My little T-ball star

In wanting to keep things authentic, I should state how excruciating this week was with Matthew. It was hard and we were feeling very discouraged. It was continual meltdowns, rigidity and tantrums. Mark and I were NOT looking forward to t-ball practice today....we just could not imagine another difficult morning. Then, the skies parted and the sun came out. Matthew had a GREAT practice and we had so much fun watching and cheering him on.

There were a few kiddos missing today but seriously....how adroable are these boys?

That is a smile of great accomplishment!

Look at my boy throw!

I love that mischevious smile!

What a little stud he is! His favorite part is hitting the ball with the bat!

The practice ended with a group hug and a "Go Team!"

We are so very proud of you our little man.

*********************

Had to include some fun pictures of Matthew at Lake Mission Viejo.

I think they look like they could all be related.

Matthew had so much fun on the boogie board and was feeling pretty brave.

My little bathing beauty! I love you Matthew!

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

We spent today with friends in Pasadena at Kid Space, a children's museum. It was really cool and the kids had fun. It is very interactive and had many fun things to do.

There was lots of indoor crawl and climbing equipment, painting, sensory things and exploring.

Matthew enjoyed the climbing strustures, one of them went up to the third floor.

There was lots of outdoor fun too. A bike road, slides, water tables, etc.

There was a little creek that the kids could walk down and get wet. Matthew and Aiden loved it and could have probably stayed for much longer.

This is Aiden....what a cutie! We had such a great time with our friends and seeing the kiddos enjoy themselves. Matthew said "I have fun museum mom!"

*********************

We went to a birthday Party at Pump it up on Saturday. Matthew had a ball and was all smiles the entire time.

Matthew loves doing that type of play with his Daddy!

Snuggles are for Mommy!

Truth be told, it had been a really hard week with behaviors and I was a bit worried about taking Matthew. I was concerned that he would get overwhelmed and have a melt down. Wrong! He had so much fun and was elated to be there. He was saying "Wook at me. I go on big, tawy side!" (Look at me, I go on big, scary slide). He was quite the clown trying to snake the party girl's hat and just loved when everyone laughed. He sang Happy Birthday and sat with the other kids for a photo. For that 2 hours, he seemed like every other child at the party. It encouraged me after a week that left me a little depleted emotionally.

Those are the moments we live for.....when we forget that autism is even in our lives and see that beautiful child just loving life.

I love this boy more than anything and I am so proud of how very hard he works and how very far he has come.

Ahhhhh...........

I typically only post about Matthew but I had to post about my weekend get away with my friend Jen. She took me to the Se in San Diego for a weekend of relaxation and girl time........WOW!

The hotel was ultra chic and beautiful. I loved the door. It was 900 lbs of iron and made such an impressive entrance into the hotel.

OK, our room....GORGEOUS! It was decorated so beautifully and had a relaxing aura. Even the vanity on the bathroom was perfect!

Jen surprised me with a wonderful spa pedicure. I wish the photos showed how luxurious it was.

As if the hotel were not amazing enough....the spa.....WOW!!!!

The relaxation area was very elegant. The showers that were attached to the room where you got massages had it's own steam room..... Thought I died and went to heaven! (I got 2 massages too!)

The pool was very cool. It was on the 3rd floor and was surrounded by cabanas and pool beds. Of course there was no way I was going in the light of day :)

In the evenings there was a Cirque De Soliel type of performance over the pool.

We had such a relaxing time and had a wonderful dinner and desert on Saturday. We went to Chocolat for dessert where I inhaled a crepe filled with nutella. Mmmmmmmm!

We had such a wonderful time and I feel so rested.

Jen, thanks for a wonderful weekend and for your friendship! I love you lots!

Had to include a photo of Matthew at swim class yesterday. Look who is on the kick board by himself!

Matthew and his buddy Brenna devouring GFCF strawberry shortcake! How cute are they!

A Day at the Beach

It has been so beautiful and warm that a beach day was in order. I took Matthew with our friends on Friday and the kids had a blast. I was reminded how much I love California when I watched Matthew frolic in the waves.

My handsome beach boy!

He had a great time playing in the sand too.

Matthew and his best buddy Brenna

Yummy Kiran

Romancing the waves....

Look at my sweet boy!

************************

As I was making breakfast I heard someone sneak into the kitchen behind me. I followed him to and caught him in the act!

Matthew loves to sleep with his trucks...This is what I found when I went into his room just before he woke up!