Summer is here, and students will be spending even more time with their parents (not that schools don’t want to keep them!) It is simply the season.

I recently went on a field trip with my daughter’s third-grade class to Grand Isle. It gave me a glimpse of what the days of summer might have in store.

The weather was beautiful, and the kids were excited. A recipe for nature discovery was definitely present.

Put kids and the great outdoors together, and simply watch...No stirring required.

While on a nature walk, I watched a group of third-graders descend upon an unsuspecting crab. It was the first time I felt sorry for a crab! (We eat them in this part of the country!)

Even with two claws, the crab was significantly out-numbered, and being captured was inevitable.

After a small chase scene ensued and some incredible sound effects of screams, giggles and 'ohs' of astonishment - the crab was in custody, amazingly, with all of its appendages in tact!

After a thorough examination, which probably seemed like an alien abduction to the crab, the weary crustacean was returned to his natural habitat.

I don’t think that crab will ever be the same, but the astonishing fact is, I don’t think the kids or I will be ever be the same.

I witnessed the art of discovery in its purest form, and it doesn’t get much better than that!

So parents, as the days of summer approach, embrace them. You may be privileged to observe one of the greatest shows on earth, unless that is, you happen to be a crab.