Walking Field Trip Fun

Budget cuts are aplenty, even in the field trip department of the public school system (I guess our bus budget is linked to trust lands, so with the market down-turn, there is no money to be had and all buses were canceled for the remainder of the year).

Olivia's second grade went on a walking field trip to a nearby elementary school to see a production of "The Little Mermaid" and I got to go along. There's nothing like herding a bunch of 7 and 8 year olds down eight city blocks. Our group members were such good listeners, despite the frequent stops to pick up pine cones, walnuts, various trash, and rocks.

Olivia gets so excited when I come into her school and help with field trips or other activities. I hear that all changes when they get older, but I love that she likes having me around and is excited to show me off to her friends.

The play was pretty good--amazing costumes, scenery, and several kids with great singing voices. My group especially liked the ship!

Thank goodness the sun was out--although it was chilly, it wasn't windy or wet. Relief!

**Would you go on a walking field trip?
**What is it with kids and picking up stuff where ever they might be?

March Madness

Most people think college basketball when we say March Madness, but I (an apathetic sports fan, at best, sorry Linn!) am referring to the crazy, snowy, cold weather patterns we've seen in Utah this last week. Case in point--Coleman's field trip to the nursery this week:

The icy wind and slushy ground en route from the planting house to the green house made for a chilly commute for our group of four and five year olds... and for the moms too.
I don't have much of a green thumb, but I loved seeing the plants in their various stages of growth. It made me yearn for warmer weather so I could actually plant something in dirt that isn't covered in ice or snow.

The kids were fascinated with the indoor water fountains--the nursery doubles as a reception center. It was actually quite lovely, not that I'm in the market for a reception center or anything, but if I were, I'd definitely consider Highland Gardens.

Our cute preschool teacher Sherri (the 2nd mom from the left in the back) is great with our kids. She loves them and they love her in return! She's also our friend and neighbor, so going on field trips is a little like an outing with girlfriends and their kids.

I love going on field trips with Coleman. Miss Sherri tells me all the time what a happy and positive kid he is. She said her favorite oft-repeated saying of his is, "This is the best day of my life!"

**How's your planting coming along?
**Could someone please transfer your gardening talents to me? I could really use them.