Afternoon at the Aquarium

Our close friends invited us for an afternoon at Aquarium of the Pacific (a weekeday surprise!). I thought Matthew may like it but had a little concern because when we went last year, it was NOT a good experience. Well, we had a blast and it again showed me at what a difference this past year has been for Matthew. He had so much fun!

He was steering the boat singing "Tapan a boat day a aboa..." at the top of his lungs (Captain on the boat says "all aboard"). It was so cute!

He loved the seals and thought it was so funny when they brushed up against the tank.

Matthew was a little skeptical about putting his hands in the tank like Zachary.

Today was another reminder to me of how far my little boy has come. We still have issues that we are struggling with but he is remarkable and we are so proud of you!

You are amazing!

Boomers

It was another beautiful day so we headed over to Boomers with friends. The weather was warm and sunny and the kids had a great time.

Buddies......

Matthew and Riley having a fun time together.

Even Mark had to play a little.

My little ham was all smiles.

And of course a day would not be complete without at least a little golf.....

Matthew's adorable friends who make our weekends so much fun!

And that little face so full of love, sweetness and an incredible exuberance for life. How did we get so lucky? Mom and Dad love you little sweat pea.

Saturday with the Sumidas

We got coupons for $10 admission to Legoland (what a bargain!) so we decided to head down for the day as it is a favorite place of Matthew’s. We told him earlier in the week so he was so excited and talking about it for days. We went with friends and had a fabulous time! It was a little crowded so in spite of our pass there were times there was a short wait and he did fantastic. We were so proud of our little guy.

When we got home we had a wonderful treat. An unexpected visit from Andrew and Zach! Matthew was so excited that once he got over the surprise he just ran from one to the other yelling “Adew, Dach!” They played with Matthew for awhile before we all went to grab some dinner. Andrew and Zach went home with my mom and Matthew kept saying “Mom, I wa Adew a Dach tome ome wif uth” (Mom, I want Andrew and Zach to come home with us). I love seeing this beautiful relationship emerge as Matthew is beginning to understand that they are family and develop a precious bond with them. I think these pictures probably tell the story.

Today we took all of the boys to Boomers for a few hours.


They all enjoyed spending time together and Mark and I loved seeing Matthew engage with his cousins after seeing indifference for so long. Andrew and Zach have always been so very special to me and seeing them be so loving with my son makes me happier than I can say.

Matthew's New Do

I just had to post a photo of Matthew with his sporty new haircut. Haircuts have been difficult in the past but he did great this time, and could he be any more handsome?

Great job little fellow!

Matthew's Grandpa and Granda Sumida came over for some lunch and some Matthew time. He adores them....It is actually very mutual.

Matthew had another treat....driving Daddy's car. When Matthew has had an exceptionally good speech session, ABA, school, etc., his reward is getting to pull a "Britney Spears" and drive Daddy's car around the block. Here is my little Mario Andretti at the wheel.

So Mark would shoot me if he knew I was going to post this photo but I thought it was extremely sweet. Matthew has night terrors and often wakes up in a panic during the night. Usually one of us just crawls in bed with him to comfort him. It was Mark's turn and when I went in to check on them in the morning, this is what I saw. I loved to see them so snuggled together. There is nothing more precious to me than to see the love an affection between Mark and Matthew.

Sundays.........

Sundays are the day that we always do something fun as a family. It was such a beautiful day today that after social skills class we took Matthew to the Santa Ana Zoo where there was a celebration for the zoo’s birthday. We met our friends there and enjoyed the beautiful weather while the kids played.

Check out the profiles, talk about peas in a pod.

Anyway....

We had a few really cool moments on the way and when we got there. We stopped at In and Out to get Matthew some lunch. While finishing up eating he said “Mattu go Benture Didy” (Matthew go Adventure City). I told him “not today”. He said “Uhhhh Mom, why no Benture Didy?” (Why no Adventure City?) I told him that we were going to the zoo instead and he yelled “Yeah! Tee motey an nates” (See monkeys and snakes). What a great way to start an afternoon! Asking questions, in particluar "why" questions has been a goal we have been working on and to see him nail it today.....well it felt like a Master Card commercial....priceless.

It is a small zoo so once we visited the animals we went to the playground and let the kids run wild. Of course my little guy is happiest when climbing.

Matthew has recently begun to engage in imaginary play. While Mark and I were watching him on the playground he told me to come with him to the “titen” (kitchen). While I sat where he told me to, Matthew proceeded to make some eggs (out of sand of course) for me but made sure to tell me to blow because they were “bewwy ot”(very hot). He then told me they were yucky! :)

I know these are things most kids started doing quite some time ago but Matthew had no interest in this type of play until now. To see him do this and pull me into his play scenario is HUGE and so exciting for us!

Our dear friends who are so very special.

What a ham!

It was packed due to the zoo's birthday party so eventually the crowds got to be a bit overwhelming for Matthew. We left but a great time was had by all. I love these special times with my boys and find myself on Monday already counting the days until Sunday.

Mommy and Daddy love you sweet boy!