TR w/4000+ Pics/Disney on Ice w/184 Pics!!

[ecatzippy]

You have a beautiful family and I hope you have a great trip. Every two year old has banged spoons on the table at some point. Feel free to bang spoons next to us any day.

 

[DizNee Luver]

And Happy Anniversary from me as well!

Thank you very much!!!

As promised....a few more pics from Anthony's birthday.

Time for presents!!!! Who knew you could be so excited over a hamster??

Of course, to keep the peace we had to get the princess some accessories...lol

The cake....when Anthony was done eating his piece...his hands were stained from the red food coloring....yuck!!

Celebrating the twins adoption today....the adoption finalized one year ago today (very easy to remember the date....lol)

This was a while back....probably about 9mths old??

We're also celebrating 26 yrs of marriage...weren't sure we'd make it after a couple of very rough years....but I didn't kill him & so we get to celebrate....

Have a great day everybody!!! Happy St Patty's Day!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

You have a beautiful family and I hope you have a great trip. Every two year old has banged spoons on the table at some point. Feel free to bang spoons next to us any day.

Thank you....this made me smile!!! Thanx for stopping by my trip report...hope you come back!!!!

 

[DaisyLuvr]

So I made a post on the DisAbilities board regarding help & tip for traveling with an autistic child & egg allergies. I thought I would post my dilemmas here as well....in hopes that someone that reads this might have something to add.

So here's a problem/question we have:
The twins will be 3 in May, so our summer trip will cost us more.....have to pay for parkhoppers for them. I'm ok with that, because Disneyland is so much more than just rides. My concern is having to pay for the character meals....which we plan on doing all of them this trip. One of the girls is 100% g-tube fed...nothing orally & the other has feeding issues & tends to only eat a cup of yogurt or applesauce in a sitting. Paying $25 for her to maybe.....maybe eat 1 cup of food is a bit frightening (especially on the pocketbook) & I can't imagine they would charge us for the one that doesn't eat orally at all....would they?????

My other concern is: one has been recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum & cognatively that of a 6-8mth old. Her twin has not been diagnosed at this point, but an eval is in the works. She does have sensory issues & anything out of the routine sets her off.
We took them for a very short trip last April & I can tell you, we were wiped out & really couldn't enjoy our time in the parks.
I'm really crying out for any suggestions, tips, ideas, etc to help us survive 2 weeks away from home. When at home.......I am very housebound with them, only taking them out for appts. Since we are very new to the world of autism, I can really use some help here.

I do have an email into one of the Disney chefs regarding knowing which foods have eggs in them....as this is an issue for the one twin that eats. I also posed the question regarding paying for the character meals....hopefully I'll hear back soon on this.

Thanx for stopping in on my PTR & feel free to say hello!!!!

Hi DizNee Luver

I don't know about the food issue and I haven't read far enough to see if someone has already answered you, but a friend of mine has an autistic son and when they went to Disneyland the first time he had troubles, but another parent told them to buy him headphones and ponited to their son. They tried it and it worked he was able to block out all the extra and only focus on what he wanted to. I know your girls are a little young, but it's a thought. You should also go into Guest Services as soon as you get there and get a sticker for each of them. I know there is also a booklet you can print at home off the Disneyland site. I can't find the link, but will look for it also. Hope this helps!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hi DizNee Luver

I don't know about the food issue and I haven't read far enough to see if someone has already answered you, but a friend of mine has an autistic son and when they went to Disneyland the first time he had troubles, but another parent told them to buy him headphones and ponited to their son. They tried it and it worked he was able to block out all the extra and only focus on what he wanted to. I know your girls are a little young, but it's a thought. You should also go into Guest Services as soon as you get there and get a sticker for each of them. I know there is also a booklet you can print at home off the Disneyland site. I can't find the link, but will look for it also. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much!!! I've heard about the headphones.....I don't think I could get either girl to keep them on...but I wonder if earplugs would work?? I think it would be harder for them to pull them out...I think?

I've looked at the Disabilities Guide on line.....he gives lots of great info for wheelchair, blind & deaf services....nothing on autism....but I imagine somewhere in the future, they may include some tips.

Again, thank you for giving me some tips that could help us!!!!!

 

[kaoden39]

Thank you so much!!! I've heard about the headphones.....I don't think I could get either girl to keep them on...but I wonder if earplugs would work?? I think it would be harder for them to pull them out...I think?

