Kidani, HRH & BLT in 6 nights- Yes! We are THAT crazy!! Nov 4-10,09 OBX updates 4/13

[podsnel]

Evening Ellen !!! Love the look on Seans face wit the"desired" snack!!!

Hi Rosie! He was very satisfied with his day so far, I think, including the perfect snack at the perfect time!

What a fun day with your boy! His choice of rides was interesting - I would have thought maybe no PP, but CGC would be okay. Maybe he doesn't like going in circles? DH won't ride Dumbo or CGC or teacups because of that.

Oh! OH! trouble in paradise coming?

BTW - I can't believe it's already almost time for your St. John trip - just what I need to read about now!

He loves circles- the teacups are one of his all time favorites- he just remembers something in those rides he doesn't like.

And I can't wait for STJ!!!

What a fabulous time in the Magic Kingdom!
No matter what is going to happen during "bubble departure", you'll ALWAYS have this special day to remember.

Thanks! I agree, a great day with Sean that I cherish.

I could sure use the extra money! I would get a cut of the winnings, right?

Absolutely!! Just don't think I'm increasing your cut after you get your masters....

How awesome is it that you and Sean were having so much fun together that you lost track of time--that's good stuff right there!

As always, can't wait to read more!

Very, very good stuff! Thanks!

Morning Ellen !!!

Good morning Rosie.....

Good morning ladies!

 

[CRdisMom]

oh dear--im sorry to hear that he had a melt down. I can totally understand. I now know that we are going to stay off site. The thought of having a room just for Beth to decompress is toooooo valuable.

At Kidani--did you and Sean have the bedroom and the boys and Pods have the living room?

Dinner looks reallly good

 

[podsnel]

oh dear--im sorry to hear that he had a melt down. I can totally understand. I now know that we are going to stay off site. The thought of having a room just for Beth to decompress is toooooo valuable.

At Kidani--did you and Sean have the bedroom and the boys and Pods have the living room?

Dinner looks reallly good

Sean was fine in that HRH room after that first night- but I was very glad we were returning to the 1bdrm setup when the weekend was over- our kids are just too big now, it felt very "crunchy" in there. And Sean was much happier- if you think that's what Beth needs, then that's a very good thing to do for her!!

HAHA- it does seem like Sean & I were in the bedroom & Pods was out in the livingroom! It kind of was like that- but not planned that way. Sean was supposed to be on the pull-out chair (it was even written in the book, I had him point to his bed!! LOL!). But he went to the big bed. Pods doesn't like getting knocked around by a kid when he sleeps, so he left after trying it a couple of times and always ended up out in the livingroom with the boys- except when Timmy wanted to sleep in the King bed, too! And it was me they wanted in the bed with them, so that's why I got to sleep in the bed instead of Pods & I taking turns. What can i tell ya- I must be very loved by my sons!

 

[tinytreasures]

so sorry about the meltdowns
we had a few of those on our trip thankfully grandma was there to help us and having 4 bedrooms helped too

I am loving your report and you are giving me hope we should try going back one day

 

[MEK]

You know Ellen - I was just thinking how well things were going for you after yesterday's update........ I guess going out of the bubble was a little disruptive for Sean. Oh well........I guess you couldn't really predict that for sure.

I hope he settles down and let's sleep kick in. It is really hard to go from a villa to a hotel room. I know how we felt in June. It doesn't matter how nice the room is.....the size difference is just so overwhelming and the contrast makes the hotel room actually feel smaller.

I hope Pods makes out OK on the cot. I think I'm definately seeing a 2BR villa in your family's future. Then Pods can get "first dibs" on the beds.

Anyho....yum, yum, yummy meal and martinis!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Oh how sad. And after you had such a wonderful day together. I guess you have to take the good with the bad. Many times you said how surprised and thrilled you were that he handled things so well. Obviously you know things never go according to plan. Sometimes things are worse but there were a lot of times that were better!

How were the other boys when all this was going on? There's one picture of Tyler at dinner where he looks like he's just had ENOUGH! (They are all so handsome, by the way!)

But as you can see, he had his backpack on and CLEARLY had another accomodation in his head-

Now what is that I see on the night stand? An after dinner drink to help calm your nerves?!

I know it wasn't funny at the time, but I LOVE this picture of Sean. Like he's thinking so hard about how he can get you guys to leave (and go back to Disney!) Good thing someone had the foresight to take pictures, even during a meltdown!

 

[podsnel]

so sorry about the meltdowns
we had a few of those on our trip thankfully grandma was there to help us and having 4 bedrooms helped too

I am loving your report and you are giving me hope we should try going back one day

I'm sorry about your meltdowns, they are painful for everyone. But, oh...I hope you DO try again someday!! I know it is soooo scary, but I think it's always ggod to try- because if it does work out- well, there's just nothing better! Sean did have a rough time adjusting to HRH- but he was fine with it after this night, so it was all, without question, worth it. Please keep me posted!!

