"You want to ride Dinosaur again?" - New 10/21 - The End!

[DisMomAmy]

When I left off we were all headed toward Africa for a safari.

Zachary was anxious to get back to the gift shop at Dinosaur to claim his golden rock & we had stumbled across DiVine!!

These are the pictures I promised you of the items Zach & Tim had purchased previously at the Dinosaur shop:

The “regular” rock:

And the remote control time rover (sans remote control):

We made our way to the safari, which Zachary wasn’t very happy about, and loaded into our jeep for a two week tour, only to have it cut short by poachers! Can you believe it!! I think Zachary must have had something to do with that…

By then it was late morning and the animals were quite active:

After the safari we decided we should head back to Dinosaur to look for the golden rock… And guess what…



Continued next post...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Continued from previous post...

We found it!!

We took a final adventure back in time on Dinosuar:

(Sorry for some reason I couldn’t scan this picture so I took a picture of the picture.)

Here’s a picture from earlier in the week (check out the little girl in the front):

After our ride we stopped for a few photopass pictures outside:

Next we headed to EE for our final ride at Animal Kingdom. Karen opted out of this one so Tim, Jeff and the boys took the first ride, then I switched with Tim and rode with Jeff & the boys. Karen & I looked around the gift shop for a bit, and this is when I actually bought Alex’s sleeveless shirt:

I was also eyeing a shirt for myself but decided against it.

After shopping we headed outside to see if we could get a picture of the gang, but we didn’t have any luck. Tim came out and we switched. It was amazing as always!! When we came out, Karen handed me a bag… it was the shirt I had been eyeing!! Thanks Karen!!

And another surprise…

Somehow Tim captured this shot:

At this point, Karen & Jeff were ready to leave us and head back home. The kids had been bugging me to buy Karen a baby Ariel doll after we saw the VOTLM show at DHS. So we ran into a little shop on the way out of AK and bought it for her. She was very surprised and loved it. I thought it was cute that the kids came up with the idea on their own.

We said out good-byes to Jeff & Karen and they were gone. We were a bit sad, but we still had the rest of the day since we weren’t leaving until the next morning. We stopped at the gift shop just outside the gates of AK to buy Alex a hat he had been eyeing for a couple days.

Up next: An update on our last couple of weeks and Mystery Picture #?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update Amy! Love the EE pictures!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Great Update Amy,

Glad you're back on the boards...

David wouldn't go on Dinosaur but he loved EE...go figure...

I LOVE that shirt...how nice of Karen...

We have that remote control car-but its a safari vehicle...so much fun with the pets...

I'm guessing the mystery photo is...hmmm... a wallet cleared out of all cash due to WDW spending...

(btw It must be a relief to have school started...we start the day after Labor Day...and I think I'll feel much better when we've gotten into the routine and know how everything stands...Em who is an uber NT is freaking out...and David who has AS is freakishly calm...I don't know what' going on...?...)

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Those picture of you on EE are amazing!! Great Job!!

Love the two EE t-shirts...good choices!

That hat that Alex bought is a HOOT! LOL!

So sad your trip is almost over.

 

[Glite]

Thanks for the pep talk!! But don't worry I'm not too sad... I'm always scheming to come up with a way to get back there sooner rather than later. For now I think I'll start planning a 2010 trip and hope for the best with DH's bonus after the first of the year.

DW gets a annual bonus as well which why we was able to go two years in the row. Great photos; DH did a great job capturing the picture of you all on the Everest Rollercoaster.

 

[hhockman]

What great EE pictures! Wow, that was cool! I managed to get a similar picture of my DH and DS7 on Atlantis at Sea World on our last trip by taking a picture of about 15 boats and hoping they were in one of them. But EE goes much faster! Very cool.

I like Alex's shirt and yours. And Zach's hat. You guys got some neat stuff.

I hope the appointments went well and nothing major happened the first week of school. I'm glad Zach had the "introduction" to kindergarten. I'm sure that helped.

