Last Friday, Michael and I left for a 4-wheeling trip in West Virginia. Michael had to miss school, but I thought it would be worth it for the time we would be able to spend together. Someone told me that if I would write a letter to the principal explaining the educational benefits of the trip, I might could get the absence excused. So here's what I wrote...
Please excuse Michael Boyles from school next Friday, October 16th. He and I will be taking an educational trip to West Virginia.
While there, we will study geology by taking random soil samples that are suspended in aqueous solutions. These samples will be gathered by driving an all-terrain vehicle, at varying rates of speed, through collections of casual water along an off-road transportation network. The samples will be analyzed for smell, staining potential on apparel, and possibly taste.
We will also study local culture by interacting with residents in their native habitat and will study their social habits and networks by joining them in gathering places such as eating establishments and also on the aforementioned trail network. Our accommodations will be primitive to allow us to observe indigenous plant and animal life first hand as well.
Feel free to join my facebook page at www.facebook.com/donboyles to see a picture gallery documenting our research that will be posted shortly after our return on Saturday evening.
I expect that this particular trip will be an invaluable educational experience for Michael, helping him to become a more astute student at Cedar Ridge Elementary, a more endearing son, a more compassionate brother, and lo, dare I say, a more productive member of society.
Thank you for your consideration and God Bless America,
Sincerely,
Don Boyles
Michael's dad and future professional ATV mud-bogger
I didn't hear anything for a couple of days. Stephanie said the principal was probably calling social services since she now had written proof that Michael's dad had a screw loose, but the trip was approved and we had a great time. To put it in perspective, that was the last trip we took together while he was 8. Today he is 9. Happy Birthday, Son. I'm looking forward to another great year.
