Today, I went on Leila's first grade field trip to a nature camp and ecological center. Let me preface this by saying that I have great admiration for people who are at one with nature, but I am not one of those people. Even as a kid, I preferred to be indoors... far away from insects and creepy crawlies. It's always good for me to step outside my comfort zone. At least that's what I kept telling myself today...
This was my first shot of the day - Leila holding hands with her gal pal, Claire. How cute. (BTW, I didn't use my big camera today for reasons which you will soon see.)
Leila and Claire have been begging for a play date for months. I have a strict policy: If we don't know the parents... no play date. I met Claire's mom today and she and I formed an instant connection as two of the wimpiest moms there. I loved her!! LOL. The girls were thrilled to find that there will be play dates in the future. Claire was adopted from China, so I think the girls feel they have a special connection, too.
Part I: Digging in the Creek
This was the point in the day which I am least proud of. I tried to be big and brave... I mean I was in the water already... and I start pointing out the big crayfish that were swimming around my ankles. I asked the girls to see if they could try to catch one. "Why don't you pick it up, Leila's Mommy?", one of the girls asked. "Who me? YUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKK!!! NO!!!!!!" At this point, Leila and Claire jet out of the water and the other three in my group started backing up in fear. Oh no, how do I retract this statement? So, like a very bad actress, I started trying to cover my mistake with some serious over-acting that they weren't scary at all. The girls slowly came back in the water and all was good, but I was reminded of a very important lesson... never show your fears in front of a group of children.
Can a chaperone get fired? :)
BTW, here are a few of the little dudes swimming around my feet. Do YOU want to pick them up?
Part 2: Learning about Wildlife
This was my favorite part. The instructor was great and I learned as much (if not more) than the kids.
Part 3: The Nature Hike
At this point, the clouds broke and it rained during the entire nature hike. Oh well, I'm ok with getting rained on. It was below my knees that was soaked that I was worried about.
Leila held a tiny baby frog.
And I do mean a TINY frog...
I think I scored bonus points with Claire's mom when I whipped out the W*et-Wipes for the girls after our little frog excursion. LOL
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's back to school we go...
It wouldn't have been my pick of places to go, but it was great for the kids and anytime I get to spend some time with Leila and her friends is a really good day. Even with muck in my boots, I enjoyed our little field trip. I just won't be signing up to chaperone any camping trips anytime soon. ;)
10 comments:
A girl after my own heart! Loved your review of the day! I was in charge of the bouncy slide at field day today- no creepy crawlies for me! You go girl!
Oh, I'm so with you! Dalton wants to camp out and I've always had a really good excuse but I think I'm running out. Glad the girls had a good time.
Cute boots!
ACK! No, I wouldn't want to pick up those creepy crawlies, either. But I would look at it closely inside a cup, while standing in spiffy boots like yours. :)
Ok, as a first grade teacher, I must say that this field trip totally rocks and I would love to take my students there. HOWEVER-I would NOT dig getting wet or being around creepy crawlies.
Looks like a blast!!! Your Leila is simply gorgeous!
Umm... ew... is this what I have to look forward to? How very... outdoorsy.
And I love your playdate rule. I shall now implement said rule at Tonggu House.
Oh Michelle, I hear ya sister! I don't do this kinda stuff...but I would have maybe been some kind of observer. I'm not fond of creepy crawlies near my feet or any other part of me. You did great!
I am liking those boots!
Oh my... we are complete opposite then... I would be out in the water, up to my neck grabbing the bugs :)
HAHAHA! This post had me laughing out loud and cringing in my seat at the same time! I always think I like nature until I get out there and change my mind REAL quick! I don't think I could have even stepped into that water after seeing what was in the bucket! The little frog on the other hand...I used to catch the babies every summer. They always hatched by the beach I went to. HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS would be there hopping in the street.
This just goes to show what a great mom you are!
Oh, I would have had trouble too. I'm okay with a lot of outdoor stuff but not what you showed! What a great school outing though!
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