Friday, May 1, 2009

Jennica's Field Trip

Today was the first grade field trip at Jennica's school. They went to Quarry park, hiked to the top of Table Rock, and then toured the Idaho Botanical Gardens.

This first picture was taken about 2/3rd of the way up the hill. That huge rock is where we're heading. It's about 20 feet tall if that gives you any idea...


First the hike...

From an REI trails guide:
If you’re hiking with older kids who are ambitious and in good condition, consider the much more challenging Table Rock Trail. Climbing 900' in 1.6 miles, it’s the main route to
the top of Table Rock. For an investment of some huffing and puffing, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views
.

1.6 miles... that's 3.2 miles round trip...

Yeah... This was about when the tears started. I mean bawling tears. But honestly, it was only one kid, out of about 75, so that's not bad. I did hear a lot of, "This is the worse field trip ever!" on the way down. Honestly, I thought it was great. Really good exercise and beautiful views... And I think most of the kids had fun.. They were just not use to this kind of physical activity.


Aaron could not wait to get to the top so he could yell encouragement to the kids still heading up the hill. If you look closely at the above picture there is a person in the lower right corner.Okay this next picture is a few of Jennica's classmates.



This little boy in front is Jennica's teachers son. He's also in the class. He's also the boy several of the girls, who will remain nameless, are absolutely in love with.



(Ah that's better. Unobstructed view.)

On the hike down, Aaron took off, and got way ahead of me.. He's among the little dots on the trail in this picture. He finally looked around and realized he couldn't find me anywhere and started crying till I caught up with him.



After the hike. I just love the little girl in red's facial expression. Yup, that about summed it up. :) They're going to sleep well tonight.

Next on to the botanical gardens. During the tour the leader taught the kids really interesting facts about earth worms, and then the kids got to hold one if they wanted. Aaron wanted. His neighbors did not.

Did you know Worms do not "dispose" of their "casings" underground? They wiggle their little bottoms up to the surface and do their business there.. so when you find a worm up above the soil, he's most likely trying to do his business... so for heavens sake, quite staring and give him some privacy.

I Love it. I didn't even have to work out today.

Best field trip ever. WAY better than the zoo.

7 comments:

Stacy said...

That looked like a lot of fun.. I might just have to take my kids one weekend. I hope you are doing well, and can't wait to see ya. Stac

Ali said...

How funny are some of those kids expressions. I loved Aaron's excited little face at the thought of holding a worm... too cute!

mandbrid said...

What a great field trip! I love the worm pictures and Annika's jacket...

mandbrid said...

Sorry, Jennica....Annika is my neighboor about your age...I get your names confused a lot.

Kristi M. said...

I've done that hike and it really is a great workout. I did it when I was in middle school and I remember being surprised that there is a "B" up there. Looks like a nice day too.

Amanda said...

Good times.

Heather said...

Great pictures! I'll have to show Zack the ones of him hauling kids up that trail. :-)