Field Trip!

Miles went on his first field trip today (which also means we signed our first permission slip the other day), and I was a lucky mama who got to go along for the ride! Actually, it was a walk.

This past week, the preschoolers were busy learning about different community workers. As part of their studies on grocery store employees (I hope the curriculum included baggers and stockers), the kiddos ventured a few blocks down the road to Cash Wise Foods. Our family rarely shops there because it's across town from our house, so the "newness" of the store made it extra exciting for Miles.

The preschoolers did a great job walking along the sidewalks, holding hands, looking for cars, and then cramming (all 10 of them at once) between the big revolving doors once we got to the store. Thankfully there's a button to slow the doors down to preschooler pace...

After being introduced - and introducing themselves - to Philip, a store manager, the kids got a tour of all the major departments. In the produce area, they learned about where fruits and vegetables grow and how they make it to the store. Here they are touching a coconut. Miles screamed with delight and exclaimed "It's tickly, mama!"

Next up: seafood. A variety of fish, clams, crabs, and...yes...live lobster.(I'm pretty sure that after touching the lobster, each kid promptly put his/her fingers into his/her mouth. It's like a reflex - they get excited and then nibble on their fingers. Delicious.)

We then went through the back storage area to see where semi-trucks unload shipments of food and where extra pallets of food are stored. The kids weren't too impressed...until we got to the deep freezer. Brrrrr!

We warmed up by going through the dairy cooler next. It all looks so nice and orderly in this picture, but don't be fooled. About 5 seconds after this picture was taken the kids all let go of each other's hands and ran loose. Fortunately they stayed away from the cartons of eggs you see at the front end... The chill in the air must have given them a boost in energy because it was pure chaos. I've never been in such a wild cooler!
The final stop was the bakery. The glorious, glorious bakery. As the kids were scoping out these extra fancy super sized frosted cookies -

Philip told them that the baker was on her way out to give them a special treat. The treat was rather small M&M cookies. I think I was the only one who left feeling a little disappointed...
We made it back to the daycare safely and in almost record time. The preschoolers were fantastic and it was fun being a part of their special trip to the grocery store. Watching Miles interact with his teachers and friends felt very odd...maybe like an out-of-body experience. I got a small glimpse into this whole other world that he lives 5 days a week. It tugged at my heart in a way that I didn't really anticipate, but it was a good experience for this mama.

Now here's to hoping that today's lesson had an impact on Miles, too, and that he becomes the best damn bag boy in Owatonna!

Biz-E

It's been busy around here lately. I'm sure most of you blog readers can relate. Here's a quick summary of the most exciting activities from the past couple of weeks --

Miles' friend Ava turned three years old. We went to her party, where she and Miles splashed in the pool with their other friend Myles. Snow White was also at the party...she chose to stay out of the water, though. Smart lady.

Tanner and I took a mini-vacation "up North". We were darn near Canada! It felt weird to have lengthy adult conversations and quiet meals...we were very lonely for Miles, but sure enjoyed our road trip! We rented bikes and rode along the Mesabi Trail system on Saturday morning. Here's some tilted proof -

We made a pit stop at a pretty lake. You can't tell by the picture, but the water had a rusty tint to it...guess that's what happens when you're a lake on the iron range.

We made a second pit stop at this moose. His name is "Honk". We decided he represents the city of Biwabik very well...it's definitely a one-moose town.

Since coming home, we've been blessed (SUPER BLESSED) with cool weather. Miles and Tanner took advantage of a perfect summer evening by washing the car. Aren't they a good pair?!

Last night we ventured down to the Steele County Free Fair. It's the largest free fair in MN. The only thing free about it, though, is the admission price. Too bad the cheese curds aren't included... Anyway, we briefly checked out the cows (this one was "Little Biff" - might be related to Charlie) and then spent a loooooooong time trying out each and every tractor and lawn mower. Miles will be happy to tell you which seats are the most comfortable if you're in the market for either type of machine.

We've got more fun adventures planned, of course...I'll do my best to blog :)

Thanks Hannah!!

Miles LOOOOOOVES his new shirt!! Let us know if they come in adult sizes too - Uncle Tanner keeps trying to squeeze into the one you sent Miles :)
We're proud to promote SFFA!

The Preschooler

Miles is officially a preschooler now! He joined new teachers and friends in the Preschool C room at daycare. He's been allotted 2 weeks to transition to the new room, but Mr. Social apparently only needed one day. There's a lot to learn about life as a preschooler yet, but he'll catch on... Although 2 1/2 years seems like a young age to be starting preschool, we believe this is going to be a very good change of pace for him. He's been the oldest kiddo in the toddler room for several months now, and it's clear he's ready to be tossed in with some older children.

We celebrated his exciting day with a special dessert (apple/fruit crisp - yum!) and he was quite chatty about his new experiences. I decided to get out the camera and record some of it...but as you can see, I was a little late to the game. Maybe interviewing skills and a longer attention span are something they'll work on in the coming year with him?! We can only hope.