Butterflies...In the Stomach

Last Friday, Samantha's pre-school class went to the Butterfly Place in Westford, Massachusetts.  I was a little nervous about going because I have a strange fear of multiple insects being in one place.  I don't mind one butterfly, but multiple scares the heck out of me.  I can't explain it.  I just had to put my big girl Mommy shoes on and just do it.

Samantha's pre-school class is a Kindergarten readiness class, Sam's teacher thought it would be fun to have the students ride on a yellow school bus to get ready for this Fall when the students are in Kindergarten.  Samantha had never been on "Big Yellow" before, so she was so excited.  So excited in fact, she grabbed the seat in the front and sat next to one of her teachers.  I was hoping to sit with her, but I don't want to be one of those mother's who hovers over their kids.  I want to make sure that they learn and get the whole effect, even if that means me missing out on their first time riding on a school bus.  But, never fear, I managed to sit a few seats behind her and snuck in a picture or two on the bus.

Every so often, Sam would turn around and wave to let me know she was o.k.

We've arrived!

(My anxiety starts to rise)

Sam sat with her friends Chloe and Marisa and watched a short video on butterflies and how they grow to be butterflies.

Samantha was hoping for a Blue Morpho butterfly to land on her.  She didn't get a Blue Morpho, but she did have another friend who wanted to take a break on her shoulder...

(I should point out that Samantha informed me that Blue Morphos are blue, and brown on the underside of the wing.  Yes, she used the word, underside.  When I asked her where she learned that, she said, "Diego!  He knows everything about butterflies!")

Just the look on Samantha's face when the butterfly landed on her.  That look of shear surprise and happiness, I knew I couldn't freak out in front of her, or be afraid for that matter.  So, my anxiety seemed to go down a little.    Then I looked down and saw a butterfly landed on me.  Again, Samantha was SO excited.  "MOMMY!  Look!"

Climbing back onto the school bus.  Sigh.  Almost 5 years old and already showing signs of not needing Mommy.  When did she become such a big girl?



Sam receiving a hug from her friend Kae.  Samantha told Kae that she had some leftover snack and that once they got off the school bus, she would be happy to share with Kae.

I really had a great time.  I got to have some one-on-one time with Sam, which doesn't happen very often.  I survived something that I was afraid of.  Plus, I was able to sit and relax and talk to the parents on the bus.  It was an overall amazing day.