The field trip in which the bus got lost.

When the field trip permission slip came home and the accompanying letter requested parent volunteers to go along, I was so stinking excited!  I immediately made arrangements for Hudson to spend the day with a friend and sent the form back noting that I would be happy to go along!  They needed 2 parents to ride the bus and as any others that were available to meet them at the pumpkin patch.  In my excitement to return the form, I forgot to include the money and it got sent back...mom fail.  Anyhow, I missed out on being a bus mom but that worked out in my favor.  

After an hour and a half delay, they unload and spend 30 minutes going to the bathroom.

On the day of the field trip, it was downright frigid.  After a week of mid-70s and beautiful weather, we get overcast, windy and cold.  I arrived at the pumpkin patch approximately 40 minutes after the bus was scheduled to leave the school figuring that it would arrive just about the same time as me.  When I saw buses pull up, I hopped out of the extremely warm van and went to wait for the classes to unload.  I immediately recognized the Kindergarten shirts and tried to locate the purple shirts.  I only saw 5 classes lined up so I figured Kemper's bus was one of the next in line to unload.  

First stop, the learning barn!

The first 5 classes take off with their guides and the small group of moms that were waiting on the next bus begin chatting (thank goodness for those colored shirts that we were encouraged to buy...I was easily able to locate others from our school to chat with while we waited).  We waited and waited and finally more buses arrived.  They weren't ours.  Bus after bus began arriving and still no Montgomery county.  We notice one of the other Kindergarten teachers heading back our way.  She leads with, "I am so so sorry."

Kemper giving the milking station a try.

Probably not the best way to lead off to a group of moms waiting on their kids' bus to arrive.  Then she tells us that the bus missed the exit off the interstate and is in Nashville.  WHAT?!  Now, I understand missing the exit but cannot figure out why in the world they didn't get off and turn around at one of the 4 exits between the missed one and Nashville.  She says she'll keep us posted and apologizes.  We all head over to buy some hot chocolate and laughing about the absurdity of the bus getting lost.  

Kemper and some of his classmates being goofy

About 20 minutes later (so about 50 minutes since the first 5 groups got started), one of the school administrators came back to let us know that the bus was still about 30 minutes away.  They had done a loop around Nashville.  Now we're bordering on complete insanity.  Luckily we all were getting a good laugh out of this and thanking our lucky stars that we weren't one of the bus parents for this trip!

Kemper chose to sit next to his teacher on the hayride instead of me...I'm not bitter. ;)

When the buses finally arrived, it was an hour and a half after the other kids had arrived.  They loaded off the bus and Kemper's teacher was ready to go.  Her class was lined up and waiting for our guide.  The other 2 classes weren't quite as prepared...many of the kids needed to use the restrooms.  I can't say I blame them but it would have been nice to get going because we were really crunched for time at this point.  After a 30 minute restroom break, we finally got going.  First stop was the learning barn where we learned all about how pumpkins grow and then about bees.  The kids did really well sitting still considering they had been cooped up on the bus for almost 2 hours.  

Kemper with his pumpkin.

Next up was the animal yard were we got to see calves, bunnies, chickens, pigs, goats and a donkey.  The kids also got to try their hand at milking a cow.  They had these neat milking stations set up so you could see what it was like...most of the kids loved it but there were quite a few who thought it was so gross.  We were rushing the kids through these areas because it was already 11:15 and they were supposed to eat lunch at 11:30 plus we still had the hayride to do before lunch!