You know Ellen - I was just thinking how well things were going for you after yesterday's update........ I guess going out of the bubble was a little disruptive for Sean. Oh well........I guess you couldn't really predict that for sure.

I hope he settles down and let's sleep kick in. It is really hard to go from a villa to a hotel room. I know how we felt in June. It doesn't matter how nice the room is.....the size difference is just so overwhelming and the contrast makes the hotel room actually feel smaller.

I hope Pods makes out OK on the cot. I think I'm definately seeing a 2BR villa in your family's future. Then Pods can get "first dibs" on the beds.

Anyho....yum, yum, yummy meal and martinis!

We have known him his whole life, and we always know SOMETHING is coming, but that doesn't neccessarily mean we know WHEN it is coming!! He did, thankfully settle down when he got into bed with me, and slept soundly til morning, when he woke up his old happy self. And I agree- very hard to go from 1 bdrm to a hotel room. It was tough on ALL of us, and it was a pretty nice hotel room!!

Poor, poor Pods.. He did sleep in the bed with timmy the next night- Tyler had the cot.

Oh how sad. And after you had such a wonderful day together. I guess you have to take the good with the bad. Many times you said how surprised and thrilled you were that he handled things so well. Obviously you know things never go according to plan. Sometimes things are worse but there were a lot of times that were better!

How were the other boys when all this was going on? There's one picture of Tyler at dinner where he looks like he's just had ENOUGH! (They are all so handsome, by the way!)

Now what is that I see on the night stand? An after dinner drink to help calm your nerves?!

I know it wasn't funny at the time, but I LOVE this picture of Sean. Like he's thinking so hard about how he can get you guys to leave (and go back to Disney!) Good thing someone had the foresight to take pictures, even during a meltdown!

The boys were really good and patient with him...Tyler makes a big effort to talk very calmly and slowly, and tries to encourage him to relax or try things he's afraid of. Timmy is very sweet with him, but Timmy's ears are very sensitive (he had a TON of ear infections when he was a baby) so if Sean screams, Timmy has his hands over his ears. Timmy is the one who acts as Sean's voice- if we do something he knows Sean doesn't like (like trying to make him talk, or asking him too many questions) Timmy is the one who pipes in "Don't do that- Sean doesn't like it". He was good at dinner- not a problem at all- so I think it's just a bad pic of Ty. But I do know what you mean.

And thanks, I think they're handsome, too.

Yes, it's true! I had another glass of wine in the room!! Truth be told, I probably should have had about 40!!

And I am sure that is EXACTLY what Sean was thinking in that picture- "How do I get these IDIOTS to leave this room and go back where we belong??? Screaming didn't work, stamping my feet didn't work.... CRAP! I never shoulda gotten outta that car!" Pods took the pics (obviously it wasn't me) of which I remember thinking at the time...NOW is when you decide to get snap-happy??? NOW?????

Aaahhhhh....I'm sure anyone living this autism adventure will tell you...you HAVE TO be able to LAUGH...

 

[englishrose47]

ElenI was just at our Management Meeting today !! They were talking about looking at Day Programs to provide for Austistic Children after they complete School !!I think their will bemore info coming and will be on the lok out for anything that might be good for Sean!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Wow! I'm so sorry your first evening with Sean was stressful. We used to travel for AAU basketball with a single dad who had a boy on the team, and a younger autistic son. I witnessed how something that didn't feel quite right would trigger a meltdown. It was really hard for them, and this boy was only 7. I can just imagine dealing with a big boy like Sean! I give you so much credit for how you understand his needs and calm him down - God blessed Sean with a very special family!

 

[karajeboo]

Ellen, I just LOVE your family!!!!! Sean seems just as sweet as can be. I'm guessing Tyler is the mischievous one..... And while all your kids are beautiful, there's just something about Timmy that makes me want to pinch his cheeks!!!! And Pods, poor poor patient Pods...... And of course I already know and love YOU!!!!

 

[podsnel]

ElenI was just at our Management Meeting today !! They were talking about looking at Day Programs to provide for Austistic Children after they complete School !!I think their will bemore info coming and will be on the lok out for anything that might be good for Sean!!!

For some reason the DIS is not allowing me to multi-quote this morning, so I'm going to answer one at a time-

Rosie!! That is so nice of you, thank-you very, very much. I think one of the hardest things having Sean or any autistic child is coping with his adulthood. It's very scary- and there are not NEARLY enough services to accomodate the flood of autistic adults that is about to hit society. It's an epidemic. So anything you learn and would like to pass on, I would be very grateful for. Thanks, sweetie!

