Growing Up

Today Jack and I visited his new elementary school. We had another mini orientation, and then Jack and the other kids got to ride a school bus, without parents! Jack had already taken his first bus ride last year as part of a field trip to the zoo (with me following behind in my car, as a chaperone, weeping uncontrollably), so he was okay with the whole experience of going alone. He held hands with one of his friends as he climbed on board. (so cute!) And then they were gone for about 15 minutes or so.

Jack: Mom! The bus driver, which could be a man or a lady they said, told us how to cross the street safely. They said to look at the driver when we get off the bus and then the arm...they call it an arm...goes out and has a stop sign on it, then the driver gives us a nod and we can cross! It's like a secret signal!
me: That sounds so cool!
Jack: We get to ride with 5th graders! Let me see...there's 1st grade, then 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th right? Why is there no 13th?
me: Well 13th would actually be college I guess.
Jack: Do they really call it grade 13?
me: No.
Jack: After 12th grade are you an actual grown up??
me: Pretty much. You get to decide where to go to college and buy a motorcycle and all that fun stuff.
Jack: No wayyyyyy!!!! (far off dreamy look comes over him)
me: Yep, just like Uncle John's motorcycle. Remember?
Jack: Nooo. He never had one!
me: Well, you were little, I'm not sure you would remember.
Jack: But he IS a grownup right?
me: Ummmm... I guessss sooo. (hard to admit that still. haha)
Jack: Then I'm gonna be a grown up just like him. I can't wait! Then I get to do what I want, instead of all...(waves his hand around)...
me: What?? Instead of what?
Jack: Ehhh, nothing. (whispers) I can't wait!
me: Uh-oh