Kemper's Kindergarten class 2013-2014 (and for those of you curious, his girlfriend is in the pink coat with her hood pulled up)

We headed over to the hayride and waited for a tractor to come back.  We spent probably 15 minutes waiting so by the time we got to the pumpkin field, it was close to 11:45.  The buses had to leave going back to school by 12:30 and our kids still hadn't eaten lunch.  We ushered them off the tractors and they each got to go pick out their little pumpkins.  We had to wait quite awhile (long enough to play "Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern" a few times) for the tractor to return and by the time we got back from the hayride, it was 12:40 and the buses were waiting on us.  You see, instead of having dedicated buses for the field trip, we were using buses that had to be back by 1pm so that they could unload and then get to one of the high schools to pick up up the high school kids who get let out before the elementary school kids.  So it was decided that our kids would eat lunch on the bus going back to school.  They thought it was the coolest thing ever.  

Luckily, they have no clue what all they missed out on by being on the bus that got lost.  The other classes had the chance to jump on the giant jumping pillows and play on the playground after they finished their lunches.  They also didn't have to basically run from one thing to another because we were running low on time.  Kemper's teacher did say that they were amazing on the bus while they were lost and she was so proud of how they behaved.  Kemper thought it was so cool that they got lost and told me that they went to the pumpkin store instead of the pumpkin patch (apparently they stopped in a Kroger parking lot to ask for directions and the kids saw all of the pumpkins).  

I can't say that I wasn't annoyed at the whole situation.  I don't understand why the buses didn't travel together and why they didn't make sure that all of the bus drivers had the correct address and directions.  However, in the end, it all worked out and our kids did arrive safe.  They had a great time and think that they got to go on an extra special adventure.  Hopefully his next field trip experience will be better than this one!

Kemper sitting with his class for the awards ceremony.

The next week, parents were invited to attend the first 9 weeks awards ceremony.  They do a separate ceremony for each grade level.  Hudson and I planned to attend because the note home said that Kemper had been chosen to receive an award!  

Hudson being entertained so I could attempt to pay attention.

Hudson was so excited to see Kemper walk in the gym but was NOT happy with me when I wouldn't let him run over to Kemper.  At that point, my phone came out and he spent the rest of the time on the floor exploring my phone.  

Kemper getting his citizenship award!

Kemper was chosen to receive the citizenship award!  A boy and girl from each class is chosen to receive the award each 9 weeks.  He and his little friend Briley got the award for Ms. Davis's class.  We are so proud of him and how well he is adjusting to Kindergarten!  When it was time to leave, Hudson was extremely upset that "B" wasn't coming home with us so I had to carry him screaming out to the car.  I'm so happy he loves his brother. 

Kemper gets to go to Cavman's house!

MeMe, Mommy, Pops and Kemper getting ready to leave for the game

When Kemper was first getting in to super heroes, it dawned on me that UVa's mascot was often referred to as Cavman and before each football game, they played a cartoon of Cavman defeating the opposing team's mascot.  I found some videos on YouTube and he fell in love!  He asked to watch Cavman over and over and anything with the Virginia cross sabres was immediately identified as Cavman!  

MeMe, Pops and Kemper

When we found out we would be able to go to Virginia over Kemper's fall break, MeMe mentioned that there was a UVa game that day and asked if we would like to go.  They have season tickets but we would easily be able to find 2 tickets for Kemper and me to go so as soon as I was able to make arrangements for Hudson (because, let's be honest, the thought of taking this tiny tornado with us to Scott Stadium ranks on up there with having a tooth pulled or getting stuck in a traffic jam for a couple of hours) MeMe bought the tickets and we were set for the game!

I think someone was feeling a bit left out of the photo ops.  

 Kemper was so excited when I told him we were going to Cavman's house...he asked me day after day if it was time to go visit Cavman yet.  We gathered our orange and blue (and bought Kemper some that actually fit) and the morning of the game, I had no problems getting Kemper to get himself dressed.  He was ready and waiting on the rest of us!

So excited to take this sweet boy to Cavman's house!

 We planned to do a very low-key tailgate before the game and grabbed some Bojangles on our way to Charlottesville.  

Ready for his first tailgating experiences

The entire time we were eating, Kemper was constantly asking if it was time to go to the game yet.  

Tailgating with MeMe and Pops

Pure joy!