I've looked at the Disabilities Guide on line.....he gives lots of great info for wheelchair, blind & deaf services....nothing on autism....but I imagine somewhere in the future, they may include some tips.

Again, thank you for giving me some tips that could help us!!!!!

Laurie, for kicks I googled going to Disneyland with an autistic child. You might be interested in it.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source...=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=bf62906be5292fd6

I am sure you thought to do it but just in case I thought it might help.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Laurie, for kicks I googled going to Disneyland with an autistic child. You might be interested in it.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source...=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=bf62906be5292fd6

I am sure you thought to do it but just in case I thought it might help.

You know Michele.....I actually hadn't done this yet.....so thank you for reminding me!! lol I sometimes forget the internet does more than the DIS & FB!!

That will be my project for the day.....research!!!

So after a talk with the school about Anthony......they don't think it's an academic issue with him. He's below 3rd grade level in all areas but music, art & PE. They think there's something wrong with him!! She kept saying, I'm not a doctor, but there are times when you can look right thru his eyes. He retains NOTHING!! Which explains him "forgetting" the rules at home all the time. We have an appt with the dr set for April 2nd. I spoke with the gal that was his caseworker & asked if she remembered any head trauma with him & she said no. But we did find out that mom used to take him out partying right after he was born & would put him on the couches & let him roll off....hitting his head. She thought it was hilarious. Now I'm wondering if he has brain damage?? Freaking out a little bit now!!

I'm not sure I'm ready for this!!!

 

[kaoden39]

You know Michele.....I actually hadn't done this yet.....so thank you for reminding me!! lol I sometimes forget the internet does more than the DIS & FB!!

That will be my project for the day.....research!!!

So after a talk with the school about Anthony......they don't think it's an academic issue with him. He's below 3rd grade level in all areas but music, art & PE. They think there's something wrong with him!! She kept saying, I'm not a doctor, but there are times when you can look right thru his eyes. He retains NOTHING!! Which explains him "forgetting" the rules at home all the time. We have an appt with the dr set for April 2nd. I spoke with the gal that was his caseworker & asked if she remembered any head trauma with him & she said no. But we did find out that mom used to take him out partying right after he was born & would put him on the couches & let him roll off....hitting his head. She thought it was hilarious. Now I'm wondering if he has brain damage?? Freaking out a little bit now!!

I'm not sure I'm ready for this!!!

Laurie, take a deep breath. Is this the first time they have told you anything like this at school? Don't stress, wait to talk to the Dr.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Laurie, take a deep breath. Is this the first time they have told you anything like this at school? Don't stress, wait to talk to the Dr.

Yes & no, he's struggled in school since Kindergarten...but the retention thing makes sense when we think about stuff at home. He knows the rules, but tends to forget them...all the time. I really don't think he's trying to be bad....I really think he lapses & makes bad choices. It's kinda scary, because he's gonna get with the wrong kids & boom! He's in a gang!!!

I sure wish he had a clearer picture on what he went thru the first 13 mths of his life....I know it's not pretty. He also was exposed to things right after his 3rd birthday, when he was sent home for 4 months. He needs some counseling for that....but NO ONE has openings......I just keep calling & trying. A real shortage here.

I just want him to be ok!!!


Woo Hoo....just realized this was my 2000th post!!!!

 

[kaoden39]

Yes & no, he's struggled in school since Kindergarten...but the retention thing makes sense when we think about stuff at home. He knows the rules, but tends to forget them...all the time. I really don't think he's trying to be bad....I really think he lapses & makes bad choices. It's kinda scary, because he's gonna get with the wrong kids & boom! He's in a gang!!!

I sure wish he had a clearer picture on what he went thru the first 13 mths of his life....I know it's not pretty. He also was exposed to things right after his 3rd birthday, when he was sent home for 4 months. He needs some counseling for that....but NO ONE has openings......I just keep calling & trying. A real shortage here.

I just want him to be ok!!!


Woo Hoo....just realized this was my 2000th post!!!!

My son Loren who has none of those problems lapses like that. I have a friend that taught for over 40 years tells me that it is called being a boy. That he will grow past it. I notice that he is but it takes time. On the upside he has listened when I thought he wasn't. Recently he was asked to join a white supremest gang. I am proud to say he told them where to go and how to do it. I thought that Loren was going to be a behavior problem so I took him to a Dr when he was little and the first thing she did was advice that I use "free" laundry detergent because with kids behavior problems can be caused by something as little as that. We use a "free" detergent and it makes a difference.

