An Outing for the Entire Family

So, this is from way back in April, but I wanted to post about it anyway.  Having a child with special needs, sometimes means not being able to do things that other families get to do.  We can't just take Evan anywhere for several reasons:

A.) He might have a meltdown caused by his anxiety from being in a public unfamiliar environment.
B.) If my husband is not with me, then there are precious few places I am willing to venture out alone with a two year old, and a child with special needs.
C.) Unfortunately, the stares and the comments made by a few ignorant people can at times really get to me and despite telling myself that it doesn't matter what a few ignorant people think, actually believing that can sometimes be a little more challenging.

On the flip side,...

Every once in a while, because we have a child with special needs, we get to do things that other people don't.  In April, because it was National Autism Awareness month, we got to go to The Living Planet Aquarium during after business hours for FREE, but that wasn't the best part; we ended up being the only family that showed up, so we had the entire place to ourselves!!!!  It was awesome!  Yes, sometimes we do get hooked up,... and the kids (including Evan) had an absolute blast!

Evan got to do his thing...

He especially loved the jellyfish...

 

And the rest of us had tons of fun too...

The stingrays were a favorite for everyone!

It really was an awesome night; no stress, no meltdowns, no having to leave early, nobody staring... And really the best part about it for me was the we got to go together (like the entire family).  Usually if we were to do anything like this, it would be Marty or I staying home with Evan while the other parent took out Vanessa and Ben, so yeah,... it was a pretty special night for all of us.

I have a nine year old!

Holy cow, this summer has been crazy busy so far!  I am seriously worn out, and ready for school to begin again.  Between the birthdays, baptisms,  parties on the weekends, and all of Vanessa's activities, and Evan's therapy during the summer, I have hardly had a chance to even breathe,... and the state of my house can vouch for that.

So I am super behind on updating my blog, and will try to do a little bit of a better job in the coming weeks (hopefully).

Today I am going back to May to dedicate this entry to my daughter.  She just turned 9 a month ago.  Yes, I am old enough to have a nine year old.  It's crazy.  Man, it really does seem like it was just yesterday, she was Ben's age, running around with her chubby cheeks, and hair in pig tails. 

Vanessa at her 2nd birthday

Time flies by way too fast...

I wish I could slow it down a little, or at lease push a pause button every once in a while.

Now she is a very active, sweet, beautiful little nine year old.  She is such an amazing big sister and daughter.

She has had to deal with a lot, having a brother just 14 1/2 months younger with autism.  She has missed out on many outings, activities, and other things that a family without a child with special needs gets to do.  I have had to tell her no a lot, wishing more than anything I could say yes.  She has to deal with the stresses of having a sibling with autism that a child her age shouldn't have to deal with; even though we try so hard to shield her from it.  She worries about Evan, watches over him, asks me questions like "Will I be able to get married when I get older, or will I need to take care of Evan?"   Evan has been by her side ever since she can remember.  She knows no different.  She has more patience, kindness, understanding, and unconditional love than I will probably ever have.  She helps me to be a better mother every day.

Ok,... so on to her actual party.  She really wanted to go to Jumpin' Jacks (a big indoor inflatable playground). 

She picked out what type of cupcakes she wanted. (Brownie cupcakes with white chocolate frosting with her two favorite colors)

and she got to invite her cousins and some friends...

 

I think they all had a good time.  Vanessa told me it was the best party she had ever had.  So, I guess it was  a success.

Happy Birthday little Yessa! (Ben's name for her) We love you sooooooo much!