10 Things We Haven't Done This Summer (And The One Thing We Did)

The last few weeks of summer are dwindling down. Every season is the same. It flies by too fast and we wonder where the time went. And yesterday The Husband and I couldn't help but think of all the things we have not done this summer.

We haven't been to a BBQ. The Husband is very upset about this. He's missed out on hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw and potato and macaroni salads drenched in mayonnaise. 

We haven't been away for a long weekend. This year we haven't taken a vacation. When The Husband had off in May, The Boy was in school and I couldn't get time off. The Husband won't have vacation again until October. I'm really bummed about this. I thought we'd be able to squeeze in a weekend getaway but just didn't happen.  

We haven't been to the beach. I repeat. We have not been to the beach. Have I mentioned we live less than fifteen minutes away from the beach? 

We haven't walked along a boardwalk. There's something so romantic about walking along the boardwalk, breathing in the ocean air on a early summer evening.

We haven't been to Great Adventure. We really wanted to do that this year. We've never been to Great Adventure's together. 

We haven't been to City Island. For those who live in the NYC area you know that City Island is great summer destination for good seafood and fruity drinks. We live 15 minutes away from City Island and we haven't had fried shrimp or calamari or a Mojito or Pina Colada all summer.

We haven't seen fireworks. Because...well...this. 

We haven't gone fishing. Um, I could care less about this but The Husband seems to be really upset by it. And I'm not sure why considering he hasn't been fishing in the entire time we've been married. (We've been married ten years.)    

We haven't been to Coney Island. As a kid we always went to Coney Island. We've only been once with The Boy. 

We haven't gone to the aquarium. Not sure why we haven't, we have the membership and a parking pass.

My list could go but I'll stop at 10 because all in all - it hasn't been a bad summer. And there are still a few more weeks left to cross some of these off the list. Except for the fishing. That ain't happening.    

And the one thing we did do is...

Register for the NY Road Runners 4 Miles of Hope race. We are all running on September 7th. 

Tell me about your summer so far. What have you done? What have you not done? 

A Mother and Son Date in NYC

This week is The Boy's first official week of summer vacation and I took a few days off to spend some time with him. (And because summer is challenging to find childcare.) Thursday was a beautiful day so I decided that we would take the train into the City and go to the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

Talk about sensory overload! I can't remember seeing The Boy so excited. He was running and laughing. Just really really happy. It was tough for me to keep up with him. And next time I go, I'll want to go with The Husband. 

We had lunch. And then walked to the crosstown bus. The Boy spotted a playground and wanted to go in. We went in for a bit but it was a big (BIG) playground with too many blind spots. The kind of playground where I need a second set of eyes. So we left. And I had to bribe The Boy with ice cream because how else would I have gotten him out. 

And after his ice cream...he was happy again. 

Then we walked and walked and walked. All the way to 103rd street and Lexington Avenue. (From 85th and 5th) There was this bookstore I wanted to go to...La Casa Azul. 

  

After I purchased a few books, we took the 6 train back home. And then I took him back to the playground. 

We had a good day. But don't let these few pictures fool you. We had our share of challenges. I wish that I could say that we had this perfect Mother and Son day. That The Boy didn't have a meltdown (or two). That I didn't come home and cry. But that is for another post.

Our Visit to The Bronx Zoo

We recently purchased a Bronx Zoo Membership. We live minutes away from the Zoo - if I really wanted to, I could walk to it. That's how close we are. Living so close to The Bronx Zoo is one of my favorite things about living where we live. The Boy loves it and we get to spend real family quality time.

Here are some photos from our last visit:

  

In Asia

On the Monorail 

Entering The Children's Zoo 

In the Prairie Dog Hole 

Keeping Cool at #SesamePlace

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. 

It has been seriously hot this week. Like hotter than hot. I don't think I ever remember it being so hot. Ever. So we decided to drive down to Sesame Place to beat the heat and have some splashing water fun.

Related Post: Navigating Sesame Place When You Have a Kid with Autism 

The Boy's favorite spot: Splash Castle

We arrived at Sesame Place ten minutes before opening (10am) which was perfect for us. We scored three chairs in front of The Count's Splash Castle - The Boy's absolute favorite spot! We didn't waste any time. 

