Firstly, we had a great time on vacation in Destin, FL. I definitely want to return someday with the kids and family to enjoy the beach. Jack and Emily both enjoyed their time there. Emily loved being in the ocean; it was hard keeping her out of it. Jack seemed to enjoy the sand and both loved the swimming pool. I simply enjoyed being somewhere special with my family, watching them smile and enjoy themselves.
Emily starts school in less than 2 weeks and we know where she'll be attending now. We put in for a transfer, but were denied. We're not upset or disappointed and we're looking forward to getting connected with her teachers so that we can help each other out in providing Emily with everything she needs to be successful in school. Based on what I've been watching and reading, teaching a child with autism really is about patience and putting yourself in the position of a new learner (as a teacher). Everyone learns differently, and this doesn't exclude children with autism. We're hopeful that Emily will once again be surrounded by excellent teachers who will be able to see the world through her eyes.
I'm very nervous for Emily, but also excited. Emily needs to be back in school as she craves the structure and activity. Jack probably wants Emily back in school again too so he can have his mommy all to himself...although I think he's really going to miss his big sister this time. We played a game with flash cards last night and the two of them were working together to look for objects around the house. It was fun to watch and be part of.
I'm finding it very difficult to get motivated at work now for a variety of reasons. My mind is on my family lately, but here and far, and less so on 'work' that may not even be mine in a few months.
In other news, Wii Sports Resort is a great game. It has some elements that I feel make it an ideal game for kids like Emily. It has some open-ended, non-violent, no-win-lose scenario games that Emily really enjoys. She is GREAT at this flying game; using the Wii remote you navigate a plane around an island, shooting balloons with this funny pew-pew laser thing and finding points of interest. I'm amazed at how well she can land the sea plane on the water, and even fly into and out of a volcano...seriously. She's even been experimenting with some of the 'harder' games like jet-skis and cycling and doing well. Thanks Nintendo for providing a nice set of games that kids can enjoy. Heck, I can't get enough of Frisbee Dog and Table Tennis.