To Greensboro by Train

One of the things I knew I wanted to do during my paternity leave was to take a train ride with Graham. Erica knew it too, so she planned a special trip for us. I viewed it as my paternity leave final exam given that, among other things, it involved three bottle feedings on the road and lots of baggage on the train.

Last Tuesday, Graham and I took the 12:17 from Durham to Greensboro, N.C., where we visited the International Civil Rights Museum (Graham made it through the full hour-and-a-half tour even though it ran into his afternoon feeding); had a bottle (him) and a Red Eye (me) at a local coffee shop; wandered the city by stroller (him) and by foot (me); and  passed some peaceful time by the fountain in Center City Park.

Erica drove to Greensboro after work and met us at Smith Street Diner. After having breakfast for dinner - including a biscuit bigger than my fist - we took a family outing to a Greensboro Grasshoppers minor league baseball game. Graham lasted six innings this time around; between the Durham Bulls and the Grasshoppers, we've now seen a full minor league game.

A train ride, a touch of history, some great coffee, a diner visit, and a minor league baseball game. Most importantly, quality time with my son and my wife. That's pretty much a perfect day in my book.

Graham on his first train ride

Outside the Civil Rights Museum

Mmmm ... diner food

Mommy and Graham at the diner

Finishing up the day with some Grasshoppers baseball