When it was time to walk to the stadium, he was so excited he could hardly stand it.  It only took about 5 minutes of walking before he decided he was tired and wanted to be carried....rude awakening to him that he's no longer little enough for someone to carry him.  With some prodding and a final push of encouragement when the stadium came into sight, we made it and he immediately asked to buy something. 

With the foam saber he decided on instead of the foam finger.  

He did awesome!  He very much enjoyed the pre-game festivities on the field and loved watching the band march out.  When it was time for the Cavman movie to come on, he was beside himself with excitement! 

Watching Cavman defeat the Blue Devil...sadly the only win we would see that day!

There's Cavman, leading the team onto the field!  

Biggest smiles I've seen out of Kemper in a long time!  

It was so neat to see him experience a game and see how excited he would get!  He got into the chanting and cheering and just had a blast!  We watched the entire 1st quarter then he and I went for a walk and to get a snack in the 2nd quarter.  We made it back to our seats (with cotton candy and drinks) in time for halftime.

Let's be honest....this Cavman was the real reason he was so excited for the game!   

By the 3rd quarter, he was beginning to get restless but just rotated sitting on different laps and playing with his saber.  

I took him down to the edge of the stands in an attempt to get a high 5 from Cavman as he was walking around but Kemper got shy and wouldn't get close!  So starstruck! :) 

By the 4th quarter, he was getting tired and bored.  I pulled out my phone and he happily played game and occasionally cheered but he never asked if it was time to leave yet.  I was so proud of him that day...it was a long day with a lot of walking and sitting and he did great!  

We're from an area in Virginia where the majority of people (including lots of family) are Virginia Tech fans.  For as long as I can remember, we have been UVa fans.  I briefly entertained the idea of applying to Tech for undergrad but then ended up falling in love with Meredith and only applying there.  When it was time for grad school, when I found out UVa had the program I wanted, it was a no brainer for me to apply and I was so excited to get my M.Ed from UVa!  I will always be a UVa fan...good football team or not.  There is something about Charlottesville and the grounds of UVa that is beautiful and special.  I'm not a fair weather fan.  For now, Kemper loves Cavman and UVa...I hope he always will and that someday maybe he would want to attend UVa himself.  I hope that he never chooses his allegiance to a college or team based on their athletics and whether they have a winning record.  I loved sharing this experience with him and loved that he could have cared less whether the team won or lost that day.  All that mattered to him was that he got to see the REAL Cavman and his house!  

Trip to Virginia Part 3

Daddy had to come back to Tennessee to work but the boys and I stayed and played in Virginia!

There were meals at Grandma and Grandpa's and the boys each got to sleepover and have Grandma and Grandpa all to themselves!  Kemper got to hike Sharp Top and loved it!  He had such a blast with Grandma and Grandpa and not having to share them with Hudson is always great in his book!  Hudson got to spend the night first and Kemper was super bummed and jealous...he kept asking if it was his turn yet!

He did get MeMe and Pops all to himself though and that was pretty awesome in his book!

Hudson enjoyed "driving" Pops's truck.  

And helping Pops look for the ball that rolled under the van.  

And both boys enjoyed using Pops as a jungle gym!  I'm not sure Hudson appreciated having Kemper's butt in his face though.

We got to meet up with Noelle and Owen for a park playdate!  

He has to try everything big brother does!

A little soccer in the yard.  

And visits with Uncle Charlie!  

When Uncle Charlie got to the house, Hudson went with MeMe to answer the door.  MeMe said that when she opened the door, Hudson slowly looked all the way up at Charlie and then he turned and took off!  He can running through the kitchen and straight into the living room without even stopping to look at me.  I caught him peeking around the corner looking up at Charlie.  It definitely took him awhile to warm up to him but by the end of the night, he and Charlie were buddies.  

Rides on the lawnmower are always a highlight of their visits!

Hudson wasn't quite sure what to think on his first ride.

