field day

Last Friday, our elementary school had their Field Day.  It is my favorite activity that the school does for the students.  The students (4th-6th in the morning and 1st-3rd in the afternoon) rotate through stations.  They have tug-o-war/potato sack races, an obstacle course, bouncy houses, a deejay/dancing station, snacks and indoor volleyball.  I have volunteered for this day every year since Bob was in first grade. 

SJ and Bob's classes were in the first group.  I was not assigned to either of their classes or a specific station, so I milled around to see if anyone needed help.  No one really needed an extra pair of hands, so I was able to snap tons of pictures of my boys at their various stations.  Bob and SJ seemed to be having a great time.

I did jump in on the tug-o-war station.  I missed SJ’s class, but was able to assist the girls in Bob’s class takedown the boys.  I love girl power! 

There was only one time that it was obvious that SJ was about to have a meltdown.  He was in the gym participating in the volleyball game.  He kept missing or dropping the ball and he was getting very sad and frustrated.  As I stood there, I was in a quandary of whether I should step in and give him direction.  I noticed his classmates were consoling him when he began to get teary. 

He looked over at me with a very red and wet face and I told him that he was fine.  (I knew he wasn't, but he has to learn to get through these frustrating situations.)  He missed a ball again and fell to the floor.  I said, "Just get up, SJ.  You are fine."  He listened, but continued to cry.  I decided to walk out of the gym, since it was becoming much too hard for me to witness his pain. 

A few minutes later, his class came out to go to the snack station.  He was still slightly teary, but he was trying to recover.  I walked over to ask him if he was okay.  "I hate volleyball!" he said to me.  "It is okay.  You are done with that station.  Enjoy your snack," I told him.  After having some orange drink and a freeze pop, he was back to happy SJ.  Thank goodness. 

Overall, the boys really enjoyed themselves.  It was very warm (94 degrees and HUMID!), but the kids didn't seem to mind that much.  I was so glad that once again I was able to participate in such a fun day with my kids.  These are the days that make being a mom so much fun!