Yay for the 2000!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I'm not sure this is all behaviorial. The reason he's not progressing in school....even with an IEP & one on one help.....he doesn't remember what they did. So if you bring out the same worksheet a couple hours later...he'll stare at it & not have a clue how to do it. We've heard this a few times at conferences but not to this extent. Is it focus?? Some of it yes.....the other part is what has everyone stifled.
He's very social, well liked, but easily swayed into doing things he shouldn't be.

When he gets home from school...I ask...."what did you do today?"....his answer everyday is "I don't remember". I somewhat wrote it off.....but I really believe....he doesn't remember.

Hopefully the dr can give us some help or refer him to get help. I just don't want him to continually struggle at school & get further & further behind. I also want him to be able to play with others without there always being a problem.

thanx for listening & advising Michele.....I really, REALLY appreciate it!!

 

[kaoden39]

I'm not sure this is all behaviorial. The reason he's not progressing in school....even with an IEP & one on one help.....he doesn't remember what they did. So if you bring out the same worksheet a couple hours later...he'll stare at it & not have a clue how to do it. We've heard this a few times at conferences but not to this extent. Is it focus?? Some of it yes.....the other part is what has everyone stifled.
He's very social, well liked, but easily swayed into doing things he shouldn't be.

When he gets home from school...I ask...."what did you do today?"....his answer everyday is "I don't remember". I somewhat wrote it off.....but I really believe....he doesn't remember.

Hopefully the dr can give us some help or refer him to get help. I just don't want him to continually struggle at school & get further & further behind. I also want him to be able to play with others without there always being a problem.

thanx for listening & advising Michele.....I really, REALLY appreciate it!!

I'm always here for you.

 

[DizNee Luver]

So the last couple days have been busy, but I did get some Disney stuff done!!

My shirt came in.....very cute (and bright!!)

I paid off our Disney Travel packages!!!! Pretty exciting having that part taken care of!!

I also ordered the 5 Disney Classics cds from Amazon. We are getting a pretty big collection of Disney music...but these have a lot of songs we didn't have. We sat right down & listened to all 5 of them!!

Anything Disney related just gets me that more excited for our trip!!!! Hurry up July!!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

So the last couple days have been busy, but I did get some Disney stuff done!!

My shirt came in.....very cute (and bright!!)

I paid off our Disney Travel packages!!!! Pretty exciting having that part taken care of!!

I also ordered the 5 Disney Classics cds from Amazon. We are getting a pretty big collection of Disney music...but these have a lot of songs we didn't have. We sat right down & listened to all 5 of them!!

Anything Disney related just gets me that more excited for our trip!!!! Hurry up July!!!!

OOH! I've wanted those for a very long time. my Aunt has them all and I've been tempted to ask her if I can burn them to my library but I haven't done it yet.

Have you checked out the Musical History of Disneyland? I have the discs thanks to a friend and I wouldn't mind copying some songs or all of them for you and sending them your way.

ETA: Check out this page: Musical History of Disneyland It has all the information and songs listed

 

[DizNee Luver]

I have that set.....it's awesome!!!

 

[Belle Ella]

I have that set.....it's awesome!!!

It is, isn't it! I love listening to it. It's on quite often. I'll probably have it on all night while at work.

 

[mnmrmustard]

Hey Laurie!

I got a few pages behind, March has been a crazy time both at work and at home. Cool new Canon camera you have there, I’m sure you’ll get some amazing pics with it :-] Great that you were able to swing a Disney Debit card to get those Disney perks – yay! Great vouchers for the Give a Day/Get a Day promotion, what are y’all planning on doing? Oh, and your notebook looks very organized. Nice job on working the reservations to get you back up to the Premium rooms!!!

What a mess at that Elmer’s. I’d tend to blame it on Portland, not Elmer’s though, as we’ve had similar dining experiences at other restaurants up there. That manager was just a weasly joke and the customers, especially the jerk in the Tundra, were intolerant, self-centered losers. We eat at the Elmer’s in Grants Pass on a monthly basis and it is very kid/family friendly and we’ve never had issues like that even if our kids were being a bit loud. Kids will be kids. How did Doernbecher’s go btw?