Glad you're back, but sad that your trip is almost over.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Oh No. I hope that wasn't a lost wallet!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great update Amy! Love the EE pictures!

Thanks!!

Great Update Amy,

Glad you're back on the boards...

David wouldn't go on Dinosaur but he loved EE...go figure...

I LOVE that shirt...how nice of Karen...

We have that remote control car-but its a safari vehicle...so much fun with the pets...

I'm guessing the mystery photo is...hmmm... a wallet cleared out of all cash due to WDW spending...

(btw It must be a relief to have school started...we start the day after Labor Day...and I think I'll feel much better when we've gotten into the routine and know how everything stands...Em who is an uber NT is freaking out...and David who has AS is freakishly calm...I don't know what' going on...?...)

I'll feel better when they go back this week... they had 4 days of school, then a 4 day weekend. Zach is having a bit of a hard time (more on that later) so having him home worrying about going back is just making things worse.

Good luck to your kiddos this week!

Those picture of you on EE are amazing!! Great Job!!

Love the two EE t-shirts...good choices!

That hat that Alex bought is a HOOT! LOL!

So sad your trip is almost over.

That's actually Alex in the hat... They are only about 2 inches apart right now - Alex needs to grow - fast!

DW gets a annual bonus as well which why we was able to go two years in the row. Great photos; DH did a great job capturing the picture of you all on the Everest Rollercoaster.

As of now, bonuses are being paid at 75% due to the economy - I'm hoping they reinstate the 100% bonuses by the first of the year - but I'm not holding my breathe. That will really be the only way we can go back in 2010.

What great EE pictures! Wow, that was cool! I managed to get a similar picture of my DH and DS7 on Atlantis at Sea World on our last trip by taking a picture of about 15 boats and hoping they were in one of them. But EE goes much faster! Very cool.

I like Alex's shirt and yours. And Zach's hat. You guys got some neat stuff.

I hope the appointments went well and nothing major happened the first week of school. I'm glad Zach had the "introduction" to kindergarten. I'm sure that helped.

Glad you're back, but sad that your trip is almost over.

Update coming soon (hopefully tomorrow) about the appointments & school.

I'm sad this report is coming to an end too - but things have been so busy it's been hard to keep up with. Plus, without another trip in the pipeline it's hard to keep focusing on Disney so much.

I was so impressed that Tim caught that EE shot!

Oh No. I hope that wasn't a lost wallet!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Amy, that's a great picture of the giraffe on the safari!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Amy, that's a great picture of the giraffe on the safari!!!

Thanks Jackie!! There were a lot of animals really close to the safari jeeps!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Since our visit with Jeff, Karen, J & K we’ve been pretty busy. (I'll share more about that visit/trip later.) Alex had one more week of camp in mid-August but Zach was finished so I didn’t have much time to myself and it was hard enough to find time to work let alone DIS…

The last week of August had us visiting doctors in Boston twice – once to visit with Alex’s gastroenterologist and the second time to visit with the boys’ neurologist. The GI visit went well – keep doing what we’re doing, increase Alex’s medication bit and come back in a year. The neurologist went well too. She was happy with what we have been doing for both boys. She said she didn’t need to see Alex back for a year. She said she doesn’t think that Zachary is on the autism spectrum and that we are addressing his anxiety and sensory needs well. She said she could see him once more in six months then she might not need to see him again at all! I was feeling really good about this and how well he had been doing all summer until school started… more on that in a minute.

After each of the appointments we met with a team of researchers to participate in a research study. Sorry if I’m repeating information I already posted… We decided to participate in this particular study for a couple reasons – First – By joining this study, the information we provide will be added to a huge database that will be available to many many different researchers. The study is extremely comprehensive and can be helpful for a lot of different research. Second – We will get comprehensive test results back on each of the boys with can cost A LOT of money to have done. We have had some testing done on each of the boys but this is soo much more than what they previously covered.