At 10 am  it was already hot and sticky but overcast. The weather report said it was going to rain and I think that it deterred people from arriving early. 

We like getting to the Splash Castle at around opening time since it's easier to manage when there isn't a crowd. 

At 10 am, it was so hot that I even got in...I even stood under the bucket to get splashed! 

Keep cool & your valuables dry

Today was also the first time we used our plastic lanyard wallet and fanny pack. We were able to leave our towels and slippers by our chairs but we could keep our valuables with us.  And they stayed completely dry. 

After sliding and splashing at the Castle, we decided to relax on Big Birds Rambling River.    

Maybe it was because it was early or maybe it was because it was supposed to rain, but surprisingly there wasn't a long line.

The Husband and I love the Rambling River. But The Boy wanted to head back to Splash Castle...

By lunch the park started to fill up and we decided to change and grab something to eat before getting on some dry rides. (It was also a little cloudy and the weather app on my phone kept saying it would rain.) 

The Boy really wanted to ride the Flyin Fish and Grover's World Twirl. And on a really really hot day,  Grover's World Twirl may be the coolest dry ride you can get on. (Elmo's Cloud Chaser a close second.) It's shaded and you get a breeze from all the spinning. We rode it twice. 

And in between dry rides, how does one stay keep cool at Sesame Place? Why at the Cooling Stations, of course! Just press the button and get sprayed with a cool gentle mist of water. 

We also treated The Boy to ice cream. 

Of course no visit to Sesame Place would be complete without stopping by the gift shop. I bought something for The Boy I am really excited about but that's for another post.

Then we were on our way. We left about 2pm but we had a fun filled day. And...it never rained.

There are some really exciting things taking place later this month at Sesame Place. For more details regarding July events see related post:  What's Going On at Sesame Place in July.  

Whether rain or shine, it's always a sunny day at Sesame Place.

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. 

   

What's Going On at #SesamePlace in July

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. 

Summer is in full swing and there's lots of family fun going on at Sesame Place! Check it out - you are not going to want to miss any of these special events...

Related Post: Navigating Sesame Place When You Have a Kid with Autism  

CHOO-CHOO SOUL IS COMING!

CHOO-CHOO SOUL With Genevieve!” is coming to Sesame Place on July 15 & 16! Follow the musical adventures of Disney Jr.’s hip-hop singer, train station manager Genevieve Goings and her dancing, beatboxing engineer DC as they entertain kids while performing soulful and current renditions of the ABCs and 1-2-3s.  

BERT's BIRTHDAY BASH! 

Celebrate pigeons, paper clips, oatmeal and argyle socks with Bert! Join Bert in “Doin’ The Pigeon” as we sing, dance and enjoy a Sesame Street style birthday celebration. Delight in an open air buffet meal and themed desserts as we celebrate Bert’s Birthday! 

Friday, July 26, 2013 at 5:00PM Big Bird’s Riverside Pavilion

Adult (ages 10 & Up)- $26.99 + tax
Child (ages 2 - 9) - $16.99 + tax
Infants under 2 are free but require a reservation. Park admission ticket is required.

OUR “BUY 2 NIGHTS GET 1 NIGHT FREE” GETAWAY PACKAGE IS BACK!

Book this getaway package with any two nights at one of our partner hotels and you get an extra night FREE. This package also includes a Sesame Fun Card which gives you unlimited admission through October 27 so you can come back in the fall to enjoy our Halloween Spooktacular! Package is available through 7/31/13.

TWO WAYS TO GET EXTRA RIDE TIME THIS SUMMER

Buy a season pass or book a breakfast!
Big Bird & Super Grover Season Pass Members are invited to enjoy extra ride time this summer.  Guests who book an 8:45 AM character breakfast are also extended this privilege. From 9:30am to 10:00am on any operating day through July and August, they can slide down Sky Splash and Slimey's Chutes, splash around in Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave, plus enjoy coaster rides on Vapor Trail!

GROVER’S EATS ON THE STREET

Our newest culinary hot spot, Grover’sEats on the Street, recently arrived in the Sesame Neighborhood. Our new food truck is a fun food fiesta of tacos, wraps, quesadillas and nachos in adult- and kid-sized meals. Adult meals are all served with tortilla chips, while kids’ meals come with tortilla chips, apple slices and juice or milk.

