Lions, Tigers, and Dolphins, OH MY!

It has been years since I went on a field trip with my class. Right after the boys were born, my class went on a field trip to the Omni Max theater. I had to switch classes with someone because I couldn't go that long without pumping. The next year we attempted to go on a field trip, but it was raining (it was outdoors) so we ended up turning around and going back to the school. Last year we missed out on both field trips because they were only available on our track break. I was having some rotten luck!

This year was different! We had a wonderful field trip planned, and for once it didn't cost us ANYTHING!! We took our classes to the Mirage Dolphin Habitat and Secret Gardens. Believe it, or not, I have never been there before. It was the most organized field trip I have ever been on. Normally I am stressed out about making sure everyone is accounted for. Not this time, I sat back and just enjoyed the experience.

Two of our other grade level classes had gone the day before us. It seems that their driver took the back route. This is the route that takes our third graders down a street behind the strip. This is a street that contains many of the nude bars, adult book shops, etc. It's amazing that some of the lowest readers had no problems reading those signs! Needless to say, I made sure our driver knew the correct way to go. I guess it's inevitable here in Vegas, but I would rather their parents have to explain these places than myself.

Since I can't share the pictures of my students, I thought I would at least share the beautiful pictures from the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.




I almost thought about applying for a job taking care of the dolphins. I have a psychology minor (found out they want people with psych backgrounds)!




It was mid-morning, so we caught a bunch of the animals sleeping. I hated that chain link getting in the way of my pictures, but I loved that chain link separating me from the lions and tigers!




I will have to ask my mom why she wanted to raise alpacas when she retires. That just doesn't seem very fun to me!


Unfortunately, the male lion was far from us. Only the females were kind enough to be in plain view!





As we were leaving, the dolphins bid us farewell!