 

[podsnel]

Wow! I'm so sorry your first evening with Sean was stressful. We used to travel for AAU basketball with a single dad who had a boy on the team, and a younger autistic son. I witnessed how something that didn't feel quite right would trigger a meltdown. It was really hard for them, and this boy was only 7. I can just imagine dealing with a big boy like Sean! I give you so much credit for how you understand his needs and calm him down - God blessed Sean with a very special family!

Wow- I give that parent alot of credit for having the one kid playing travel and the autistic 7 yr old going along- that would be incredibly difficult and stressful. You know both our boys play travel baseball- if we didn't have Sheree & Henry, and other very wonderful babysitters able to help us, it would be a disaster. I can count on one hand how many games (baseball or other) he has been to out of neccessity- and it's been very challenging. For basketball, especially, the noise in a gym is sooooo overwhelming and over-stimulating!! On a baseball field or soccer field, he runs around- so there's always the threat of him running out into the game. I do miss alot of their games, Pods always goes, but for baseball the games overlap and are in 2 different directions, so we thank-GOD for our sitters!

And thank-you for the kind words about our family.

 

[podsnel]

Ellen, I just LOVE your family!!!!! Sean seems just as sweet as can be. I'm guessing Tyler is the mischievous one..... And while all your kids are beautiful, there's just something about Timmy that makes me want to pinch his cheeks!!!! And Pods, poor poor patient Pods...... And of course I already know and love YOU!!!!

Well, thanks so much, Miss Kara!! I think your family is pretty darn wonderful, too!! You have got them all pegged- Sean is very sweet, very affectionate (to me and Pods). He really and truly wants to please us- even with things he'd rather not do. Tyler is, well, not truly mischevious, he's more of a classclown type. Which is michevious, I guess. He will do anything...ANYTHING...for a laugh. I keep waiting for the day I have to run him to the emergency room to pull out the quarters someone dared him to shove up his nose!! THAT'S what Tyler is like.

And it's funny you said that about Timmy- when he was a baby, I always had this urge to bite his cheeks- I just wanted to gobble him up- he was just so cute!! He is the one who loves me to pieces, and he is very goofy- like Tyler, funny, but goofier! And he HATES to see anyone picked on- he gets soooooo upset if someone is getting picked on, or is getting yelled at. He has a very big heart. I think he looks the most like Pods- well, that's what people tell me (including my MIL) but it's hard for me to see- I'll have to post a picture of little Pods and you can judge!

And poor, poor Pods does more good deeds than most of the men I know-tooooooooo much volunteering!! He also washes the dishes- after parties, my girlfriends all line up to watch- they think he is the sexiest man alive!!

Love you too, Kara!!

Ok- don't know if I'll be updating in the next day or 2, we're having a dinner party tomorrow night- NYE that was cancelled because I was sick! TTFN!

 

[englishrose47]

For some reason the DIS is not allowing me to multi-quote this morning, so I'm going to answer one at a time-

Rosie!! That is so nice of you, thank-you very, very much. I think one of the hardest things having Sean or any autistic child is coping with his adulthood. It's very scary- and there are not NEARLY enough services to accomodate the flood of autistic adults that is about to hit society. It's an epidemic. So anything you learn and would like to pass on, I would be very grateful for. Thanks, sweetie!

As soon as my Director mentioned it I thought of you and Sean!!! When I hear anything of interest I will pass it on!!
I know the agency I work for has PRE VOC which is a sheltered workshop!! But I don't think they are geared towards Autism !!!So it is nice to hear that it is on their minds !!!

 

[Jenny-Bell]

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed reading about your trip.
I have two boys (5 and 3) and my 5 year old is Autistic, so I completely get the picky eating and melt downs. Since mine is only 5 right now, it was nice to hear a story about someone older and how well it worked.

We took our kids to Disney for the first time in July 2009 and they loved it. Christopher is attached to pizza and pb&j, BUT the pb&j has to be creamy peanut butter, strawberry jelly and regular white bread, not the un-crustables, and it has to be cut in half, not triangles and not missing the crust.
Pizza has to be cheese only, and he is very particular on how it must look.
He is constantly carrying around a toy, normally something that lights up (so, of course he gets sucked into those carts around the parks at night).

Thanks so much for sharing! We are going again the first week of February! So excited!

Oh...is AKL your home resort for DVC? We want to stay there so bad, I'm sure the kids would love it! Have been thinking about getting DVC, not 100% sure yet though!!

