Early Early Morning

Washington DC, Here She Comes...

And Yes, I Cried....More Than Once!

The early morning darkness was great for one thing... hiding my tears! If had been daylight, I would have had to wear my sunglasses!

We had to be at the school by 4:30AM

I set my alarm for 3:45....planning to leave the house at 4:10 (even though we live 3 minutes away)

Katherine set her alarm for 2AM!!!!!!!! And she woke up at 2AM!!!!!

When she woke me up, I told her to come back at 3:45. She dressed, ate, walked Riley, watched TV, and worked on the Computer. A very productive morning for a very excited Safety Patrol.

Who would have known,,,,this group of Safety Patrols is in

Washington DC at the same time

The POPE is visiting.

They are all hoping to get even a glimpse of him, especially today on his 81st Birthday.

Heading out the door.

My camera said this photo was taken at 4:08AM.

It was so dark and COLD, yes COLD. I know for sure that if I lived in a cold climate, I would not make it out the door many early mornings. Wow...my hat is off to Early Morning Seminary Students even more in a COLD climate.
When we got to the school, the parking lot was filling fast. 150+ children, parents, and teachers in the early morning darkness. No parking lot lights were on and the car headlights came and went.

Katherine managed to find her BFF, Marissa, and they were ready to load the bus.

On a side note....Katherine and Marissa both found out that they did NOT get in to BAK Middle School of the Arts yesterday. It was bittersweet. I was not sure Katherine should go to that school so far away with all of her Asperger limitations. As wonderful of a school as BAK is, I was more concerned that she and Marissa be in the same school next year (whichever it was).

Marrissa is the perfect friend for Katherine and Katherine is the perfect friend for Marissa.

Now we know they will be at the same Middle School next year.I feel better about having Katherine at the neighborhood school at the top of our street and being more involved in this local school.

I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear their conversations. I predict that most of the children will sleep on the bus to the airport and/or on the plane ride to Washington DC. For the sake of the chaperons, I hope they sleep at the same time!!!!

Thanks to incredible Teachers and staff support, Katherine can even go on this trip.
I could not let Curt go on this trip many years ago due to the chaperon (or lack of) situation.
Jeffrey did not go on this trip as he was Home Schooled in 5th Grade.
Andrew got to go with Wellington Elementary.
Katherine is with her teacher and many many watchful, nurturing eyes.
She will need to sleep for the weekend when she returns.
For now, I need to sleep off this cold, cough, sore throat I am still fighting from my Utah souvenir.