Today, I will accompany my son on a field trip to a local park for a nature hike with a docent. I don't know what they said about these docents, but my son keeps bringing it up as a selling feature of the trip.

"Mommy, we have to wear long pants, and there's going to be a docent! Mommy, I have to pack a good lunch. Docent!"

I have to take my youngest along for the hike, which I am told is not stroller-friendly. I mean, come on. The child is three, and totally capable of walking for miles. I just feel better if I have her strapped in so she can't run away.

Which, truth be told, is why I have to go on this trip to begin with. My son, a while back, kept running away from his kindergarten class and hiding in the (enclosed) play area, or in the teacher's supply closet, and they would be moments from calling the police when someone would stumble across him.

After repeated, heated talks about staying with the class (Oh! The heart attacks!) we decided that it would be in everyone's best interest if I attended any future trips.

So, whooooopie! Here we go.

I'll report in tonight with all the gory details - in the meantime, you can check out my playground showdown with my friend kim over at Big Slice.