13 Years

It's our first year at a new school and with that comes lots of new things - mostly for Owen, but also for me! There are SOOOOO many things to potentially get involved in it can be a little overwhelming. And coming from a co-op preschool where our presence on campus was very much a given (in fact mandatory and very scheduled) its hard to know how much to be around and for what. Luckily for me at the very beginning of the year a wise friend who is ahead of me down this path told me unequivocally that the one field trip I had to go on was to Crowe's Nest Farm. There were lots of reasons to make this one a "have to." First, it's a great little spot not far from Austin that we had never been too - it's a farm and a zoo all in one (faaaaar better than the quote "Austin Zoo"). Also, the time of year (weather-wise) is great. But mostly because this is the kindergarten field trip where the seniors at the school who have been there since Kindergarten get to come too! 

Here is my van of kiddos: D, O, B, and D

 I had the great pleasure of having Mrs. Adams ride with us - not only great for car "classroom" management (she had them counting by 5s in a round)! - but also because I got to chat with her about all sorts of other things! This lady is a true gem.

 There are 12 kids in each class - so this times 5, plus teachers, parents and seniors. Crazy!

 Sweet class and teacher.

 With some of the seniors that were in her class 12 years ago!!!

On the tractor-pulled trailer to see some of the more exotic animals.

Cold kindergartener + senior with roomy fleece = so sweet!

 I could tell that moments like this were bittersweet for the senior moms on the trip. Their babies are all grown up!

 In the diary learning about how milk is processed.

 My dear friend Melissa - whose 3rd youngest of 4 - is a senior. So thankful for this lady and her friendship.

 A very docile owl that let the keeper show us all his crazy body parts - fuzzy feathers, giant ear holes, weird eye lids.

 One of these would make a cool pet. The other will make a great dinner.

 Turtle friend eating his salad. Ahhhh the self-discipline. :)

 Sweet times with my boy. Wouldn't miss these moments for anything.