That's a Wrap

Jacob wrapped up the school year this week, and as far as I can tell, his final school days consisted of watching movies, going on field trips and singing patriotic songs. We were invited to a musical program where the first grade classes serenaded us with Yankee Doodle and the likes and Jacob successfully managed not to throw up on his classmates. It's amazing how a crowded auditorium will bring out his shyness.

In the past week, he's been on two field trips, and I was able to accompany him on the one to a farm owned and operated by the family of a girl in his class.

On the field trip, Jacob learned:

1. Cows are stinky, and they produce up to eight gallons of milk a day.

2. It takes up to three hours to make cheese and it tastes funny. I thought it was delicious.

3. Foosball is best played with at least seven people while eating popsicles.

4. Hot dogs taste best when eaten with friends.

5. Teachers make you walk/run a long way to see horses.

On this same field trip, I learned:

1. American parents get really nervous about visiting a farm so close to the border. I overheard many comments about wrong turns and ending up in Mexico.

2. Living in Tijuana is shocking. When in conversation about summer plans, etc., if I mentioned that we actually live in Tijuana, I always got the same reaction, no matter whom I was talking to-- an instinctive step backward accompanied by a look of terror as if insanity were catching, or worse, the cartel might be hiding inside my purse.

3. My children are monsters. Apparently, I am the only mother who seems to spend 80% of her time refereeing arguments about who gets the red cup, the blue light saber, or that "special" Lego block that looks just like a dozen others that all three boys need.

4. I could never be an elementary school teacher.

So with these final lessons learned in the first grade, Jacob has been promoted to the second grade. 

But first we have to survive the summer.