The first part of the testing involved a lot of paperwork on my part. Then we had about 5-6 hours of testing each – Tim & I included. We each went with a separate person and they performed a whole bunch of cognitive testing on us. I’m anxious to get the results. The next part was a whole bunch more surveys/questionnaires about the boys – social skills, cognitive skills, behaviors, motor skills and a bunch more. Then I had a 3 ½ hour phone call last week to discuss Alex’s development in painful detail! Unfortunately my memory isn’t the best but I got through it. The last part is a blood draw. A phlebotomist will come to the house sometime later this month to take care of that.

Then we had last week… Alex had a great start to the school year. He has settled in well and is happy to be back at school. Zach on the other hand isn’t doing so well… the first day went well and there was even a little boy who ran up to me at pick up asking for a play-date with Zach. Zach had a few complaints about minor things but overall it was OK. But as the week went on he had more and more complaints which all lead up to Thursday morning at drop off when he screamed, “I hate my school – I want to go back to my old school!” I was really sad to leave him there that day. Fortunately there was no school Friday because Zach really needed a long weekend. Unfortunately he is still focusing on all the bad and has been worried about going back to school tomorrow alll weekend.

He had OT after school on Thursday. We have been going to OT for about six months since his first appointment with the neurologist in March. The OT has worked with Zach on developing skills to help him with emotional regulation. She also works on his fine motor skills and increasing his core strength (through his trunk). As the summer went by she started talking about discharging him from OT and that she would just work on his fine motor skills and core strength through August and if all was going well after school started she would “graduate” him at the end of September. Well after our visit last week she decided to postpone those plans because he was so “off” and needed to focus on the emotional regulation skills again.

So I’m a little discouraged right now – primarily because my little guy doesn’t like going to school. I knew it might not be a smooth transition, but I didn’t think he’d HATE it… So I’ve been in touch with the school OT so we can get some of the things in place for Zach that we had talked about in the spring when I met with the school. Hopefully those things will help. We’ll see… I’ll keep you posted.

Here are a few pictures from the boys’ first day of school:

Another back to school update & a new mug!!

 

[hhockman]

Oh Amy, I'm sorry he had such a hard transition into Kindergarten. I hope getting the OT at his school involved will help. Did he ever tell you what happened on Thursday to cause such a problem? Maybe tomorrow will be better. I hope so. I'm glad Alex had a good week!

 

[cjackearl]

Wonderful safari pictures, Amy! The pp picture of all of you in front of Dinosaur is great, too. And kudos to Jeff for catching the EE picture.

I'm so glad you bought the golden rock. I was worried there.

Your shirt is so pretty. How sweet of Karen. And how sweet of the boys to want to buy her Baby Ariel.

I'm sorry that Zach is having school trouble. Hopefully the OT implementations make a big difference.

 

[mousescrapper]

First....school stuff:

I replied to you already via our email convo but also wanted to add...for Michael (know not the same but just some encouragement)...he'll [Zach] get there w/ liking school again... back to Michael not so much K, but it was present his anxieties about school but it really came out in 1st...he hated school then too...not school itself he likes the structure and knowing what happens each day (less anexity there) but it was the work he was needing to do...it took a lot of sensitivity upon his teachers' roles in both K and 1st to start to recognize how to help and ease things for him...but we did get there it took several yrs (and a proper diagnosis) but I'm sure the same will eventually be for Zach


Now Disney....

shaping up to be a great last day at AK...so glad you got the golden rock!!! and nice butt pictures included there in your safari shots (never fails huh)

and I just li=ove the pictures Tim got from EE w/ you guys...that is so cool! did Zach fall out....too cute

And how sweet of Karen to buy you that shirt, that is very funky and cool! Disney but can't totally tell it. Love the goofy hat Alex has...that would awesome for Crazy Hat day at school

lastly Zach looks like he's saying good-bye to the tree before he's off to school....

looking forward to the wrap up...

