The celebratory end-of-year field trip for Ayden’s kindergarten class was a trip out to Camp Tilikum in Newberg, OR on June 2nd. To add to Ayden’s excitement about this trip, Patrick was able to take the day off from the shop to be one of the parent helpers for the first time this year! Ayden was VERY excited to have his Daddy come to a school event (and I think Patrick was pretty excited too!). The morning started out with a bus ride from the school, complete with some Bus Bingo to keep everyone entertained for the 45 minute drive. The weather wasn’t ideal – a little drizzly and gray, which it had been for months – so much mud and muck was in store. Once the buses arrived at the Camp, the teachers had planned out a full agenda (having done this trip for many years in a row now) to keep everyone busy and engaged. From a rope bridge challenge to a rock wall, then a forest hike with a nature “Hike and Hunt” scavenger activity, the kids were busy from start to finish. There was an old schoolhouse building in which they were able to hide from the rain, then on to fishing for trout and salamanders. Ayden’s favorite part of the trip was catching and holding the salamanders (especially since the girls thought they were gross and slimy!). While the group waited for the buses to take them back to school, the group squeezed in a couple games of Tug-of-War. All in all it was a fun, eventful and memorable trip – and a great way to end a fantastic Kindergarten year! Thank you Mrs. Kohl!!! 
Windblown and weary, we finally made it back to the car and leisurely made our way back up the coast, stopping whenever the mood struck us at various viewpoints, state parks and scenic spots along the way. All in all it was a positively glorious family outing – and a much needed one too. Really recharged our spirits! 
You’re invited to attend a free Inspirations online class with Heritage Makers!