Fall Field Tripping

Today, MaKenna took a field trip with her class to Mrs. Stonebreaker's Pumpkin Patch (the same one Morgann hit up yesterday). And although I wasn't there (I wasn't there yesterday either), I can see that the girl, front and center, in bright pink had a blast. Surely, that is what the wide open grin is saying! It's screaming it for heaven's sake.

There is no worrying about MaKenna and school right now. She counts the days over the weekend until she sees Mrs. Onjukka again. By the end of the year, she will be counting the minutes seconds. MaKenna is loving every single minute, of every single hour, of every single day spent at Heidi Ho. We love her being there. Growing there. Learning there. And making friends for life there. I've made a few friends for life there myself, right there in the Heidi Ho hallway.

Me. Me. Me. Me. I want on the gurney and I want to try to lift the air tank. Which by the way, Mason could not. Those are heavy! After four trips to the fire station, the second grade interactive tour is by far the best. I can't believe how much I learned today with Mason and his class! We walked the mile to the La Grande Fire Station and then took a bus ride back to Central this morning. I felt this is where I needed to be. To be eyeing the teacher and students, ensuring my decisions have been OK, so far.

So, what do you know? That a city fireman's gear is 45 pounds. And that a little discipline goes a long way. The more I am around Mason's class the warmer my heart feels. It certainly isn't Mrs. Onjukka. But nobody else is her. Mason's second grade teacher is unlike any other teacher he's had. (For me, she may be a little Mrs. Pauls-ish.) At first that felt bad, given all the other circumstances. After spending ample time in the classroom this year (weekly reading groups and Art lessons) my mind is...swaying. Swayed.

Mason brought home his first weekly progress report! Last year he earned E's (excellent) nearly everyday. It was almost a given, I began to wonder if he deserved them. After seeing the box next to excellent checked and reading her comments- Mason is very capable, hardworking and responsible. He is a thoughtful student. I. Like. Her. Mason likes her. The truth is, I started to like her last week. And what I like is that he truly deserved those marks. He's that good and I know she doesn't just give those E's away! This is working!