J-

 

[KathyRN137]

Well, first of all, I know exactly what you mean about not having enough time to DIS as we transition from summer to school days... I'm hoping things will settle down for us, too. (Tomorrow is back to school for us.) I miss the DIS!

Great news from the doctors... sounds very encouraging!

Sorry about poor Zach; you were worried about him, I know. Billy starts with a new class and teacher this year and I'm a bit apprehensive as well.
You are not alone!

We all like the comfort that familiarity brings. I'm sure thats doubly true for the kids. I'm praying Zach will settle in eventually and that school will be less of a source of anxiety for you both.

(Looks like I missed an AK post... I'll go back and read now!)

Enjoy your holiday!

Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

Great pictures Amy and VERY impressive EE shot!

How sweet that Karen bought you that shirt, it's adorable! DS10 has that same EE design, I love the snowboarding Yeti. His says something different in the text I think but it is a very cool shirt!

I'm sorry Zach is having a rough time. My kids had rough starts to the year K-2nd for both of the E's Thankfully it's no longer an issue but I feel your pain. Having a short week and a long weekend doesn't help. We historically start after labor day but this year started before so a similar first week, 3 days of school followed by a 3 day weekend. Makes it hard to get into a routine.

I hope it gets better soon for both of you! Great news on all of the tests and progress for everyone!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Yay for finding a golden rock! I have never been on Dinosaur.

Great pictures, you boys are adorable. That was so sweet of Karen to get you that shirt, it is cute!

That EE pic that Tim took is amazing!

The boys were to thoughtful to want to get Ariel for Karen, awww. So glad the doctor visits went well.

So glad Alex is liking school. I am so sorry about Zach not liking school. It is great that you have someone working with him on regulating his emotional skills. I know you are worried about him, but just remember you are doing things to help him, you are a great mom .

Like Kathy said you are not alone, we are supporting you !

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey Amy,

I am really sorry about the rough transition into school for Zach...I hope he starts to find things he likes...and you know- ironically he may be really happy in a month or so-keeping my fingers crossed for you...

I'm just starting to get that the start of each year is extra nerve racking with David because it all feels like a new start-well it is...but I feel like we had great teacher last year that "really got him" and now we have to start over again and explain his "eccentricities" for lack of a better word...sigh...didn't mean to hijack your thread but he just started this morning and I'm home working and just waiting till early pickup to see how he is...

Congrats on being part of the study-it sounds like a time commitment but wow what a lot of great info you're going to get back...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Oh Amy, I'm sorry he had such a hard transition into Kindergarten. I hope getting the OT at his school involved will help. Did he ever tell you what happened on Thursday to cause such a problem? Maybe tomorrow will be better. I hope so. I'm glad Alex had a good week!

I don't think anything in particular happened - I think he was just overwhelmed with all the new stuff then having a 4 day weekend to worry about it all...

Wonderful safari pictures, Amy! The pp picture of all of you in front of Dinosaur is great, too. And kudos to Jeff for catching the EE picture.

I'm so glad you bought the golden rock. I was worried there.

Your shirt is so pretty. How sweet of Karen. And how sweet of the boys to want to buy her Baby Ariel.

I'm sorry that Zach is having school trouble. Hopefully the OT implementations make a big difference.

Thanks - It was actually Tim who got the picture - that's Jeff in the picture with us - they look a lot alike.

I love the shirt Karen bought me - I wear it all the time. It's Disney but not in your face Disney so I love it!