Very cool Mickey head tie-dies you found, me likey! Nice birthday surprise at school for Anthony, you’re a great mom :-] Nice presents for him too – Bean very much wants one of those hamsters – lol. Wow, it’s already been a year since the twin’s adoption was finalized?!? Yay for that too!!! And 26 years for you two? Mucho congrats for that too! We’ll be at 16 years this summer (right about the time y’all pack up for the trip to DLR actually) so you got us by a decade

Sorry to hear about the issues with Anthony and his memory But good to get him in and find out what he has going so you can move forward with the school to figure out how to best teach him. Good luck with the counseling side of things, I know that can be tough. We finally got my nephew Kris into a good one to deal with his ADHD and anger issues. He’s making slow but steady progress now.

2,000 posts – Whoohoo!!!!

Yay for getting the trip paid off and score on getting those Disney CDs :-]

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hey Laurie!

I got a few pages behind, March has been a crazy time both at work and at home. Cool new Canon camera you have there, I’m sure you’ll get some amazing pics with it :-] Great that you were able to swing a Disney Debit card to get those Disney perks – yay! Great vouchers for the Give a Day/Get a Day promotion, what are y’all planning on doing? Oh, and your notebook looks very organized. Nice job on working the reservations to get you back up to the Premium rooms!!!

What a mess at that Elmer’s. I’d tend to blame it on Portland, not Elmer’s though, as we’ve had similar dining experiences at other restaurants up there. That manager was just a weasly joke and the customers, especially the jerk in the Tundra, were intolerant, self-centered losers. We eat at the Elmer’s in Grants Pass on a monthly basis and it is very kid/family friendly and we’ve never had issues like that even if our kids were being a bit loud. Kids will be kids. How did Doernbecher’s go btw?

Very cool Mickey head tie-dies you found, me likey! Nice birthday surprise at school for Anthony, you’re a great mom :-] Nice presents for him too – Bean very much wants one of those hamsters – lol. Wow, it’s already been a year since the twin’s adoption was finalized?!? Yay for that too!!! And 26 years for you two? Mucho congrats for that too! We’ll be at 16 years this summer (right about the time y’all pack up for the trip to DLR actually) so you got us by a decade

Sorry to hear about the issues with Anthony and his memory But good to get him in and find out what he has going so you can move forward with the school to figure out how to best teach him. Good luck with the counseling side of things, I know that can be tough. We finally got my nephew Kris into a good one to deal with his ADHD and anger issues. He’s making slow but steady progress now.

2,000 posts – Whoohoo!!!!

Yay for getting the trip paid off and score on getting those Disney CDs :-]

Our Disney GAD vouchers are going towards the FP bonuses!!! Ok, 3 of them will be.....I'm using mine for the Mickey Hat figurine with pin set!! We plan on using one voucher on 3 different days. You get 6 bonus FP's for you & up to 5 more people in your party. So going in the heat of summer....I think the bonus FP's will be very nice!!!

The whole Elmer's thing just pisses me off. I never did hear back from Corporate....who at least should have acknowledged that we weren't treated fairly. I went to the DisAbilities thread & got blasted by one person saying she works for a place that takes complaints & she said I would be called a "snowflake mother" (whatever the heck that means) & they would laugh it off. Didn't really make me feel all warm inside.......I won't be posting on that thread again!!

Doernbecher's went fine. They don't think Michayla is having seizures (we didn't think so either)....but everyone is being very thorough.

I love my new tie-dyed shirt!!!! Easy to find me!!

Anthony's birthday went great & it is hard to believe the twins adoption finalized a year ago!!! We were celebrating in Disneyland!!!!

Hopefully we'll get some help with Anthony. He does seem to be settling down with the change in meds....but we are very concerned about his lack of retention. We'll see the doc on April 2nd.

Glad you came back by!!!!!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

MY REPORT HAS A NEW NAME.........10 PEOPLE.......That's right, we've added another person to our trip! My oldest son, Nick, will be joining us!! Now, all my kids will be going!!!!

I called Disney Travel to add him to our package(s) & with the new ticket promo......we're getting a $60 credit on Package 1 & it cost me $143 to add Nick to Package 2......so I guess it only cost us $83!!

I also called our 2 travel night motels & got an extra room for both nights.....so we're set!!

Mike's mom, Betty (who is going to Disneyland with us) took us to the Newport Aquarium for the day. We had a blast.....Anthony was so excited to see the sharks!! The twins did really good & we're pretty happy most of the day. We even ate at 2 restaurants & not one complaint about Michayla playing with her spoon!!!

 

[kaoden39]

I love the jelly fish picture. And woo hoo on Nick joining you.