Month: December 2017

Jeremy wasn’t sure that he wanted to go….he did, but anxiety….gah! After seeing Siah, Xani and Jude go….he changed his mind. Probably the greatest part of this whole thing, was seeing the guys who were organizing the rides, recognize Jeremy by name and connect us, as his parents. For all his struggles, no matter where we go, he is known and accepted by so many. I can’t tell you how many people clap him on the back,high five him and shout out his name when they see him. He came back SO Excited and Proud of himself. He said you could see through the water clearly and he saw SO many rays swimming. How fun! Jon was the last to go and even he really enjoyed himself. He wasn’t going to go and I’m SO glad he did. #parasailing #culleysdoixtapa2017 #funinthesun #feardidntwin
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Today’s adventure was parasailing and the kids were SO excited…..and terrified. Siah was thrilled to go and had been asking since we got here. Judah desperately wanted to go but was SO scared. He’s said a number of times, “I SO needed this vacation!” It sounds funny and cute coming from a 7 year old but I think it’s true. And the fact that he desperately wanted to do this and really really didn’t…..but chose to do it anyway……HUGE!!! Judah’s been a bit quiet today and wanted to spend a fair amount of time, in the room and I’m pretty sure, it’s because he used up a LOT of his energy reserves to carry through but I’m SO proud of him. #parasailing #culleysdoixtapa2017 #funinthesun #feardidntwin #
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Judah went to the Market and brought home a little friend. #marionette #judahzane #culleysdoixtapa2017
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Another INCREDIBLE day, here in Paradise. #fontanixtapa #culleysdoixtapa2017 #sunglorioussun #seeimheretoo
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What makes a vacation amazing for you? You’d probably not say, “Sitting in the hotel room and playing on an iPad.” All of my boys have repeatedly said, “This is the best vacation we’ve ever had!” And THAT is music to this momma’s ears. This is most certainly not a true vacation or holiday for Jon and I, and yet, it definitely feels like we’ve stepped out of time for a moment and that’s awesome! My boys have loved swimming in the pools and crashing in the waves. They LOVE staying in hotels. They’ve loved the plane rides….the adventure. And yet, after a few hours of playing in the water, they are asking to go back to the room for some down time……and then again, a few hours later they are asking to go back to the water. It’s something that I’m really proud of them for…..they listen to themselves and do what they need to expend and replenish their energy. While I’d be thrilled to find a spot by the ocean or pool and read ALL day…..their “Best Day Ever” looks different than mine and that’s okay. #selfawareness #autismftw #siahchristopher #judahzane #jeremyjude #fontanixtapa #culleysdoixtapa2017 #autismawareness #autismacceptance
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This vacation has been amazing and challenging. I like to keep things real, and for the most part this is a fabulous time away; but as a family working to accommodate some special needs that our kids have….it can also be incredibly challenging. This is our first vacation of this kind and food has probably been the hardest challenge we’ve come up against. The food at the buffets, is quite authentic and my darlings can be quite particular. We’ve found a store and purchased some acceptable food items. My kids will be living off eggs, cucumbers and ramen for the next few days. But even then, it’s challenging. I tried to pick out all the “veggies” from Siahs soup but he found a few that were tucked under the noodles and that wrecked everything. What you may not understand is that “this” is bigger than just kids being picky. Too often, children with Autism WON’T eat, even when they are starving; if their brains tell them the food is “wrong” or “unsafe”. I could fight about it but why? What purpose does that serve? I picked through all his noodles and put them on a plate. Initially, he still refused to eat but left alone, with no pressure from me….he eventually ate. When you see someone struggling with food choices or textures, please be kind…..you don’t know what their brain is telling them and why they are refusing. What may seem like a simple fix to you or I; may be overwhelming to someone else! #autismftw #autismdoesnttakeabreak #foodissues #autismawareness #autismacceptance #siahchristopher #fontanixtapa #culleysdoixtapa2017
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The view from our room is gorgeous! #culleysdoixtapa2017 #fontanixtapa
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Today was another day filled with sunshine, swimming and sand. #fontanixtapa #culleysdoixtapa2017 #funinthesun
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Sitting in the hotel room, waiting for one to finish his business. Autism and it’s effects don’t take holidays! We’ll be a while! #waitingalwayswaiting #movingslowly #autismftw #culleysdoixtapa2017
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After an intense day in the sun and crashing in the waves for HOURS……these 2 are DONE! The rest of the family went out for dinner and we ordered in some room service. #culleysdoixtapa2017 #overstimulated #autismftw
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