Immersion

How much sensory integration can you see in this picture? I am a mom, not a trained developmental professional, and I can see:
* dried sand on arms and legs (& one cheek)
* wet sand on hands, finger, feet, & toes
* occasional water lapping on feet
* wind in hair
* sun in eyes
* gulls, airplanes,and people all clamouring together
* sunscreen lotions squooshing all over everything and smelling like coconut
* smells of ozone, salty brine, and outboard motors

I think that's 10. James seemed like he was digging it. Literally!

Catching Up

We've hit the ground running this week with the Summer Camp phase of summer 2009. For the second year in a row, James will be attending preschool summer camps run by our city. Last year was an experiment for everyone. James had a little separation anxiety last year, but then settled in and had a great time. His language and verbal skills took a huge leap! So I was excited to try this again.

The first day James forgot to worry about saying good-bye to me. He saw a sand table! That was awesome. There was a slight issue of him trying to run off through the park during playground time, but yesterday I didn't hear that it was a problem. The camp leader said he was talking and participating along with the other kids.

I have achieved a level of nirvana! This is what we'd been hoping for and here he is doing it! I am so proud of him! I am so thankful for all the opportunities and help we've received along the way.

Geo-Cacheing

I have been surprised by how well James remembers places he's been, even after only one time.

On our trip down to the Los Angeles area, he would pipe up from the back with unexpected observations as "Go see 'chelle, Mommy? Dat way!" as we got close to the offramp that would take us to his speech & language therapist. This is our 3rd summer working with her, and after only two trips there this year he's got it down how to get there -- right down to the strange driveway street turning and recognizing the building from out front. "Candy!" he cried, as we pulled into a parking space there at the end of June, because she used to give him lolly pops at the end of their session. (Aside: Wow! The first time she gave him one, he did not know how to hold it, let alone eat it, forget even saying it!)

As we passed the offramp that we took in Oakland two weeks ago to drop off a changing table, I heard "Go table -- right there!"

Cutting west across the 118: "Disneyland? Go See Mickey Mouse, Mommy?" A little background, grandma and grandpa live around the 118, and we often combine a visit with them and a trip to Disneyland. We used to do it twice a year. Our last trip doing this was December of 2007.

I've always said he was a sleeper (definition #4). Now I have even more proof. The little stinker -- I love him so!

SOOC Saturday: Morning Coffee Run

Mornings with James while on vacation makes for some special time together. I go off in search of some good coffee and James, my early riser, comes along for the walk.

Luckily this motel is very close to a Starbucks. While not my favourite coffee chain, the have good espresso shots and are very understanding of parents and the early-rising young ones.

Bonus points: This one has a killer, SOOC-photogenic fountain out front:



For more fun, photographs, visit Melody at Slurping life. To find out about SOOC or to participate, visit SOOC Saturday.

Harbour Cove

Took the kids to the beach today. My MIL found the best beach! We got there about 10AM and pried the kids away finally after 1PM.

James waded in the waves, sat in the surf and let the little waves roll over him, and ran around in happiness. He loved being able to throw sand and YELL!

So many words -- we can see the world through his eyes so much better. The kite that looks like an airplane. The water that is cold! The big hole that was so much fun ot play in!

Happy-ness!

Togetherness

I am thankful to be together, on a road trip, for a family vacation.

James had lots of words, and he used them for hours all down I-5. What's new on this trip is that he is starting to express ideas, and try to retell fairy tales, just like his big sister.

He did super great with bathroom breaks -- dry pants all the way down!

Tomorrow: the beach, with GrandMama!

Special Exp. Wednesday: Gonzo

When in IKEA, stick a milk bottle cap on your nose. You know you want to!



For more great images or to join in the fun, Visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.