a day at the estuary

Living near family is so wonderful when you have children. My husband and I both work full time and are unable to volunteer in our girls' classrooms on a regular basis.  Instead, we try to attend all the field trips that we can. When we can't, our girls have their "peoples" (as my oldest calls them) that they can turn to. 

Over the last few months my oldest has been raising chum salmon with the rest of her grade level in preparation for a trip to an estuary in Poulsbo where they planned to release the salmon. As soon as Olyvia found out about the field trip she wanted to take her daddy. Due to multiple constraints he wasn't able to make it work.  Instead of letting this drag her down, Olyvia went to find her Papa.  She knew he was the next best thing to having her daddy there.  With a smile on her face, a few eyelash blinks and a huge hug she asked her Papa if he would come on her field trip.  How could he say no?

It was so heartwarming to watch the two of them head down with her class.  Once down to the estuary, the class gathered for some discussion about salmon before heading to the creek to release them.  It was a proud moment to see her really in her element.  She loves learning about nature and this was no different. 

She did an amazing job following directions and releasing her little fry out into the stream and her Papa was so proud watching her.  What an amazing blessing to me as a mom to have extended family around that can be there for her at these times that are so important to her.