We did some group games like decorating cupcakes, taking a picture together and then making a frame, a pin the the pedals on the flower game, and preparing flowers for mom. At each station a lot of things were fun and I was having a good time. There were just a few things that made it tricky. William was getting really restless. (Both my kids thrive on routine and this was very out of routine). Owen even tried to climb on the table. Man, that kid is huge. There was a point when there was some downtime and one of the aids was asking the kids what their favorite thing to do with their mom was and both my kids just sat on the floor.
I think sometimes I forget that they have autism. I forget that they are different from any other kid. They are so happy and loving and do so well at home and in their routines, that moments like that are like a lightning bolt and just make it hard to be happy for a few days.
That being said, I just kept thinking how much I loved them. How much I wanted to be there even though it was hard. Some days are challenging, but it is easy for me to remember all the good days too. All the times Owen says a new word or William makes a new sound. Lately, William will climb up on my lap and just stare at me and smile and then pinch my cheeks. Life really is good and I am so happy. I just think I need to be a little more emotionally prepared next time. :)