ELMO’S BOX LUNCH

Our new Elmo's Box Lunch program offers a quick-dining and convenient option for families who want more time to play in the park! Elmo’s Box Lunch program has a variety of adult and child boxed lunches, which can be ordered on-line, in advance, and picked up in Elmo's Eatery on the day of your visit.

WAVES OF HONOR

We are proud to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2013, military personnel and as many as three direct dependents are entitled to a free one-time admission at Sesame Place. For details, Hero Salute.

I am a Sesame Place Blog Ambassador. I was not compensated for this post but was provided with a 2013 Season Pass for myself and complimentary admission for my family. 

Do You Send Your Special Needs Kids to Summer Camp?

As a kid I dreamed of going away to summer camp. I’d see the commercials with the kids running out to the school bus (a happy face was painted on it), waving goodbye to their parents. Then there’d be a montage of the kids swimming, horseback riding, making crafts, playing sports or kayaking – creating childhood memories I knew I would never have.

There was no way my mother would send me away for even a day. Aside from it being too expensive, my mother was extremely protective and she wasn’t going to hand me over to some stranger. It was rare when she let me go visit friends or play outside. If I didn’t go out with my mother, father or family member - I just didn’t go out.

My son, Norrin, is seven years old; my husband and I work outside the home. Summer camp is ideal for many kids of working parents. Unfortunately, it’s not even an option for us.

So what will Norrin do all summer?  Read the rest on Babble click HERE 

And Summer Vacation Starts...NOW!

When The Boy first started Early Intervention back in June 2008, we put summer fun on hold.  Too much time had been wasted.

That summer there was no vacation.  No lazy days at the beach.  No picnics or BBQs.  We lived and breathed ABA and other therapies.  

15 hours a week of ABA therapy.

1.5 hours of speech therapy.

1.5 hours of occupational therapy.

Monday through Friday, we had a therapist in our home.

As for our weekends - we ran errands, cleaned, did laundry and we worked with The Boy.  The Husband and I watched the therapists closely during the week so that we could be the The Boy's therapists on the weekends.

      

When September came, The Boy started an Early Intervention half day school program. The Boy was 2 years and 8 months old, still in diapers and speaking only 3 words and I put him on a school bus.  He came home and a few hours later a therapist would knock on our door.  Instead of 15 hours of ABA at home, it was reduced to 10.  Home based speech and occupational therapy remained the same. 

For the next two years, The Boy was in a full day program but still I fought for home services (8 hours a week).  And on the afternoons when he didn't have home therapist, I took him to a sensory gym for occupational therapy.

And then he started a new school for Kindergarten. And it was a tough year.  He had a long day of school and then he'd come home, have a quick snack and work with an ABA therapist.

For the last four years, we've had a therapist in our home five days a week.  For the last four years, The Boy has been in school year round.  He wakes at 6 am, 5 days a week and is rushed through his morning routine so that we don't miss the school bus.

The Boy has not had an entire summer off in four years.

The Boy is one of hardest working 6 year olds I know. 

And if anyone deserves two months of fun - it's The Boy.

But he'll have to settle for three weeks.

Today is The Boy's first day of summer vacation. So he'll get to enjoy the last three weeks of August.  For the next three weeks, there will be no bus to rush for.  For the next three weeks The Boy can wake when he wants.  For the next three weeks, The Boy will be completely off his routine (sort of).

In the afternoons, his therapists will still come over for a few hours. And they will work with The Boy. The therapists will do the things The Husband and I cannot. They will make sure that he will not regress and lose the skills he's acquired over the year.

I will take of laundry and cooking and cleaning during the week.  So that when the weekends come, we can head to the beach or pool or go where ever The Boy wants to go. I just want him to have fun. 

We have three weeks of summer vacation.  And we have some catching up to do.

Sesame Place Play Date

I grew up watching Sesame Street.  It's as much of my childhood as the home I lived in.


And that's what I love about motherhood.  Sharing special parts of my childhood with The Boy.  And seeing the joy on his face as he experiences it for the first time.  


As a kid, we never made it to Sesame Place.  So being able to take The Boy is special for me.  I know The Husband feels the same way.  We went last year for the first time and  walking along Sesame Street, was like having part of childhood come to life.  


