Storybook Land 2009

The pre-nursery and nursery school classes at Will's school take a trip to Storybook Land every spring.  Will had a great time last year (first photo) and he's been looking forward to this trip (second photo, same kids) for the last twelve months.  

This year, some of his favorite moments included riding on the big yellow bus, running through the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel, peering into all of the Storybook houses and riding the train.  From the enormous selection of souvenirs in the gift shop, he selected a squishy octopus (which has absolutely nothing to do with the trip).  And some of my favorite moments included watching Will participate in all of the above activities. 

Will conquered some fears, mainly due to peer pressure, and he rode the Tilt-a-Whirl and Roller Coaster.  As the ride operator buckled us in, he listened intently as I assured him.  He clenched my arm and buried his head in the side of my chest.  As each ride came to a stop he smiled and he danced off the ride yelling, "I was brave... I was brave... I was braaaaave..."  This was a favorite moment.

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As we were riding the balloons with Ryan, we had some interesting conversation...

Me:  Whoa.  What planet do you want to go to, guys?

Will:  Earth!

Ryan:  Atlantic City!

Me:  This ride makes my belly feel funny!

Will:  This ride makes my penis feel funny!

Ryan:  Me too!

Another favorite moment.

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But above all, I enjoyed the bus ride home.  It was sunny and quiet, as most of the kids were exhausted and parents were chatting quietly.  The bus windows were partially opened, letting in a warm breeze.  In a nostalgic, sort of comforting way, the bus bumped, rocked and swayed along the parkway.  Will played with his stretchy octopus and we talked about the day.  He leaned against me and I watched as he slowly drifted off to sleep, eventually falling into my lap.  I brushed his hair with my fingers and memorized the feel of his hand in mine.  All the while, I was thinking about how much he had changed in the last twelve months and how quickly he's growing up.  A little bittersweet, but above all, my most favorite moment.

(You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to get this photo.)

The Three R's of Will's Class Trip

Realization

About two weeks ago, Will's school announced a class trip to a nearby farm for a hay ride and pumpkin picking. Parents were invited, but not required to attend.  I decided to let Will go on his own... thinking this would be a good experience, one that would serve his sense of independence.  

Then, about one week ago, Will came to the realization that I wasn't going.  He broke into tears and insisted that I come along.  Being a teacher of adolescents, I know just how fleeting this sentiment is.  (In a few years, he'll probably be begging me not to come.)  So, I decided to go along.

Reproach

As we arrived at school, Will's friends (Christos and Russell) were sitting on the carpet.  Will joined them immediately and the following conversation ensued regarding the seating arrangement for the school bus:

Christos:   (teasing) I'm sitting with Russell.

Will: (whining) I want to sit with Russell.

Christos: (super-whining) No, I want to sit with Russell.

Russell seemed to be ignoring them.  At this point, I decided to interject some humor to diffuse the situation.  

Me: (giving Russ a squeeze and a smile, exaggerated whine) No, I'm sitting with Russell.

I didn't get a chance to gauge their response.  I hadn't noticed Will's teacher, who had been standing behind me and listening to our conversation.

Teacher:  (annoyed) Boys... Let's not worry about who we're sitting with.  We're all friends in this class.

D'oh (Homer Simpson)... I felt like such an idiot.  

Revelry

Overall (if we omit the part where I lost my kid in the corn maze), the trip was a great success.  The kids had an awesome time and I got the opportunity to meet some other great moms.  

By the way... guess who got to sit next to Russell.