Shark Reef Field Trip

Rori's class got to go on their 2nd field trip of the year on Friday to Shark Reef Aquarium. Got to love Vegas- nothing like field trips to a casino on the Strip when you are in preschool. The Aquarium is at Mandalay Bay which is actually quite nice though and the Aquarium has its own entrance so they didn't have to parade through the whole place.

My friend Ashley (Peyton's Mom) went with Zuri and I, so the 2 of us and another Dad were the helper parents for the class. Zuri was her regular cute rock star when out and about. I was glad we were there as it was a bit chaotic. In all of Vegas there is only 1 other preschool program like Rori's. That class (which is located up in North Las Vegas) met up with Rori's class and a handful of other hearing impaired 1st graders for the field trip. So, that many little ones combined with the place also being filled with regular aquarium visitors and lots of dark viewing rooms was a bit nerve wracking in regards to keeping track of everyone.

They did great though and the kids seemed to really like it. We'd been there before this past summer so Rori already had an idea of it all. She kept reminding me though that she was NOT interested in getting too close to the sharks or touching any actual animals- she gets that from me. :) Afterward I asked her what her favorite part was and she said- "the bus and Peyton". She and Peyton are so cute together and they really do have a blast together.

I think the bus was actually a highlight for all of the kids- it is pretty exciting when you are in preschool. I had asked Ms. Wheeler earlier in the year about any ways I could help out the class throughout the year. One of the things she had mentioned to me was it was going to cost $100 for transportation for the field trip and it would be great if we could get it paid for somehow. I knew that $100 would be nothing for most businesses so I knew that would be something I could easily get done. I was happy when I called up a local business that has worked with several of the kids, Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada, and they agreed to donate the money. Rori alone has seen 3 different people there in our search for answers. So now we will be making a big thank you card for them with lots of pictures from the trip. Rori's teacher was a bit surprised when I handed over the check as she had only even mentioned it to me that 1time and I don't think they see a lot of that sort of thing at her school. I've already suggested to her that she dream a little bigger next time as I think a lot of places might be inclined to give to something meaningful for this super cute class. I've also identified a sorority at UNLV that has a philanthropy which has something to do with the Hearing Impaired and Speech Therapy. I think there could be some great opportunities to get them together with these kids to create some really cool experiences for both groups. I've talked to the sorority President, but I need to catch them at the right time of year- perhaps right after they get a new philanthropy chair that is ready to plan forward. I can't help it- it's the past fundraiser/ events person in me.

Anyway.... here are a few pictures from the fun adventure.

(I should probably note that the bump/ scratch thing on Rori's head happened 2 nights before when she was playing in the kitchen entrance and suddenly ended up head down and feet up on the metal edge that the fridge sits on. I have no idea..... Other than a few immediate tears the mark has been the worst of it.)