A good year

4th grade is a good year for Vito. He gives the trumpet a try and though he doesn't stick with it his teacher says he has talent. His weakness is in writing but he excels at reading. Homework is still a challenge but the amount is less and so is the drama surrounding it. He gets another certificate for perfect attendance like he did in second grade. In the summer Vito and I take a spur of the moment trip to NY city. We stop at Howe Caverns on the way and he's impressed by the caves and formations and how far underground we go. We spend the night in a hotel on Rte 17 and in the morning head to the Statue of Liberty. I miss the exit and Vito gets a kick out of how the toll booth guy says " 9 north" when redirecting us. The line for the Statue is very long. It's sunny and hot with no place to sit except the ground so Vito is not thrilled and a bit angry with me. After 3 hours we both agree that we don't have the patience to go up to the torch and only go as high as the pedestal. It's still a spectacular view and I'm in awe of it all. Vito's favorite part is the boat ride to Ellis Island. He stands at the front of the boat, the wind blowing through his hair.