mom2shayleeandlogan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2009
Beautiful family photo at Epcot! Sean looks so happy to be at WDW!
Joan! How was Christmas? I haven't talked to you in two whole days, I'm going through withdrawals!! Did Peter like his keggerator? Pods says his works just fine- at least it did all Christmas day! I think I see some Pilsner glasses in his future...
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I LOVE those pictures of Sean smiling! Makes me want to cry! SO sweet! And I LOVE the family photo of ALL of you in front of Spaceship Earth. I imagine it is really hard having to constantly be worried about how he is going to react, but I imagine it's just as difficult when he's not there...like your family isn't complete. All the worrying and meltdowns must be worth it for the moments you had with Sean this day in Epcot!
Just out of curiousity, how do the younger boys handle it all? I'm sure it must be frustrating for them at times, to have to wait around or plan your next move around him. I am glad that you and the boys went into Epcot when Sean wouldn't. As much as I'm sure they'd understand, it wouldn't be fair to them to leave and THANK GOD it worked out and Sean went in after all! Seems like you and Pods are a great team!
Wooo-hoo, another Ellen TR!! I just made my way here, and I am so enjoying it already! I am soooo very happy that you guys were able to get Sean to come along on this trip--I can only imagine how much this meant to you. You guys are wonderful parents...seeing what you go through just to coach him out of his fears is truly amazing. I can't wait to read more!!
Beautiful family photo at Epcot! Sean looks so happy to be at WDW!
Anyway, we were deciding what to do next, and I called Pods to see how it was going....guess what? They were IN EPCOT!!
A few minutes into the wait, it was announced that TT was having technical difficulties, and we should come back later. Uh-oh....this is the perfect situation for a melt down....but...Sean was fine.
I guess this might sound like a "bust", being that he was saying no to so many attractions. But it is actually the opposite of a "bust", this was all a huge success. Because look at him- he was somewhere other than our house or his school, and he was happy. So, SO happy!
I love the idea of a keggerator. Tim loves his beer too. One of our upcoming summer trips involves are visit to a small brewery in New Ulm, MN.(very german) I would say if you are going to invest in beer glasses consider buying the ones that Sam Adams makes. Tim swears by them. Something about the shape of the glass and the etching on the bottom helps create a unique beer drinking experience. For me that would have been college--but that's another story...
yes the concept of social stories are working. I thank you very much for that. I was sooo pleased to see Sean's smiling face. It is truly amazing how they can totally be banking on one thing and then go with the flow out of nowhere. Glad it all worked out.
BTW I never would have thought to put corn and chicken on a pizza.
Oh Ellen -
Your last two updates were stellar and your comments about the trip being such a success for Sean just gets me choked up. He does look so seriously happy. And I love that group photo of you guys in your beautiful tied dyed shirts. That is one awesome pics. One to have framed and display proudly.
Your pics are Kidani make me wish I was there right now. I loved that place! I can't wait to read what happens next!
Woo hoo! You must have been bursting with excitement about how well Sean was adapting to your schedule changes!
You all are wonder with Sean. I am a mom of a 19yr autistic son so I truly understand how hard it can be when they decide they won't do something or when meltdowns occur. When my son was younger the only way to get him to do something so different was long term preparation and following the plan we gave him. I am so happy that Sean was able to adapt to the changes and you were all able to enjoy your day. You have a beautiful family.
I have enjoyed reading all of your trip reports and have really been looking forward to this one. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences in such detail with us all!
Hi I just read your and Pods trip report for the Food and Wine Festival. It was fun hearing about all the different rides, restaurants, and golf! I remember a TR you did a long time ago, and I think Sean stayed at home, while you took your younger sons. I'm so glad to hear he got on the plane, got checked in the the resort, had lunch, etc.
I know I'm drawing out all the steps, but our younger dd is 4 and has ASD. Sometimes I feel like our lives are divided into these tiny little milestones, like going to McDonald's for lunch, and not having a meltdown. Our last trip to Orlando was less than magical, so I'm trying to look for good ideas to make the trip this summer go better.
I love that you guys did lots of practice stays at local hotels back home. And that you made him a picture book. Please keep sharing the ideas that worked!!
Loving your tr. That is SO wonderful that Sean had so many successes this trip.
My granddaughter has autism (along with a million other things) and I think her difficuties have taught me a new appreciation for the "little things" that we so called 'normal' people take for granted. You're doing a great job!
Great Christmas Card! I love that - its perfect!
I also love that you posted some of your older photos. It's so fun to see the teenage/pre teen boys when they were babies. ahhhhhhh!
Sounds like the evening is still going really well in Epcot!
Ewwwwww - the beverly! I have to tell you that Denny actually likes it. When I saw him drinking he said, "what? What's wrong with it?" I got a good laugh out of that!
Great update!!!
It is sad how fast little boys grow up but if those shots of your DD12 are any indication, I'd say there is a LOT of fun coming up !
The expressions on his face were hilarious!
So glad you guys figured out a way to get Sean back to Disney and to get your group shot all in your tie dyes!!
You are too funny with the pics of Tyler. Excellent shots. Did he ever question why you were so "camera ready"? My 12 year old son would not have taken it as well, but it won't stop me from trying. It's those moments when we realize we did not have kids just to take care of them.
So, that we are all wearing the tshirts together, in WDW, and the tshirts were made with only a glimmer of hope, and the hope became reality that day- well, it really was just very, very meaningful. Happy New Year, everyone-
Who wears short-shorts? Pods wears short shorts!
I think we were in the same seats we had in 1985! How crazy is that? Here's the 2009 pic-
Here's 1985, if you can make it out-
MMM, love that beer flight! I had one of those on our honeymoon...followed by a large Optimator (the darkest one on the flight) which then was followed by silly World Showcase pictures, if you remember!
Sounds like you all had a GREAT day!
What a great story! Happy New Year!
Bad mommy!
Does he know you posted this?
It really does look like you're in the same seat! Crazy!
I really enjoyed this update!