Field Trip With Fourth Graders

I decided about a month ago I was going to take a personal day and go on a field trip with my son and his class. They were going to Springfield, Illinois to visit Lincoln's Tomb, Lincoln's home, the Capitol building, and the Cathedral. I was skeptical in taking the day off from teaching to escort 4th graders on a field trip but my son it worth it. I know his teacher is very organized so that is a big plus for me. The big day was yesterday! There are 21 kids in his class and he goes to a private school in Quincy, IL. We left right on time at 7:15 am. The kids were exceptionally well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We were worried about the weather but the rain held off until about our last stop. I took around 80 pictures. It had been an extremely long time since I had visited these places. I think the last time I was there was when I was in about 5th grade...as I said "a long time ago". It is surprising to me what a visit to some our 16th President's haunts will do to the patriotic side of you. It really makes me proud to be an American when you hear stories of what this one U.S. citizen was able to do in a time of great change. To me the Cathedral was the most interesting place. I had not been there and the Priest that gave the tour was young and full of energy. He really knew his stuff! What amazed me the most was that the amount of information the fourth graders knew about the catholic religion and it's symbols. Very impressive! The Cathedral will be being remodeled this time next year so next year's class will not get to visit. They had a spot in the church that they were testing out different things to see how it looked. It is already a beautiful place but when it's remodeling is finished it will be unbelievable!