So when I was invited to Sesame Place for a Blogger Play Date - I couldn't say no.  We were planning on going again this year anyway.


The Boy was just as excited.  Especially about the "water splashing fun" and the "rollee coaster."  I was pleased to hear that he remembered our trip and that he was looking forward to going again.


We got there right as the park was opening and immediately went to the Welcome Center where we requested a ride accessibility band (see below it's the orange band around his wrist).  This band allowed us to enter some rides without waiting on long lines.  We used the band at our discretion - we assessed each line and decided whether or not it was something The Boy could wait for.  The staff was incredibly accommodating to The Boy's needs.

Waiting for Grover's World Twirl  - See how I have hold to on tight?  
He had his cup all picked out.

    

Father & Son getting ready to ride the Vapor Trail

I don't really do roller coasters...I don't care if it's appropriate for kids 3 and older.  

I'm more of a Flyin Fish kind of gal

Last year we used the map to get around, this time we used the FREE Sesame Place App for iPhone to navigate the park.  If you have an iPhone - you have to download the app.  It just makes life easier.  Some of the features include: 

• View a full park map on your iPhone.
• True GPS navigation that provides a highlighted path to your destination
• Interactive park map with search that allows you to find the nearest restroom, dining location, ATM and more.

By 2pm The Boy was all played out and wanted to go.  He has no interest in meeting the characters and taking pictures.  I tried.  Trust me, I tried.  And once he rode a (dry) ride, he isn't interested riding it again.


Not when there's "water splashing fun" to be had.  But I didn't bring my swim suit (I'm not feeling swim suit ready) and while it was warm, it was still breezy.  And when it comes to the water rides - we really need 2 sets of hands to help with The Boy.  And since it was just me, The Husband and The Boy - it was kind of hard for The Husband to do on his own.  


Which means - we'll be heading back to Sesame Place before the summer's over.  And swim suit ready or not - I'll be participating in the water splashing fun.


I was kind of bummed that I missed the actual Blogger Play Date and the opportunity to meet other bloggers.  (I did get to see my friend Rachel White aka The Digital Latina  and meet her family.)  But as you know - when your kid is ready to go.  You go.  As quickly as you can. 

Needless to say, The Boy was knocked out the whole ride home

And even though he had a nice long nap, that evening he slept.  And GET THIS - he put on his own pajamas.  No prompting.  No asking.  ALL. ON. HIS. OWN.  He's never done that before.  


Yeah, he put his pajamas on backwards but who cares.  A Sesame Place influence? I'd like to think so.      
  

Disclaimer:  We were provided with complimentary admission to the park.  The opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.    

I Need To Live For As Long As I Can: #ChooseSkinHealth

Having a child with autism gives me this sense of urgency to take better care of myself.  Because while I know it's impossible to live forever - I want to be healthy and live for as long as I can.  


I really started to think about immortality on the day my mother told me she had skin cancer  (melanoma).  For years she had a dark growth on the back of her ear that kept getting bigger and bigger.  


My mother said the words like it was no big deal.  But I knew she was worried.  And she was playing it off because she didn't want me to worry.   


The thought of losing my mother.  The thought of The Boy losing his grandmother - scared me.  


Luckily once removed, she was fine.  But it made me think.  


My father would be described as trigueño (olive skinned) and he spent many summers, shirtless, strutting up and down beach boardwalks, soaking up the sun.  As for my mother - her childhood nickname was leche because her skin was as white as milk.  In all of my years - I had never, not once, seen either of my parents apply any kind of sun block.  



And it made me think of my younger years.  Laying out at the beach slathering on baby oil mixed with a splash of iodine or cola.  Not smart at all.     

One American dies of melanoma almost every hour, and the number of cases is increasing in the Latino community. However, many people are still ignoring the serious repercussions of exposing their skin to UVA and UVB radiation without protection by going to tanning salons, sun bathing and not using sunscreen when out for long periods of time. It's also been noted that compared to Caucasian women, fewer Hispanic women believe it's important to wear sunscreen daily and are under the impression that darker skin is at low risk for melanoma.

 As a mom, I've made sure The Boy is protected from the sun, lathered with lotion and skin covered.  While often neglecting my own skin.  