Kemper really enjoys playing my old board games with Pops...he isn't the best loser and Pops doesn't take it easy on him so there tend to be a few meltdowns along the way.  He rebounds quickly and is usually up for trying a new game in no time!  Guess Who and Trouble are favorites.

Hudson demonstrated his daredevil skills for everyone by standing up on his riding toy and balancing while giving MeMe a heart attack.

Kemper took over my computer and Hudson actually sat still for a book!

Hudson was having an especially grumpy night so we decided to go for a walk.  It was a beautiful night but not really helpful to his mood.  He preferred for Pops to carry him but did enjoy running after Kemper for a bit.  

Pops picked Daddy up at the airport at 11:30pm on Friday night and then the next morning, MeMe and Pops took Kemper and me with them to UVa for Kemper's first football game.  He was incredibly excited to see Cavman in person!

Trip to Virginia part 2 - Layman Family Farms

After the birthday party, James decided he had daylight left to go hunting so the boy and I hung out with MeMe and Pops.  Hudson wasn't thrilled about having his picture taken.

Daddy got a doe!  Since he didn't get to spend the whole week with us in Virginia, I was so glad he decided to go hunting that night and was able to shoot a doe.  

Jumping on the jumping pillow...one of his favorites!

On Sunday, we decided to head to Layman Family Farms since the weather was decent and it has kind of become a tradition to visit the pumpkin patch with MeMe.  This year, Pops and Grandma Peggy came along, too!  

Hudson enjoyed the corn crib, and, just as we predicted, he tried to eat a handful of corn.  He spit it right back out and made a horrible face...that was the only time he tried to eat that corn.  

After the corn crib and trying our hand at corn hole, we went to wait in line for the cow train.  MeMe rode with Hudson this year.  After the fact, James and I were talking about how when Kemper was Hudson's age, we let him ride a cow train by himself.  I'm not sure why but Hudson seems so much more baby-ish at 19 months than Kemper did to us.  Maybe it's because he is a daredevil and Kemper was/is always so even keeled.  I wouldn't trust that Hudson wouldn't try to launch himself out of his cow mid-ride but I never doubted that Kemper would stay in the cow.  

Next up was the corn blaster.  I was honestly surprised that Kemper wanted to give this a try because it was pretty loud and he usually doesn't care for loud noises but he was excited!  He wanted to do it all by himself with no help and he did pretty well!  His aim was great but he didn't understand how high to shoot it to get it close to the barrel.  

A little stop by the spider web where Hudson played while Kemper did the big slide a couple of times. 

Hayes family at the pumpkin patch!

Wandering through the corn maze.  Daddy and Kemper were ahead of us...Hudson wanted to stroll leisurely instead of racing through.  I'm thankful James has such a great sense of direction...I am positive that it would take me hours to find my way out if left to my own devices.  

A pit stop for a few pictures and to check in with Grandma Peggy who had found the funnel cakes and was enjoying the scenery and people watching.  

This little boy was being a stinker on the hay ride.  

Still can't convince him they're not apples!

Kemper found his pumpkin!

This boy loves his Pops.  

Again, trying to eat the pumpkins.

James appeased me and tried to help me get a good picture of the boys together before we left.  I think there are probably 50 pictures on my camera of various facial expressions.  This one probably cracks me up the most.  He is such a little stinker!  

That's better!  My handsome boys!

We love visiting the pumpkin patch in the fall...this was our second trip for the year and I knew that Kemper and I had one more trip ahead of us with for his school field trip.  Layman's is such a nice little pumpkin patch...everything is close together and we've never been there when it has been super crowded so the boys have been able to try whatever they want without having to wait.  Pops was impressed with how much they had to offer...jumping pillow, corn blaster, pumpkin shooter, corn crib, family animals, cow train, slide, hay ride, corn maze and a full snack bar.  I'm sure Kemper could easily spend an entire day exploring and playing!