I signed up to help chaperone the 3rd graders on their field trip to the local zoo. Both of my kids were in my small group, so I had the chance to watch them interact with their classmates. They ran to show others their favorite animals; remembered their quarters to feed the goats; and volunteered to be first to milk the new "pretend" cow.
It was a beautiful day and one to mark down, as likely my last "chaperoning" event. There will be few opportunities for volunteering with my new full-time status at work next year. But I decided that was ok. The day earlier I had hurried to the school to catch the last part of their school field day. I was reprimanded by my first grader who was embarrassed to have me show up. So, this new stage of independence for all three younger kids will be a welcome step for all of us. :)