I can't reverse the skin damage I've done but I can learn from my mistakes and take better care of my skin all year round.  That's why I'm excited to team up with Neutrogena and help promote their Choose Skin Health Campaign.  Because, I know I've taken my skin for granted and I don't want The Boy to do the same.   

I need to take care of MY skin, 
the way I take care of HIS skin.  

Below are a few helpful tips:  

• Try to avoid peak sun hours if possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.  (I don't know about you but that NJ tanning mom has me freaked out.) 
• Always wear a sunscreen.  ALWAYS.  All year long. 
• Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.

For more Choose Skin Health info and FREE cancer skin screening locations (across the country) please click HERE and/or "Like" the Choose Skin Health Facebook Page.

I searched New York State/City area and there are several locations within New York City.  

I remember when my mother finally got tested for skin cancer.  Thinking back I realize she may have waited so long  to have it checked was because my parents didn't have health care.  (My father had lost his job and well...unemployment and health care are tricky things.)      

With so many still unemployed and ever changing health care rates, these free skin cancer screenings could save so many lives.  Even if you have medical insurance - make an appointment with your doctor and/or dermatologist and have yourself examined.  

Whether you're a parent or not.  Whether you're a special needs parent or not.  We all have one life to live.  Let's live it to the fullest, longest and healthiest.    

   

****

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post and in collaboration with Neutrogena and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All stories and opinions are my own.  

Finger Painting Gone Wrong? (Wordless Wednesday)

Summer 2007

Sometimes, I look back at old pictures - pictures taken before the diagnosis and I think to myself "Why didn't I see it?"   

"It" meaning autism.

Looking at this picture and thinking of this afternoon in 2007 - it all kind of makes sense.  Now.   

Do you do that?    

Is it true that most people get attacked by sharks in three feet of water about ten feet from the beach? (Jaws)

I don't know.  I'm not exactly the kind of gal dying to find out the answer to this little trivia question either.  I suffer from Thalassophobia - that's a fear of the ocean. 
(Found out the name on this cool phobia list - how many do you have?  I have so so so many.)

The thought of going on a cruise scares the poop out of me.  The mere thought of being out in the open water (I don't care how many life boats there are or how safe people say it is.) terrifies me.  I've seen Jaws.  I've seen Open Water and Titanic.  I am perfectly happy on dry land - thank you very much.    

And when I go to the beach - even the pool - I stay in waist deep water.  I've never been in a body of water where my feet can't touch the surface.  I won't even snorkle. It's not that I can't swim.  I can, I guess but only if my life depended on it.  Although I tell people I can't, so that my fear of the water doesn't seem so ridiculous.  But I guess I've given myself away, haven't I?  What's the point of all this?

Well my brother from another mother, Julio (The Husband's best friend) suggested we all go to Orchard beach aka The Bronx Riviera tomorrow.  (He also suggested I make sandwiches and put in a special order considering he's gone vegetarian.)   

NY Daily News 8/15/2006
"Tide & Joy: A Day at Orchard Beach"

Anyway...my first thought was: How the hell are we going to contain The Boy at the beach.?  He loves the sand!  Hellooooooo sensory! But how will we control him in the ocean?  Well, not actually the ocean - the Long Island Sound...you know what I mean.

The Boy LOVES to swim, LOVES the water.  And while he wears a life vest, he doesn't know how to swim but he tries.  And he refuses to be held while in the water.  In the pool, it's hard to control him.  He wants to "swim" on his own. 

We haven't taken him swimming at the beach...well, since this picture was taken.  He was about 5 months old and we had our photo taken by the paper.  This photo makes me a little sad...all photos pre-diagnosis make me a little sad.  I can't help but look at them and wonder about autism.  Was it there already and I just didn't see it?  But that's for another post.  

Back to the beach. I mean not only is it this wide open space that The Boy could just run off, but the waves and the rocks and the glass. And obviously there are no sharks in the sound.  Or are there?  Needless to say, I nixed that idea - with a quickness.  Maybe I'm being a little dramatic.  Maybe I'm being a tad over protective.  But for now, we'll have to swim at the pool.  And Julio was okay with that.  It's a small price to pay for a sandwich. 

How do you all handle a day at the beach?