Going to Kindergarden...

Brenden is just about done with his preschool days.  At the end of August our little boy will be going to Kindergarten.   Wow!  Where has the time gone?   It seems just a little bit ago he was such a tiny little thing.  Not that he was ever tiny, but he was such a snuggle bunny.  He still is at times but not like an infant is.   But life must go on and our children do grow up.  

As some of you know, Brenden has been officially diagnoses with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) by his specialist.   Him being diagnosed really doesn't change anything other than him going into the public school system.   Everything is done off of a diagnoses and testing by therapist.  

Since Brenden already has an IEP and is delayed with speech we have already had most of the school transitional meetings.  One was in February to meet most of the people on the team in getting him ready.   On May 16 we were able to go and see the kindergarten class rooms and meet the teachers.   He seemed very excited by the classrooms.  He actually surprised both of us by how interested he was in it all.  

One May 21, we got to have a brief meeting with the school psychologist, principal, speech therapist and the Autistic support person for the classrooms.   This meeting really put our minds at ease and we feel he is ready to go.

We will have one more meeting at the beginning of August to know who his actual teacher is and iron out any other details that we need too.

I'm sure there will be tears the day he goes to school.  He is growing up so fast.   We all must appreciate the the small things in life.

Pool time #2 060814

Again we visited the pool since he is liking it so much this year.  This time, he wanted the slide.   Sometimes I just shake my head and laugh because he surprises us so much.  I am very happy that he is not so scared of the water this year.  

Pool Time 5/26/14

Last year Brenden loved the pool initially.   Then something happened and he never wanted to go back.   This summer I thought I would try again.   With any ASD kid, pools, water and other sensory issues can be very hard for them to adjust too.      I thought I would take him on $ days since it was only $1 to get in.  I figured what does it hurt to try again this year.   As usual I was a little worried that he would hate it since last summer the pool ended so quickly for him.  

When we first got there, he wanted nothing to do with.  He just ran around the outside perimeter of the spray grounds and the pool.   He wouldn't even touch the water.   Slowly he started coming around and before I knew it, he wanted in the big deep pool.    Yes the pool that goes up to 11 feet deep.  He got so comfortable that he just started walking out to where it was almost over his head before he asked for help.   Go figure.  

Then it was time for the big swim tube.   He really likes this since he can ride on it.     He soon got tired of it and actually started to try swimming after much prodding from me.   Then it was off to the spray grounds.  He eventually got to the point where he was letting water spray on his head and back.  He usually hates this.   I am very happy that he became okay with the water and realized it isn't going to hurt him.

Another great accomplishment for Brenden!.  Lets hope he continues to like the pool this year since pappy Reppert splurged and got him a pool pass.  Enjoy some pics below of his first day at the pool this summer.

 He's in the white T shirt with blue swim trucks.  

This one he took his shirt off.

Delgrosso's Park 061814

Brenden finally got a chance to visit an amusement park.   We went to Delgrosso's since his school class was going.   A $5 ride pass for all day made it worth it even more.   Brenden was very excited when we got there that he couldn't wait to get on the rides.   He did wonderful!  Only one small melt down over the color of the elephant he was riding.   After 4 hours I could tell he was getting tired so and I could tell he was over stimulated.   I'm just happy that he was able to enjoy the day, almost meltdown free.  Some pics of the day:

He's in the Green helicopter

Very last seat with my mom.   He loved the Caterpiller roller coaster.  

Strawberry Day 06/14/14

Today was Strawberry Day at this house.   We all got up and went to get Brenden and I's hair cut.  Again Brenden surprised us.   Each time he seems to be getting better and better.   I'm glad since this is something he is going to have to do for the rest of his life.

Then Brenden and I ventured to Way's Fruit Farm for Strawberry picking.  We met our great friends, Jill, Nate and Ally there.   While Jill and Nate finished up I got to take precious little Ally with Brenden and I to the corn box.   Look at that sweet little face...

Boys just being boys, enjoying the double swing.   This seemed more like a highlight for both of them than picking all those strawberries. 

Later in the day Brenden and I got to pick up Nate to give Jill a little bit of a break.  I heard she got a nap.  I'm so jealous.   We picked up Nate to go to the Strawberry Festival in Lemont.   I think the boys had fun..

Love that face.   Brenden was to busy going down the slide to eat.  He did finally eat a few strawberries once I mentioned the train ride. 

 Finally our turn.   The boys got very anxious waiting but they were so excited to take the ride once it was their time.   This little train was cruising.

Then we all waited and waited for the ponies.  The boys kept asking where the ponies were.   They finally showed up about a 1/2 hour late.  The boys were busy though running, playing tag, and playing on my phone.  Here are the boys on their ponies.....

Nate doesn't look too happy.  Brenden on the other hand was so happy and smiling from ear to ear.   He wanted a second ride.   I decided to be nice and let him have a second ride.  Nate, not so much.  he was a happy little kid playing on my phone.  Both boys were exhausted and ready to go after the ponies. 

All and all, it was a great day.  I asked Brenden and Nate what the best part of the day was and both of them said, pony poop.   Yes one of the ponies took a poop and they both thought that was the funniest thing ever.   They also said that ponies poop a big pile.    Gotta love boys!

Thank you Jill for letting me borrow Nate this afternoon.  Brenden loves being with him and they do get along so well.