Summer is here!

This school year has flown by. There were lots of tough times this year but a year full of growth and progress. Monday was Matthew's last day with Kelly (on the left). She has been his social skills teacher for 2 years and his shadow for over a year. She has been amazing with unending patience and perseverance and he has learned so much from her. She is moving up north and I am so sad I cry every time I think about it. Kelly-I hope you know the impact you have had on my son and my family. We love you and are grateful every day that you came into our lives....for Matthew and for us.

Tuesday was the last day of this school year for Moulton (School District). It has been a year of much learning and changing there too. Matthew had wonderful teachers. We decided that another year of pre-k would be highly beneficial. Though academically he would do fine in kindergarten we felt that socially he needs another year so he will be in his same class next year. It is great because he can have the same teachers (he loves them) and have many of the same kids as well. Then when he goes to kindergarten he will move on with the kids he is in class with next year.

Thank you Mrs. G and Miss Mansi!

The kids had a fun last day party. Matthew even wore some face paint (that was a first!)

My adorable little man!
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To celebrate the end of a good year we surprised Matthew with a trip to Disneyland.

Miss Melanie surprised us with a visit there and rode a few rides too.

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What a year. Lots of really rough days and lots of tears (Matthew and me)......but lots of wonderful moments too! We love you so much little fellow and are proud of you.

So proud!

We still have many issues that we are working on but I am so proud of my Matthew I could burst! I would love to show this to the doctor (who will go nameless) who told me Matthew would probably not speak......
How it this for non-verbal?

Counting in 4 languages! Go Matthew! You amaze me every day and I love you so much.
I am so lucky to be your mom!

Catching up....

It's been a busy few weeks for us. Matthew went to his very first movie! He has been begging to see a "show" so we took him to see Shrek 4. We went to a "sensory friendly" viewing where they keep the lights on and the volume bit lower than usual. You can bring your own snacks (for kids on special diets) and it is an environment that brings the stimuli to a more tolerable level for kids with issues with noise, crowds, etc. Matthew did not care for the movie (we lasted about 20 minutes which is actually a big deal for anyone who knows Matthew) but he does want to go back for Toy Story 3.

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Later that day we saw Andrew in a Rubik's Cube speed contest at the Discovery Science Center. His best time was 49 seconds! I was blown away! He was a bit disappointed as he can do 34 seconds but Holy Cow! What a stud! A true MIT candidate, and sooooooooo handsome!

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Matthew started swim class and is having a blast.

Warm ups with Coach Ashley
His little teeth were chattering so we got a wetsuit to keep him a little warmer.
Is he cute or what?

He loves swimming this year and has become so brave. I know where we'll be spending lots of time this summer.....if only mommy was swimsuit ready :(

Look at my baby go across the pool!

Relaxing in the jacuzzi after swim class
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We had a fun day with our friends Matt, Alex and Aiden this weekend. We went to a BBQ restaurant that had GFCF food for lunch and off to the pool after. Doesn't this cutie look like he could be Matthew's cousin?

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These pics are from Matthew's pre-school's year end potluck. Matthew enjoyed having us there and we loved seeing Matthew successful in school. He participated in the games, circle time and chatted with the boys on either side of him during the snack time.

He got to have a GFCF break and had some real pizza. He was in heaven!

As we observed Matthew at the potluck we were reminded again of how big the past few months have been for him. We could not be more proud of the progress he has made this year and how hard he has worked. He inspires us every day. We love you Matthew!