Farewell Kindergarten!

It is slightly upsetting to know that my oldest child is going to be in 1st grade next year. How on Earth did he grow so fast?! Mrs. Bair, Cruise's Kindergarten teacher, had a small awards ceremony for the class, nothing too fancy, but it made Cruise feel super special. I am so grateful that once again, Cruise had an amazing teacher. She went above and beyond anything required of her and just loved each of her students so much. I feel so blessed to have had Cruise in her class and to know that there are teachers that really care about my son and helping him do his best. If I could have one wish right now, it would be that Mrs. Bair follow him through each grade until high school graduation.

Somehow Jett made his way into the picture.

Mrs. Bair, the Aides, and a little more than half the class.

Cruise qualified for Summer school this year and last minute I pulled him out. I felt like it was the best thing to do for him this year since he started in-home ABA services with the Medicaid Autism Waiver program. I figured having his school at home with a one-on-one tutor would be more beneficial and it would allow him the afternoon to set his own schedule and just be a kid. His ABA tutor comes from 9am-Noon Monday thru Thursday and then Saturday. Friday is our family day since Dave has it off. After ABA, we use his visual schedule and put together his day using the pictures. He loves it and it makes him feel like he is in control of his day but makes it predictable. I also have a special activity planned each day for the boys to do. Last week we talked about birds, so we made bird feeders one day, made a lifecycle of a chicken mini-poster another day, etc. So far, things are going really well and he is getting used to the new ABA schedule. And to tell you the truth, I have really liked having that kid around. When Jett takes off to play with his friends, Cruise is usually hanging out with me and we get to talk and play a lot together. But I also think Jett likes having Cruise around more too. The two play a lot together and have a lot of fun playing in the pool and jumping on the trampoline. Cruise even taught Jett how to pump his legs when swinging, so we are currently trying to sell a bunch of stuff so we can buy them a nice swing set. So far this summer is going better than I had expected. I think I expected the worst, but the boys are usually pretty good and help me out a lot. And luckily I have access to A/C and popsicles.