Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail...

Headed out to old people resort land (aka My Mom's House) for Easter to see my mom and family that was in town.

The Easter Bunny found us there and left a trail of eggs. The kids did great.

We had a BBQ and we dyed eggs. I have never done this with the kids before- thought they would be really into it..um, not so much. Oh well!

Nateman got a new ipad in his Easter basket so he was a happy camper.

Wishin we had more family out here to spend holidays with, but I am grateful we have my mom! Nate and Neve love Grandma Ding to pieces!

HAPPY EASTER!!

Nate the Great and the IEP Games

Nateman. Love this kid. He actually let me take a few pictures of him today which is a miracle in itself. Spring- absolute stress time for most special needs families I know. Why? It's IEP season. That time of year where you duke it out head to head with the school district to obtain appropriate services for your child. I wish I could say that I know families that have a great relationship with the district and everything goes just swimmingly..that is not the case. In all my years now of living in Autismville, and taking our journey across state lines, I have yet to meet ONE family where that is the case. Typically it is the district railroading the weakest family to save a buck for the district. I get it. They have a budget. Every kid cannot get equal services despite their level of need. Cuts have to be made somewhere and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. It's disgusting, but oh so true. There, I said it. I know some people question my tactics and they can say what they will. I love that family can't support us. I am sure they envision me ranting and raving against a board...when they are thinking if I just talked it out, everyone would reach an agreement. HA! I invite ALL of them to attend a meeting with me. Oh wait..that would involve family support and hands on involvement. My bad.

So let me paint a more accurate picture. If you know me, you know I love a good debate, always have. I come prepared. I do my research. I know my rights,and better yet, I know Nate's. I always have tangible evidence of my accusations and proof of wrong doing if need be. I bring evaluations that support my requests. Most importantly I come with an unwavering faith in myself and what I believe is right for Nate. I love to listen to others and their opinions of Nate, but when grilled it's almost comical on how little they actually know.

I am thankful I am Nate's mom. I know that he ended up with an advocate that doesn't give up or give in to "see how things go". Um, no thanks. Take your budget cuts to your 2 o'clock meeting. Special Needs advocacy does NOT run on honey..vinegar wins the war. I love hearing others rant on about moms that receive the services they have fought so hard for, and how we gloat. Damn skippy we do. Why? If you have ever entered this world you KNOW how emotionally, physically, and mentally draining these fights are...and I earned my reward. I make sure every other parent knows that it's not impossible. It's sure as hell not easy, but it's not impossible. You just have to have a strong backbone. I might have an ENORMOUS chip on my shoulder, but my backbone is STRONG.

Happy IEP Games. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Bunnies and Bubbles

Nate's IEP day has come and gone. 3.5 hours for meeting #1--and I am exhausted. I don't want to jinx in before it is in action, but I think Mama done good on this one. School year 3 here in AZ and I KNOW all the blood, sweat, and tears that Aaron and I threw into making them change his services when he was in KINDERGARTEN, has payed off. It's all about setting a precedent.  More on that to come as I am currently reading over proposed revisions...

But in Easter news, today was the preschool egg hunt. I seriously don't know WHAT I am going to do when my little girl is in Kindergarten next year. I already miss her so much and I can't imagine not being a huge part of her day... so sad. *sniff sniff*

Neve and buds working on some exercises with the class speech therapist.

Neve and her best friends at preschool.

Getting ready to head out for the HUNT!

Neve had a false start and threw a few elbows I am pretty sure. God forbid she doesn't get to those eggs first!!! HA!

Checking out their loot. :)

Then it was time for bubbles. C'mon..who doesn't like BUBBLES?!

We followed it up with lunch with friends and a visit to see the Big Bunny himself.

Neve has some pretty awesome friends. She has so much FUN with them. I love these girls..I can totally see them being roomies in college. There would never be a dull moment. :)

Party Like It's Your Birthday!

Neve couldn't wait to celebrate her Dad's birthday. We have started letting her be the party planner for all adult family birthdays. We take her to the store and let her choose a "theme" for plates and such and then she can pick balloons as well as any cake she would like. We usually do ice cream cake so she can eat it too. She picked Chipotle for dinner since she said it's Dad's favorite. :)

HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY!!!

DINO-mite!

We grabbed our good friends yesterday and headed to the Natural History Museum! I have never taken Neve before so I thought we would give it a try. Thanks to "Dinosaur Train" (which she is obsessed with), Neve has learned a lot about dinosaurs and was excited to learn more!

Outside the kids could pan for gold and brush off fossils..they had a fun time for sure. I think they just loved yelling, "Eureka!" every time they found something. :)

I wish Nateman could enjoy places like this..but I am grateful he is in therapy(that he really likes!) during the days so I am able to let Neve experience all the fun museums and such in Phoenix. Spring Break just started so I will have to brainstorm some places they will BOTH love.