Anyways, thanks again! I really loved reading about it, kind of wondering how the rest of the trip went though?
Take care!
Jenny

 

[tinytreasures]

I'm sorry about your meltdowns, they are painful for everyone. But, oh...I hope you DO try again someday!! I know it is soooo scary, but I think it's always ggod to try- because if it does work out- well, there's just nothing better! Sean did have a rough time adjusting to HRH- but he was fine with it after this night, so it was all, without question, worth it. Please keep me posted!!

we plan to go back (we have 2 more kids that can gets wishes down the road )
Avy has already said her wish is to go back to Give Kids the World
next time we will be better off since both boys are now on the right meds and life if so much better here everyday
we are waiting for everyone to get a little older to go back again

 

[podsnel]

The morning came...and Sean woke up, his usual happy, noisy, laughing self! What a relief, to have Happy-Sean back!! So we were going to go ahead as originally planned- get our great big 'ol butts outta bed and spend a 1/2 day in Universal, come back to HRH for lunch and swimming at the pool, then drive out to see Aunt Irma for dinner. From HRH, you can either walk to the parks or take a boat. Pods wanted to take the boat, so that's what we did.

Look who's happy!

The new coaster,Rip Ride Rockit!

Arriving at the park, crowds seemed to be pretty minimal. We had a pass because we were staying on-site that allowed us to get into the "fast pass" line, all we had to do was show our room keys. However, we have always had a pass like this when we have come here because of Sean- Universal offers their equivalent of a GAC which serves the same purpose. There are a couple of rides Sean will always go on here, and thankfully, that had not changed. We rode Jimmy Neutron & Shrek 4-D. Both are some of my favorite rides EVER!! They combine 3-D with special effects (like Mickey's Philharmagic) but take it one step further because the seats themselves move. It's really a lot of fun, and you totally walk out of both thinking How do they do that? The wait time for RRR was nearly 2 HOURS, and there are no passes allowed on this ride!!!! Which is really sayin' something, because the park was soooo empty. I guess it was empty because everyone was on line for RRR! Tyler & Pods were really anxious to try it- I told them their best bet was to try to be at "rope drop" or whatever it's called here and run right for it.

We walked on...

Because we couldn't wait to hit the Simpson's Ride which was on the opposite side. It had opened between our last visit and this one, and we were REALLY looking forward to it! But before we even got there, we spotted...The Simpsons!! With a line of TWO PEOPLE!!!!

I love that picture! Timmy had something to say to Bart-

After that, we walked over to ride The Simpsons! Sadly, Sean wouldn't go on, so Pods waited with him outside.

That ride was INCREDIBLE!!!! Totally worth the wait (which was about 20 minutes). Then Tyler was dying to get Timmy to ride the Mummy, which Timmy was feeling a little apprehensive about- but they talked him into it! Sean and I waited outside, Sean running around in the "park" in "NY" across the street.

We had only planned to stay in the park til lunchtime, because we really wanted to have lunch and go for a swim in the HRH pool.

This time, we walked back. The landscaping is very pretty!

A nice clean room!

Soon we were on our way to the beachclub for lunch....and some of the world's BIGGEST & BEST nachos!!

 

[CRdisMom]

wow from that perspective you can see how small the room was. Yikes all 5 of you fit in there?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

It's so weird seeing pictures of Universal. I haven't been there since 1999 and only then it was because I went with my high school choir and that was just what the itinerary was. A group of us spent most of that day in "Finnigans" listening to the keyboard player and snacking on aps! Not even sure that place is still there, I'm sure the parks is completely different. IOA wasn't even opened yet.

Do you get that same "feeling" that you get in WDW? I bet not but I guess it's fun to try new things. My theory is always that my park days are already paid for. (We have APs but even if we got MYW tickets, do have one less day only saves us, what, $5?) I can't justify leaving a place I KNOW I'm going to have a godo time at AND I already paid for to go somewhere unfamiliar and spend more money! That will have to change when they open The Wizarding World of Harry Potter though! I'm just going to have to suck it up because we are NOT missing that!

 

[MEK]

Ellen -

Can I just tell you that this update made me really want to go back to Universal Studios. I have about 7 Disney trips (possibly more) since I've been there. I think the last time was when Nick was entering 4th grade. It really is a fun place. I think the problem is, its basically a two ( or three at the max) day park. And its not Disney. And you can tell the difference, which makes is feel wierd.

I stayed at Royal Pacific and I do remember how lovely the walk was. I also remember running over to HRH and Portofino in the morning and how pretty it was there. They yelled at me for running through City Walk. Apparently that is a rule - even at 7:30am - NO RUNNING! What a drag. Anyway, I'm not so sure about the Rip, Ride, Rocket or whatever its called, but I do enjoy all the other coasters at IOA and I heard the Simpson's ride is great.

Great update. So glad that Sean is getting into the grove!