When you chaperone a group of 125 second graders to a science museum, what do you come home with besides cheap souvenirs --a busting headache.

Nikolas and Alex had their annual field trip last Thursday to the Louisville Science Museum and IMAX Theatre.

I like to go on the field trips with the kids. I always thought it was cool when my Mom went somewhere with me at school. I think Nikolas would rather I stayed at home than to experience all these new places with him. He and Alex are in different classrooms so usually on trips I help watch over both of them so we can all spend time together.

But as soon as the buses unloaded in front of the museum I went to catch Nikolas so he could join Alex and me and that is when the dirty looks began.

He didn't want to hang out with me and Alex; he wanted to do his own thing with his own friends.

So I got to spend the whole day breaking up fights between him and his brother. I should've known how the day was going to play out, since all they do is fight at home, but I thought maybe they would get over the fact that they're stuck with each other for the rest of their lives, and have a good time.

When there are so many kids running around, it's hard to stay focused on where you're at and what's going on.

There is always such a tight schedule while on these trips, so it's more like you're on a roller-coaster zipping through the exhibits as fast you can so the kids don't miss their ride home.

And you can't forget the souvenir shop.

Everything is always so expensive in these type stores, so when you have a $5 budget for each kid, you're not going to get a lot for your money.

I'm glad I didn't have to clean that store after we left! It looked like the Tasmanian devil had made a quick appearance after we all left. Oh well, maybe those in charge won't remember my name....