I’m typing this post with blistered feet and a big smile…I guess those are signs of a good party?! We attended a wedding yesterday and it was the best. I think it’s so much more special now as a parent, and seeing the boys dance, eat, run around and look handsome (and clean)! Yesterday was Mary and Aaron’s wedding day. Mary has been our babysitter since before she could drive. Now she is all grown up, about to enter grad school, and newly married to her high school sweetheart. Tissue alert and then some! Here are some pictures from the big day:
Garrett was the ring bearer. I think he’s feeling a little James Bondish in his tux..what a ham! Lol.
The beautiful bride and groom. Here come the tears! Such a happy moment.
I’m surrounded by handsome guys! My heart is full.
Garrett and the flower girl dancing. Let’s keep this pic. a secret, mkay? He was so shy and didn’t want to dance, but couldn’t resist her beauty and charm. Look at those two! Priceless.
And speaking of shy, check out Mr. I-am-NOT-going-to-dance. Jim was Justin Timberlake on the dance floor all night! Haha. The kids got to see a new (smooth moves) side of Daddy, and it was fabulous.
All in all, one of the best celebrations in recent memory. Congratulations Mary and Aaron!
Now, on to the waves. We are getting ready to take our first actual family vacation in nearly 2 years. We opted for the beach because we wanted something the babies could enjoy just as much as the big kids. I thought the lack of distractions would also be good for Karolina (and the fact that she loves swimming). However, when I was doing research about vacations, I learned that this could potentially be a disaster for the Autistic child. The heat of the sun, the sounds of the beach, the texture of the sand could put her into stim overload. So, we’ve slowly been integrating the beach into our lives here at home, in hopes that it won’t be such shock. I downloaded the app “Ambiance” and have been playing ocean sounds (waves, seagulls) in her room at night. We have a sandbox and bought some pails and shovels, etc. for her to get familiar with as well. If all else fails, we can just swim at the pool, which I know she likes.
Speaking of apps, I’m building a folder of apps that seem to help Karolina. Here’s a quick screen shot:
She LOVES the “Sign and Sing” app and it’s free. In fact the only app I have paid for so far (I think) is the ABA Flashcards app (and she’s not ready for that yet anyway). The Go Bubbles app is also a big favorite with both babies. On my “to do” list as we prepare for this big trip, I still have to hit the dollar store for “Busy Bag” items. I’m hoping to find things that won’t break off, snap, fly, or spill, and we’ll be all set. Ha.
I’ll be back to blog more about that next week. I’m very humbled and honored to be working with the Cleveland Clinic this summer to raise awareness about Cleveland Clinic Children’s and Autism awareness, research, fundraising events and workshops. Have a GREAT weekend!
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