You wouldn't have guessed this by my absence lately, but I do like to write. Really. It's just that life has gotten the best of me lately and I haven't had the time or energy to sit down and compose anything worthwhile.
The last month has been good, bad and ugly. School got out, Big Brother started summer camp, we went on a week long camping trip and then sent off our Big Girl on a two week mission trip with her youth group. That about sums up our lives this last month.
Within each event were many mini trials and tribulations. First, Big Brother has had a hard time adjusting to his camp. It is specially designed for kids on the autism spectrum and many of the other children are low functioning. For a kid who hasn't exactly embraced his own autistic qualities, this is hard.
But at the same time it has been good. Very, very good. His counselor is excellent. He's young, hip, and can handle Big Brother like no one else I've ever seen. When Big Brother melts down, he is not scared off or offended or anything like that. He truly helps him process and move on.
As a result, my son's tantrums have lessened drastically at home. Now don't get me wrong, we still have our many moments, but at least we are seeing a gradual lessening over time. The long holiday weekend and the lack of structure that goes with it has been a bit tough, but camp starts up again tomorrow and we look forward to getting back into the routine.
Twin Sister also did a week-long camp, but is struggling a bit since her return. She has thyroid issues as well as her emotional ones, and we're thinking she may need some attention in this department. We have an appointment with her doctor next week, as well as a dreaded blood draw, so hopefully we'll have some answers soon.
Our week long trip was interesting. We decided to take our unruly brood on a camping trip to see the Grand Canyon. What is it they say about how things that don't kill you make you stronger? This trip was living proof of that old adage. Eight days, 1400 miles and three national parks and we all made it back alive. Amazing.
We visited Moab and Arches National Monument, the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde National Park. And while Twin Sister and Big Brother both had their moments -- come to think of it, we all did -- all in all it was a nice family trip.
It was all good, that is, until the stomach flu hit two days before we were supposed to come home. Six people throwing up in a confined trailer is really no fun. And the seven hour ride home was even worse. But we all made it back, safe and sound and have some good memories to show for our troubles.
As soon as we got back, the Big Girl went off on her mission trip. I have to say the house was a little quieter, and the bathroom a lot cleaner, but it's good to have her home now, all the same. As we head into mid July, I'm trying to just relax and catch up on the many projects that need my attention.
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