Home again, home again......

Me and my Grandson at In & Out Burger....

The first couple of days I spent hanging out with my eldest son and grandson.  He is autistic, or "on the spectrum".  He has grown so much, he is taller, but small for his age.  More importantly, he speaks much more, and doesn't have as many "melt downs", which is what my son calls them.  These occur when the environment frustrates him, or, like any child, when he doesn't get his way.   He takes care of himself more, like brushing his teeth.  He also seems to have grown out of staying up much of the night.  Other things haven't changed...he is so attached to the i-pad that he never goes anywhere without it, or a smart phone.  In many ways, it's like a security blanket.  I wish I lived close enough to have more time with him.  My son was a bit surprised that he felt so comfortable around me, but I think it's because I didn't focus on getting his attention all the time.  I'm the grandma, not a therapist.  It was great that he sat with me on the sofa and leaned into me while playing his game.  He does not seem to have the touch phobia many autistic children have, but he does want it on his terms.  It was a great visit except for the few hours we spent at Chuckie Cheese, where the decible levels of games and kids screaming (both in joy and in anger) nearly drove me insane.  I guess it is a treat that they do once a month.  I would do anything not to experience that again.  

My son's cat...cute and very vocal.  At 14 she still plays like a kitten.

I stayed at my sister's place...a small ranch.

Early one morning I woke to see this fog, and ran out to take a bunch of photos.

I wish the spide webs were more visible, which is what I was going for.

I particularly like this one.

I enjoyed the visit, and even more so now that I have more vacation time!  I was able to stay for a whole week, whereas in the past I only stayed for 4 to 5 days, which always included a weekend.  

My sis and I spent a whole day at the San Marcos outlet, mostly looking, but buying as well.  We found a birthday gift for Mom, a bonus!  She is so hard to buy for.

Me & sis with their dog, Buster.  

Well, I need to get busy catching up with class work.  I did pretty well on the first test, an 85.  Of course I would have loved an A, but ah, well.  

Have a great week, everyone!

Love, 365