carly will be 11 in the fall."
"Peter would be in heaven! He misses his cousins."
"I'll talk to Josh and see what he thinks. Travel baseball is what dictates their schedule, but maybe we can work something out." I stand up and Helen sees my intention.
"I guess it's about time for us to make an appearance outside, isn't it?"
"Yep. Let's get the hooligans."
"Which hooligans are you talking about? The children or the husbands?"
I grin at Helen. I was thinking kids, but I like her style. "Both, I guess."
Once we've gathered our families, we mingled for a while. Josh and I get stuck with Senator Gillette, and I nod at Anna when she asks if they can go play some lawn games. They should be fine on their own.
When we finally break free of Seth, I really need to pee. I'm also kind of tired. I could just use a break. It's a little early for dinner, but I'm hungry too.
"Let's grab the kids and eat in your office, okay? I'd like to sit for a while."
Josh immediately looks concerned. "Are you okay? We can go home if you want."
"I'm fine, Josh. I'd just like a little break."
"Okay, then how about you go to my office and lay down on my couch. I'll find the kids and we'll bring you some food."
"That sounds like a plan."
When I hear Josh and the kids coming in, I sit up and look at my watch. I'm a little surprised to find that it's been almost an hour. I must have dozed off.
Josh sits down next to me and puts a bottle of water and a plate of food on the table. I'm famished, and it looks great. Grilled chicken, macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit salad, and a chocolate chip cookie. He did good.
The kids sit in the chairs across from us with their plates. Anna's looks a lot like mine. Josh and Conor both have burgers and chips. It's a holiday. I guess I won't harass them too much about eating healthier.
"So guys, we're planning on taking you to the National Museum of American History tomorrow." Josh says between bites. "I left Friday and Saturday morning open. Is there any place else you want to visit while you are here?"
"Yeah, the Newseum is supposed to be fantastic. I'd definitely like to go there." Anna looks really excited, but I feel my heart stop and my eyes flash over to Josh. He swallows his food with a grimace.
"Um, yeah, uh, I don't know. Okay," Josh stammers for a few seconds before arriving at his decision. "We can go."
"No! Absolutely not! Pick someplace else." I tell Anna harshly.
"But Aunt Donna! It's the only thing I've asked to do!" She whines. "Conor has got to go to all the museums that he wanted to. This is so unfair!"
"Adrianna . . . " I use her full name as a warning. I've had enough of the teenage attitude. This is over the line.
"Donna," Josh says softly, "they don't know. They're too young."
He pauses for a second, then looks them both in the eye before continuing.
"You guys were pretty little at the time, probably first and second grade, but do you remember that President Bartlet was shot?"
"Yeah, I think so." Conor answers and Anna gives a little nod. But it's pretty obvious that neither of them really do.
Josh takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out. "I was shot then too."
Both kids immediately sit upright. Anna's gone a little pale. Between the two of us, Josh is already her favorite. Conor looks like he's trying to remember if he should have already known this.
"Where'd you get shot?" Conor blurts out. I feel myself flinch.
"Right here." Josh's hand hovers near his chest, and I feel the tears gather behind my eyes. I came so close to losing him, and Lulu! If he'd died, I wouldn't be having his baby! The thought strikes me like a blow and I curl around her reflexively, and cradle her through my skin. I can't stop the tears rolling down my cheeks.
"It happened at the Newseum. Uncle Josh almost died." I manage to choke out. Josh gathers me in his arms and I weep on his shoulder. I don't care what the kids think. We are not going there.
After a few awkward minutes, Anna says quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
She really is a good kid. I'm sorry I snapped at her.
"It's okay, Anna," Josh says kindly, "but I think you'd better save that museum for a trip with your parents. I've heard it's really good. There is an exhibit about the shooting at Rosslyn, and one about the explosion in Gaza. If you have questions after you've seen them, we can answer them. But neither of us wants to go back there ourselves. I hope you understand."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
"It's okay kiddo. You didn't know. Is there some place else you'd like to go?"
"Um, the Mall?"
"Sure, we can go back to the National Mall, there are still some things we haven't seen there."
"Uncle Josh, I meant the real mall. Forever 21 is having a sale."
Conor rolls his eyes, but Josh bursts into deep belly laughs. I feel the tension lift. And I manage to pull myself together.
"Sure. We can go to the 'real mall'. How long does the sale last?" Josh is so good at this! I know he doesn't care about the sale, and I'm sure he has no idea what he's getting himself into shopping with a teen girl, but this should be fun.
Anna wrinkles her nose a little and shrugs, which for some reason sends Josh into another round of laughter.
"I don't know probably all weekend?"
"Okay, we'll go on Friday or Saturday. I'll buy you some shoes."
"Really? I love you Uncle Josh!" Anna throws herself into his arms and he snuggles her a bit and kisses the top of her head. He use to bribe me with shoe shopping too. I'd better watch out or Lulu is going to be so spoiled.
After dinner, we head up to the Residence. Matt and Helen invited us to watch the fireworks from the roof. They aren't my favorite thing anymore, but tucked under Josh's arm and surrounded by my family, I think I'll be okay.