Apple Picking and Boys…
October 9, 2009
Last month I helped to chaperon Xander’s day care class at a local apple orchard. It was something I had been looking forward to for years – some of my fondest childhood memories include my mother coming on fields trips like apple picking with me. So I was “assigned” 2 boys along with my son to keep track of during the day. One of the boys is generally pleasant and helpful and listens pretty well. The other one, not so much… So, we all hopped into my car (I should note that the “challenging child” also came with a booster seat that I personally feel is entirely inadequate for his little frame) and off we went.
We were about 15 minutes into the trip when I got a reality slap in the face. The boys (the challenging one started it of course) began a lengthy game of one-upping each other. “I peed on the floor!” “I pooped on the seat!” “I pooped on your head!” “I pooped on your nose!” and on, and on, and on this went. Attempts to redirect them fell on deaf ears. Even after two of the boys tired of the game, the challenging kid kept bringing the conversation back to bodily functions. It was then, driving down the highway on a sunny September morning, that I realized that I have two sons and this sort of talk is going to continue for years, and years, and years. I visibly shuddered at the realization. And then quickly asked my charges “hey, who likes to pick apples?” and then after they tired of that, “hey! Look at that tractor!” Finally an hour later we arrived at our destination.
I’m pretty sure that herding kittens is easier than herding 3-4 year olds. Luckily, there were many adults around, so I managed to get some assistance in convincing my challenging child that he could not stay on the play ground, but needed to walk with us to the apple trees. It helped having a nice big wagon that fit 2 boys.
The picking itself didn’t last very long – maybe 1/2 an hour, but the kids had fun. We watch some farm animals, picked some apples and spent some time on their playground. It was a nice day. This particular apple orchard has a wooden sign with a scarecrow and a flower on it. The top says “How Tall In The Fall?” The idea is that you can take a picture of your child in front of the sign and compare from year to year. Well, last year we took a picture of Xander in front of the sign. This year I did the same thing. Unfortunately, last year they had placed a wooden box at the base of the sign, which raised Xander up 6 inches or so. So if you compare the pictures, he actually looks taller last year. Not exactly the comparison I was looking for…
I was mostly spared potty talk on the way home, but I think that’s because the boys were tired (thankfully!) Overall I think the day went really well. I had fun, the kids seemed to have fun, and we got apples! Next we we’re headed to a pumpkin patch. The farm not only has pumpkins but also hay rides and a corn maze, so it should be a good day! I wish I could continue to chaperon Xander’s monthly trips, but unfortunately after this one I’ll have to save my vacation time for the Christmas break…
