Well, today was the day. It started early. Parents and students started arriving about forty-five minutes before school starts. That was annoying. Before school is *my* time. That's when I am doing some of my prep for the upcoming day(s). Today I was finishing up progress reports so that I could get them sent home right after we returned from the field trip. So, having parents and students in the room was a bit unnerving, but I survived. *s*

At 9:45 A.M we began lining up to go the bus. I had already sent the kids to the restroom, so it was out to the bus we went. Did I mention that I had 11 parents coming with us? Fortunately, only two parents were riding on the bus; the others were driving their own cars and taking their child/my student with them. After a late start, we were finally on our way!

Because of traffic and red lights, we were afraid that we weren't going to make it by the time that we *thought* the film started. However, we made it there safely - with three minutes to spare! When we arrived, we were told that it started fifteen minutes later than we had thought, so that was wonderful! There were two other schools there to view the film, and they were at the snack bar getting their stuff, so we went right on in. We said "no" to the snack bar on the bus because we wanted the students' attention on the film, not on what they were trying to eat. It was, after all, supposed to be a learning experience. *grin*

We got ourselves seated... situated... and comfy. The parents and teachers were spread throughout the fifty students, and the little munchkins were excitedly chattering............until the lights dimmed, and the music started. To be perfectly honest, I had never seen an IMAX film without it being a teacher's sneak preview. During those, there were no trailers for other IMAX movies. Well, this one had exciting clips from other IMAX films and a few trailers for the other films being shown at this theater. It was so fun to see the kids amazed at the huge screen and the interesting things flying before their eyes! The "ooooooooo's" and "ahhhhhhhhhhhh's" were well worth the trip.

Then our film began. I could tell immediately that the students were loving every minute. There were some, yes, that thought, "This is boring." After all, there were no shoot-em-up, sci-fi special effects and what not. I just pashaw at that. *laughing* The film was definitely a success. It had touching moments, incredible sights, spectacular life-forms, and even some humorous antics of terns and elephant seals.

Then it was over. More murmurs of excitement could be heard as we left in a scattered single-file line.

Off to the park (in Palm Springs) we went for lunch. After a bit of food, ice cream (a little truck was there), and some time on the equipment, we trundled back to the bus and started up the hill. The kids were tired! Yay. The bus ride is much quieter when they are tired. Besides playing hard, it was HOT down there in Palm Springs. I believe it was nearly 90 degrees today. Whew!

During the ride, I was listening the laughing, giggling, whispering, and game playing that the kids were doing. It made me smile. As the bus wound its way up the mountain (slowly - very slowly), there were a few groups of kids that were playing the game "Rock - Paper - Scissors". It's amazing to me that that game is still around. Who would have thought such a simplistic game would continue through the generations.

It was a tiring, but very good day. I left at 3:50 P.M. I just wanted to come home and do my own thing. Tomorrow is Friday, and we have tests and a third-grade science get-together. It's going to be another busy and very quick day!