Field Trip...and a List

As I type, Zoey is embarking on another "first"...her first field trip.  Without Mommy.  By now she has been loaded onto a charter bus (a perk of our International School) and is headed into the city (Turin) to visit the Gallery of Modern Art with her pre-kindergarten class.  Of course, in an attempt to balance the Hovering Mom with the Let Her Spread Her Wings Mom, I saw this as a chance to hover a little closer, so I offered to chaperone.  Denied.  No parents on this field trip.  I think my heart crumbled a little with the news.

But, "Its ok," I convinced myself.  "She'll do great!"  We've prepped for the field trip the past couple of days with mini-conversations about what to expect and a Berenstein Bears "Class Trip" book that we just so happened to have.  We reminded Zoey about being a good listener and making good choices - and amped up our own excitement to model all the good that is happening today.

As I drove Zoey to school today, she talked about the field trip.  The bus.  Listening to what Ms. Christina says.  Following directions.  Maybe doing some art at the museum.  She rattled off little bits almost as if to reassure herself about what was to come.  I packed an extra snack and extra clothes - just in case.  We got to school a few minutes earlier than usual - just to make sure we weren't rushed.  And as we walked hand-in-hand to the drop off gate, Zoey looked up at me and said with a smile, "I'm so excited for my field trip."  Let Her Spread Her Wings.

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A quick list:

5 Things We Miss About "Home":  (I"ll limit it to 5...for now)

     1. Our Michigan people (and one who is covered in fur and walks on four legs)

     2. Restaurant choices - that open before 7:00 pm

     3. Things we love to do out of the house that keep us busy - visiting our people, libraries, gymnastics, football/basketball games, holiday activities...

     4.  A garbage disposal - silly, but true

     5.  American television

4 Things We Love to Eat in Italy:

     1.  Pasta (especially pesto pasta)

     2.  Brioche - a culture that eats a croissant every morning?  Sure!

     3.  Gelato

     4.  Bruschetta

3 Things Zoey is Always on the Lookout for While Driving:

     1.  Mountains...especially snow covered

     2.  Bell Towers

     3.  Tractors driving on the main road

2 Traveling Adventures So Far:

     1.  Chamonix, France (during a cow festival)

     2.  Disneyland Paris

     * And one 9 days away...Innsbruck, Austria for their Christmas Market!

1 Word I Hear All Day Long From Kaia:

     "Mama"

Happy "First Field Trip" Wednesday, Everyone!