Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

Finally.....a break in the rain! We wanted to get Matthew out for some outside fun before the rain started up again so we went to the Irvine Pumpkin Patch.

Look how tall our little guy is getting!

He loved driving the tractors. Last year he was so impulsive and difficult to reign in that we had to pull him off the tractor after a minute or two. He remembered and said he was going to do it "cowectwy" (correctly) this year and he did great. I think he rode it 3 times! Who says Japanese can't drive?

All smiles in the haunted house

Not really sure why but Matthew LOVES the hay ride. Unfortunately it sent his allergies into orbit. :(

Matthew's highlight was ridding the trotting ponies. He is a complete animal lover. really enjoyed himself.

I love that smile!

Matthew and his Daddy!

A fun day with my little precious....Nothing better!

Not 1 but 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had such a great soccer game Saturday. Matthew scored his first goal! Then he scored another!!!! WAHOO!!!!!! It was great! He was so excited and we are so proud!
It is not just that he did well today, it goes so much deeper than that. When Matthew was diagnosed we were told that the situation was dire. His autism was severe. We were devastated and thought perhaps we would not get to have the experiences of raising a child that we dreamed of when we saw that first ultrasound when we found out that he was a boy. We were wrong. He has brought us joy beyond what we ever expected. He has worked so hard and has come so far, he is amazing and I am in awe of my son.

I knew someday that eloping (running) would come in handy!

Our awesome coaches, Coach Jon and Coach Joe.
You guys are so inspiring!

Could Mark look any prouder? He was all smiles!

Matthew doesn't quite get "competition" so for working hard and seeing the game to the end Mark took him to the Disney store and got him a toy he has been begging for...a remote control Mater!
We love you sweet boy!
Great Job!

Fun and Sun

Matthew is having so much fun with soccer. He is doing well and looks forward every week to practice and playing. Last weekend he had a treat, he got to play Riley's team! (for the record, we lost miserably!)

Go little guy!

Taking a break with Dad. It was hot and my poor boy was wilting.

He was excited to see Ashley & Ant cheer him on.

Of course nothing beat seeing cousin Andrew come to his game, even ran the field with him.

The Yellow Jackets
Are they adorable or what?

*****
We wanted to take advantage of the warm weather so headed to the beach for the afternoon. Matthew had so much fun.

His buddy Kiran.

Matthew LOVES the beach!!!

Romancing the waves.....

The beach had a little park too.

OK, so I may be a tad biased but that little face......
Love you little man!

The "Yellow Jackets"

Matthew had his first day back to school this week. He was so excited and had a great week.

His wonderful teachers Mrs. G and Miss Mansi.

Daddy was there for his first day back too.
*****
Such an exciting week. Matthew started soccer this week. I was not sure how it would go but he did so well. He had fun and was really good. Another milestone, when we tried sports last year it was a disaster. It was disheartening to deal with behaviors so I was a bit apprehensive but this year was a dream!
This was my baby at his first practice.

Could he be any more handsome?

Doing some warm up activities.

He had fun and got right into the mix.

A little clip of my guy "dribbling" into the game.

How good is my little soccer stud! My little Pele'!
Love you little guy!

Matthew is 5!

Sunday was Matthew's 5th b-day! I can hardly believe it, it has gone by too fast. I want to savor every moment as I am sure the next few years will go by even faster. We started the festivities with a Matterhorn cake. GFCF and delicious. It was also his very first b-day cake too.

It was a hit! He loved it.

We just had our families over and our close friends, the Rao family. It was really a happy day for us because Matthew understood the significance of the day. We were able to sing Happy Birthday for the very first time, in the past it would be too much for him. He was so excited to open presents too. He asked several times to open the gifts and had fun unwrapping and seeing what was inside.

His precious Bubby was there to assist in the festivities.

It was a hot day so the cousins all went for a swim.
*****
Monday we went with Jen and Kiran to Disneyland. The kids were excited to get there. Of course, Matthew had the agenda for the day. Matterhorn, Matterhorn, and more Matterhorn.

Look at those happy faces!

Looks like Matthew corrupted Kiran and he is now a thrill ride junkie too!

It was a warm day so they rode Splash Mountain a few times too. Look at my little guys skinny arms in the air. :)



Such a fun day! There were no crowds, tolerable heat and 2 happy kids. Life is good. It has been a wonderful year for Matthew. Much progress and understanding. We still have a journey ahead but we feel that the most difficult times are behind us, his future is limitless.
I love you Matthew. You have given your Daddy and me the best years of our lives.