4th Grade Field Trip and Mom/Max Ski Trip

 Hey buddy!

  I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how proud I am of you. A couple weeks ago I went with you on your 4th grade field trip with you as a chaperone. It was the first time in 2 years that you had a field trip because of the pandemic and I was one of the lucky few parents to get to go. 

 

We went to the AZ Museum of Natural History which was really cool because that was your favorite place as a little kid when you were obsessed with dinosaurs. We even had your 3rd birthday party there! And now as a big kid you have been very interested in learning about Native American tribes and culture.

  It was so fun for me to be able to observe you with your classmates and see how you all interacted. It was clear that everyone liked and respected you. You seem to be a leader among your friends. I was most impressedwith how you interacted with people who weren't your friends. You included kids who were being left out and you were respectful and inquisitive to the adults who were tasked with teaching groups of rowdy 4th graders about natural history. 

  On one occasion there was an old man teaching about something and he was clearly getting frustrated and irritable toward the kids. He kind of snapped which only seemed to make some of the kids act worse. But then you, noticing his frustration and having empathy for him, made it a point to ask some good, thoughtful questions and helped him to calm down. 

   I was so impressed and proud that day. Even when you are naughty or whiney or fight with your brother, I know you are a good good kid.

   Last week you and I took a quick trip up to Flagstaff and spent a day skiing. Just you and me. I loved it. I loved that you wanted to spend the time with me. We laughed a lot. Got a little panicked on the chair lift, and got better at skiing, considering we are both amateurs. We made a lot of great memories.

I love you bud.