Monday

Most of the students seemed able to get some sleep the night before, despite arriving to the hotel so late.  They were up and rearing to go right after breakfast, even before the bus drivers were able to take us off the hotel property.

Traffic delayed us a bit on our way to the Museum of Natural History.  This is where our Varsity Basketball Boys and chaperones joined us.  After lunch, we had a chaperone swap, now that our numbers had increased, and walked to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

I think the best word to describe the students' experience is POWERFUL.  Our 8th graders really seemed to "get" the need for the museum, and I was extremely proud of the respect and compassion our kids demonstrated there.

After we were able to collect our thoughts, we left the Holocaust Museum and walked over to the National Archives.  Students were able to see the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and a number of other historical documents on view at the Archives.  Some of the groups managed to work their way through the Archives quickly enough to make time for a treat at an ice cream truck they spotted on the way into the building.

We then had a short visit at the National Museum of American History.  A few of the boys mentioned seeing cool cars, others talked about seeing the flag that inspired our National Anthem, and I'm sure some enjoyed seeing Kermit the Frog.  (I know I felt old when, upon discussing the display of Archie Bunker's chair, a student asked, "Who's Archie Bunker?")


The day ended with a very entertaining and interactive mystery dinner theatre.  Parents, the next time you speak to your children on the phone, be sure to ask them "Whodunnit?"  While you're on the phone, please also encourage them to DRINK WATER!  We've already had a couple of kids become a little dehydrated on this trip.  We quickly supplied water, pain medication, snack, and TLC.  However, they really need to try to prevent dehydration by drinking water.  We keep reminding them this, but if you could encourage them individually, it would help us out a lot!

We have another busy day tomorrow, so this little blogger will say good night!

Sunday, March 30-EARLY Monday, March 31:

All the students and parents seemed excited to pack up the bus this morning, and Mr. Hoffschneider led us in an appropriate devotion entitled “Are We There Yet?”  The driver of Bus 2 joked that he had an auto-eject button for any passenger who uttered that fateful question.  HA!

After watching a few movies, we stopped for a quick lunch at the Georgia Welcome Center, and some of the kids realized that it is a bit chilly—perhaps shorts were not the best wardrobe choice…

Dinner in North Carolina was even colder!  Our Florida kids are getting a taste of the Great North.  Then again, depending on where they’re seated on Bus 1, they may feel like they’re in the tropics.  (There’s been a bit of an issue with regulating temperature.)  Regardless, the kids all seem to be in good spirits and the chaperones good sports!

We arrived at the Fairfield Inn around 1:30, and everyone was eager to get to their room and get to bed.

We’ll have breakfast at 8:45 and then load the bus to head into D.C.  Our day will begin with the Museum of Natural History!

Posting Photos to Picasa

Chaperones,

If you'd like to send pictures you take throughout the day to our Picasa album, just attach them to an e-mail to the following address:  stlukesoviedo.photos@picasaweb.com

We will then sort through what's been uploaded and post the best pics to the public album.

Thanks!

Allergies

Parents, please be sure to read the e-mail the 8th grade teachers sent out regarding snacks on the bus.

Thanks!

We can't wait!

Hello!  This is Mrs. Hakimipour, 8th grade English and literature teacher.  Sra. Brinson and I will be updating the log for the 8th graders' trip to Washington, D.C.  So I'm just testing things out.

We are looking forward to loading the bus Sunday morning and heading north!