Friday Night (No Lights)

The Spring Festival transformed itself into the Fall Festival this year at Prince Elementary School.  The playground had inflatables of gigantic size and games accessible to all.  Tickets were 4 for $1.

Current staff's presence is mandatory.  The presence of the retired kindergarten teacher who came to volunteer was not.  But she represented the best part of the event - meeting old friends.  Her former colleagues were delighted to see her.  If they hadn't matured into teenagers I might have recognized the Prince alumni who hoped that I remembered them as they clearly remembered me.

Of course I do, sweetheart.  Look at how grown up you are!  It works every time.

I filled paper containers with chips for nachos.  I made sure the middle school and high school volunteers were supplied with water and confidence.  Then I looked for a chair.

Two kindergarten teachers were in charge of the hobby horse race, located at the back of the event, with a good view of the whole scene.  They were happy to share their space.  I relocated a chair, sat off to the side, and smiled.

Can you guess who won that race?  After practicing galloping (NOT running - put one foot in front of the other and jump) I called the start and off they went, the teachers gallantly matching their stride to his as he pulled away into the lead.  Much cheering ensued.

After their triumphs, winners picked a prize from the carefully curated Oriental Trading Company tchotchkes.  So many colors of plastic vampire teeth, so many squishy window cling ons,  Jolly Ranchers in every flavor imaginable - choosing was as much fun as racing.

And I do believe that these two wonderful teachers had just as much fun as their students.