Wrapping Up 2014

Since I am so horrible at remembering to write to you I wanted to catch you up on the rest of 2014 before we bring in the New Year!  The last few months have been an absolute whirlwind full of school, travels, and break throughs.  I feel like we have been going full speed ahead and have barely had time to stop and reflect upon all that has happened.  This year has been full of growth and I am so proud of all you have accomplished and where you are today.

Bahamas
In October we hit the high seas on a cruise to the Bahamas!  We had the time of our lives and enjoyed the small moments.  You got to swim with the dolphins, play on the beach, admire the endlessness of the open water, and just kick back and relax.  I had prepared myself for the worst, expecting meltdowns and an emotional roller coaster but it never happened.  You once again far exceeded my expectations and showed me the behavioral and emotional gains you have made.  I am sure having Addison and Amanda on this trip with us also helped you greatly.  You and Addison continue to have your own bond and you would do anything for him.  I hope one day you are able to express to him how much his friendship means to you.

Dolphin Cay

Kissing the dolphin

You were a little unsure

You were full of yourself 

One of my favorite pictures

The Views Were Amazing

A Little Beach Bum

Two Peas In A Pod

Thanksgiving in Florida 

Since you did so well traveling in October we decided to head to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with Pam and her boys Darren and Trevor.  Honestly, it is wonderful that you travel so well and that you honestly enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things.  It opens up the door for us to experience more of life and of you to continue to learn in your natural environment.  We had fun on the beach Thanksgiving day and you made a new little girlfriend :)  I hope the girls love you as much in high school as they do now!

School/Communication

School has been a highlight of your fall/winter so far.  You love going everyday, have made new friends, and continue to work hard.  The school still does not see the skill level that I do and you like to give them a run for their money but overall, you have made leaps and bounds of progress.  You continue to spend more time in the general education class, you are able to transition with more ease, and you are finally starting to use your communication device across environments!  At home you are actually starting to put together 2 words on your device consistently and are using it willingly.  You are still reluctant to use it with your peers and I honestly think it is because you know it makes you different.  You want so hard to be just like everyone else and keep pace with those around you.  You thrive off your friendships.  Every Sunday a handful of your classmates come over to play which I think I love as much as you do.  I am sure you will continue to grow in this small school setting and cannot wait to see where your potential takes you. 

So overall the last few months have been amazing! I look back at all the changes that have happened, where you were last year, two years ago, and four years ago and I can no longer predict where you will be tomorrow.  You truly are a mystery to me but I am loving everyday of discovering your layers and helping you become who you want to be.  You have recently discovered the world of rap music, expressed continued interested in sports (even though it is not your strength), and as always, have a passion for making people smile.  We are happy and stable.  You are learning, discovering, and growing daily.  I am scared because we have so much more to lose now then we ever have before.  I am scared that waking up each morning you may have slipped away or we may lose the sense of stable we have found.  I am sure this is normal growing pains and I am learning to let go a little more each day.  

Keep on Truckin... Great things are coming your way

Love you