Monterey with the 4th grade

The day after Mother's Day (also the day I got home from my trip) I chaperoned the 4th grade trip to Monterey. We left at 6am on charter buses. It was great that so many parents could go because it made it so that we only had 3 kids in each group. I (obviously) had Zack, his friend Mark and a boy named Joshua. Joshua drove me crazy! As I've said before, I usually don't sleep the night before a trip and this trip was no different so I looked forward to a little early morning siesta on the way to Monterey....but Zack and Mark took the front seat and Joshua jumped into the seat next to me. He talked and tapped on me the entire time! He asked me if we were there yet 4 times before we even hit Madera!!! I think my relationship with God grew that day, as I was constantly calling on Him to HELP me with Joshua. We stopped at Casa De Fruita for breakfast (which we were to bring ourselves) and a bathroom break. Joshua didn't bring anything for breakfast. He badgered me for my one little muffin that I brought and the banana that Zack brought! Then he was thirsty and wanted to drink my water!! At least he was able to use the bathroom by himself. The Peacocks were out and roaming.

Zack and Mark

When we got back on the bus from Casa De Fruita, Zack said he wanted to sit with me!! (see....prayer works!!) (and no, Zack didn't know I was going crazy w/Joshua)

Monterey had such beautiful flowers, I was totally coveting them for my own measly little dried up garden.

We walked the Path Of History, checking out all the historical sites along the way.

The San Carlos Cathedral is the only Presidio chapel remaining in California. It was closed due to retrofit and conservation (that's what the sign said), but you could still see the bells behind all the construction. But I of course just have a picture of the building next to it with a docent type lady walking out to share her wealth of Mission history information.

Bird Attack up on the looking deck....dropping bird bombs as we all ran away!

Tiny Hermit Crabs scattered across the rocks not realizing what or who was coming...

Zack and Chase

Overall it was a good trip. Zack sat with me on the way home and we both got in a good snooze. Unfortunately there were many Hermit Crab casualties, as several kids tried to sneak them onto the bus tied in bags of water.....no air! When it finally clicked that the crabs needed air, the kids put their heads together and decided to stuff the poor crabs into water bottles....filled with bottled water....and still no way for the crabs to get air because they were stuck floating in the non salt water! Some crabs were thrown back towards the water....from some 20+ feet up! Most of the other parents and even teachers just shrugged it off as no big deal! How sad! It was good to get home!