We had been counting down the days until it was time for our family vacation to San Diego. Getting ready for a vacation takes so much planning and preparation. You think as your kids get out of the baby stage that traveling gets easier but in Brendan's case I think it gets harder. We got up super early packed the car to the max and off we headed on our 6-8 hour car ride. Brendan was absolutely perfect on the drive there. He took a little nap and watched his My Little Pony movie about 4 times and he was happy as can be. We were headed to Mission Beach staying at the Hyatt. I called about 10 days before we arrived to speak to the hotel housekeeping manager. I explained Brendan's allergy to polyester and once again they blew me away with how much they will go out of there way to make sure we have the best experience. They said they would get us special sheets and clear the room of anything he could be allergic to. They offered to make sure we had 2 refrigerators and a microwave. I hung up the phone and started to cry. It is such an amazing feeling to have others care so much about your child's needs, it just overwhelmed me with emotion.
We didn't have any plans on this trip other than spending a day at the San Diego zoo. We were just going to enjoy ourselves and relax. We live on such a crazy schedule everyday that we just wanted to do what we wanted when we wanted. Brendan had no problem adjusting to an new environment at the hotel. He just went with the flow of things which we all know even typical toddlers don't handle well. I have a girlfriend who lives near Mission Beach who was our little tour guide and gave us the best places to eat to beach at and helped with anything we needed. She was amazing! She told us about this little small beach where there wasn't any waves and the sand was pretty compacted so we thought we would take Brendan there to see if he can handle the sand and water. Last year he HATED the beach so I wasn't sure what was going to happen this year. He went to this beach and absolutely loved it. You would never know this kid had major sensory issues. He was even eating the sand. Crazy right..... We were excited to go to the beach on Mission. He LOVED the waves the sand and even tried to ride a budgie board. It was such an amazing moment for my husband and I to watch the joy in his face as he chased the waves.
We went and spent half a day at the San Diego zoo. I was so excited to take Brendan there because he loves animals. However he wasn't a big fan of the zoo. I think because the animals are so close too you that it made him really nervous. He didn't want to get out of his stroller. He just looked from the stroller and that made him happy. My daughter Haley absolutely loved the zoo and how close all the animals were.
Our hotel had the best pools and waterslides. The kids had so much fun going down the waterslides and swimming in the pool. This hotel is very kid friendly but also gives you a gorgeous view and relaxation for the adults. I highly recommend the Hyatt at Mission Bay! After 6 days of fun we were headed home. The kids also did great on the drive home. I have to brag and say that Brendan was such an angel on our trip. I couldn't of asked for 2 more perfect kids!
Jumping back into therapy for Brendan was a little rough. He didn't want to work which I don't blame him. Even adults hate going back to work after vacation. It took him a couple days to get back into the routine. This summer Brendan really loved having his sister home, but summer was coming to an end and she was heading back to school. I actual think she was going to miss him more. I know I loved having her help with him this summer so I definitely was going to miss her.
We decided to put Brendan into a soccer class to get him exposed to a structure type of environment with typical kids. He loves to kick the ball and he has just a natural sports ability so why not take advantage of it. The place is called B.E.S.T sports and they are great with letting special needs kids join the classes and they are also great with letting a therapist join. This is why we went there because not all places allow this. We arrived for the first class and Brendan seemed super excited and immediately started to run around and kick the ball. The class had started and coach was giving the kids instructions and Brendan just lost his mind. He is so used to being the leaded of his world that having to follow directions was not something he wanted to do. I watched for the first 4-5 minutes and then jumped in to help his therapist Sara (which is also 7 months pregnant) control him. So the rest of the class we had to tag team him. He was running, crying and just having melt down after melt down. He got so worked up that he drank water and then just threw up. Which he has never done.
Brendan's 1st soccer lesson
Then week 2 of soccer he just walks in and is listening and watching the coach. Following directions for the most part and just being such a different kid than week one. He did get tired towards the end of class which brought out a couple melt downs, but over all he did amazing!. My favorite part is watching him at the end sit with all the kids get a stamp and just giggle. Sara and I had to hold back our tears.
Brendan's 2nd soccer lesson
This week Brendan has started a new schedule of therapy. Now with school back his scheduled needed to be adjusted. So I think I am the one trying to get used to it. He used to get a couple breaks in his day but since he doesn't take naps he is working all day.
Next weekend I have the opportunity to go on a girls trip for 4 days. I am so excited about it but nervous. My daughter Haley is 8 years old and I have never even spent more than 2 days away from her. So it is going to be hard for me leaving both kids but I know my husband will do great.
I want to remind everyone to SAVE THE DATE for our 3rd annual Autism Speaks Team Brendan walk. It is on October 25th, 2015! You can register here:
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/donorReg/donorPle . . .