First....school stuff:

I replied to you already via our email convo but also wanted to add...for Michael (know not the same but just some encouragement)...he'll [Zach] get there w/ liking school again... back to Michael not so much K, but it was present his anxieties about school but it really came out in 1st...he hated school then too...not school itself he likes the structure and knowing what happens each day (less anexity there) but it was the work he was needing to do...it took a lot of sensitivity upon his teachers' roles in both K and 1st to start to recognize how to help and ease things for him...but we did get there it took several yrs (and a proper diagnosis) but I'm sure the same will eventually be for Zach


Now Disney....

shaping up to be a great last day at AK...so glad you got the golden rock!!! and nice butt pictures included there in your safari shots (never fails huh)

and I just li=ove the pictures Tim got from EE w/ you guys...that is so cool! did Zach fall out....too cute

And how sweet of Karen to buy you that shirt, that is very funky and cool! Disney but can't totally tell it. Love the goofy hat Alex has...that would awesome for Crazy Hat day at school

lastly Zach looks like he's saying good-bye to the tree before he's off to school....

looking forward to the wrap up...

J-

Thanks for your support with the Zach situation - your emails have been nice!!

Still dragging my feet on finishing this baby up! But I'm getting there!

Well, first of all, I know exactly what you mean about not having enough time to DIS as we transition from summer to school days... I'm hoping things will settle down for us, too. (Tomorrow is back to school for us.) I miss the DIS!

Great news from the doctors... sounds very encouraging!

Sorry about poor Zach; you were worried about him, I know. Billy starts with a new class and teacher this year and I'm a bit apprehensive as well.
You are not alone!

We all like the comfort that familiarity brings. I'm sure thats doubly true for the kids. I'm praying Zach will settle in eventually and that school will be less of a source of anxiety for you both.

(Looks like I missed an AK post... I'll go back and read now!)

Enjoy your holiday!

Kathy

Thanks Kathy! I hope things are going well for Billy and his new class & teacher. I always worry about change...

Great pictures Amy and VERY impressive EE shot!

How sweet that Karen bought you that shirt, it's adorable! DS10 has that same EE design, I love the snowboarding Yeti. His says something different in the text I think but it is a very cool shirt!

I'm sorry Zach is having a rough time. My kids had rough starts to the year K-2nd for both of the E's Thankfully it's no longer an issue but I feel your pain. Having a short week and a long weekend doesn't help. We historically start after labor day but this year started before so a similar first week, 3 days of school followed by a 3 day weekend. Makes it hard to get into a routine.

I hope it gets better soon for both of you! Great news on all of the tests and progress for everyone!

I love the Yeti shirt - I'm surprised Alex doesn't love it more than he does. He wore it all summer but it wasn't his favorite. I think it's a cool Disney shirt for an 8 year old boy.

Yay for finding a golden rock! I have never been on Dinosaur.

Great pictures, you boys are adorable. That was so sweet of Karen to get you that shirt, it is cute!

That EE pic that Tim took is amazing!

The boys were to thoughtful to want to get Ariel for Karen, awww. So glad the doctor visits went well.

So glad Alex is liking school. I am so sorry about Zach not liking school. It is great that you have someone working with him on regulating his emotional skills. I know you are worried about him, but just remember you are doing things to help him, you are a great mom .

Like Kathy said you are not alone, we are supporting you !

I'm sooooooo glad we found the golden rock!! There could have been bad consequences if it had been gone. Though I'm still not sure we found THE golden rock... there was a whole bin full of them.

Thanks for the support. I just sent you something on facebook...

Hey Amy,

I am really sorry about the rough transition into school for Zach...I hope he starts to find things he likes...and you know- ironically he may be really happy in a month or so-keeping my fingers crossed for you...

I'm just starting to get that the start of each year is extra nerve racking with David because it all feels like a new start-well it is...but I feel like we had great teacher last year that "really got him" and now we have to start over again and explain his "eccentricities" for lack of a better word...sigh...didn't mean to hijack your thread but he just started this morning and I'm home working and just waiting till early pickup to see how he is...

Congrats on being part of the study-it sounds like a time commitment but wow what a lot of great info you're going to get back...

I think the unknown of each school year can be overwhelming... I know it's overwhelming for me so I'm sure it's 10X worse for the kids! I hope David has a good year!