First field trip

A couple of weeks ago, Max had his first field trip. I was able to attend and hope I can make it to all of them! Rex said I should let him go by himself but as long as Max wants me there, I will be there!! We went to Guthrie's Pumpkin Farm in Riceville, TN. We had been there before as a family the first year Wes was born so it wasn't a brand new experience for Max but he was excited just the same. I think he was most excited about riding the bus because that is all he's wanted to do since the first day of school.  Parents had to drive seperately and I was running late and needed gas so I didn't follow the bus as I had planned to.

We arrived and the bus load of children started piling out. Our group got to do the hay ride and pumpkin patch first. I love being able to see the interaction of Max with his classmates outside the classroom. When I volunteer it's always during classtime so there is a different dynamic than the carefree time on the field. We unloaded in the pumpkin patch and the hunt began. Max wanted to find the biggest pumpkin. We ended up almost at the very end of the patch looking for the biggest pumpkin! Of course, if mom wasn't there he wouldn't have been able to lug his huge pumpkin all the way back to the wagon! I got tickled because Max was searching for the biggest one and several girls were just as far out as us searching for the smallest pumpkins.

On the hay wagon ride to the pumpkin patch

Searching for that big pumpkin

still searching

a group of girls looking for baby pumpkins

Max and his prize pumpkin!

After picking our pumpkins we headed over to the petting zoo. The children were able to pet several animals and they all got a turn feeding a baby calf. Thankfully, a few of us had some change for the animal feed so they were able to feed the goats, too.

listening to instructions before entering the petting zoo

It's a calf!

Max should be an old pro at this!

Feeding the goats

Mrs. Baker, Max's teacher

The children did a small maze after seeing the animals. There were signs along the way with instructions for them to follow and at the end they each were able to ring a bell.



We finished with a movie about how pumpkins are grown, a class photo and lunch in the picnic area. The kids were able to leave with their parents after the field trip but Max kept saying he wanted to ride the bus back to school. He changed his mind at the last minute so we headed home. It was a fun outing and the kids did a great job!

Max and his classmates. It's hard to get a really good pic of 18 Kindergarteners!

My sweet boy and me!



First Day of Kindergarten-first quarter update

Well my big boy did start school this year and I have to say that keeping him at home an extra year was one of the best parenting decisions I have made. Max was so excited and ready to go. He wasn't scared or nervous and didn't cling to my legs and cry for me to stay.

This was a huge step for him since he had not attended preschool and he wasn't used to being away from home all day every day. I was able to go with him the first couple of days and walk him to his class and stay for a little bit. That first day when it was time for the parents to leave he gave me a hug and said, "Bye, mommy. See you after school." I was a little teary eyed the first couple of days but I did okay. He didn't like the first time I dropped him off at the door in the car rider line but he got used to it quickly and that was the only thing he was ever a little uneasy about. He has adjusted smoothly and we thankfully have had no issues. He really likes to go and doesn't complain about going. The schedule has been a good thing for all of us but boy do we stay busy now!

He is excelling wonderfully! I am so amazed at how much he has learned in the last 9 weeks. He loves his teacher (so does Mommy) and all of his classmates. They all seem to get along really well. I have been able to volunteer several times in his class and I love going to help and getting to see what he is doing during the day. He got his first report card on Friday and he had all good marks and the teacher said he was an excellent student and a joy to have in the class. Good news to my ears.

At open house last week, each child had to write a sentence about their favorite thing at school and Max's said...I like the treat jar. Funny boy. He is invovled with the Good News Clubs on Thursday and he has really been enjoying that as well.

 I'm so proud of my little guy and a little sad at the same time. It so hard to see your babies growing up, maturing, and becoming independant. I know it's a good thing and that it's my job as a parent to raise a responsible adult but it is just going by way, way, way too fast. Sometimes, I wish time could just stand still so I can hold on to them a little longer and they can stay little just a while longer. I'm sure as a parent you always feel this way and you learn to adjust and move on but all this growing up is bittersweet!

Here are some picutres of my big boy on his big day!

Heading to school with his backpack and lunch box.

Waiting for annoucments and to go to class for the first time. I

think he was a little nervous here but he kept telling

me he was fine.

In front of his locker in his classroom.

In his seat at his table.

Getting ready to start working!