in more ways than one! I have been such a slug about blogging...I'm no where near a prolific blogger - but lately I have been absolutely neglectful!
I wasn't sure how J would do, not going to summer school...if the lack of structure/routine would put him very much out of sorts. See...I could have sent him. However, after discussing the issue with his teachers, we all agreed that he was pretty much past the point where the current summer school setting would benefit him. He's at an awkward stage, where he is passing many of his friends who receive services and yet is not quite on the same level as his neurotypical peers. In light of this, we opted for a once a week tutoring with his sp. ed. teacher, camp, get together with friends and lots of family time. Basically, we wanted him to have a summer like every other kid his age.
So, to sum up our summer so far:
July 1st: The five of us headed down to Port Canaveral, FL. There we met up with my Sister In-law, her husband and five kids to go on a 7 day Carnival Cruise with my In-laws. We had a wonderful time! Some of the highlights for J - Camp Carnival and all its wonderful activities. Hearing about how well J did snorkling in Nassau for the first time. He struggled a bit, but didn't give up and ended up having a great time. Dinner! J had soooo much fun ordering from the adult menu. He would carefully make his selection from each course and order in such a serious and discerning tone. He even tried sushi, lobster and chilled soups to name but a few things! His favorite was this melty chocolate cake type dessert (ok, that was everyones favorite). The waterslide! Running to the room at night to see what the latest towel animal would be...and lastly, the breakfast buffet - the boy is all about the food!
July 27th - August 7th - Camp! J and his older sister both did two weeks at a local YMCA camp. Swimming, archery, canoeing, horseback riding - they do it all there. Its just a day camp at this point, but they came home every day dirty, tired and very happy. J even won an award in archery! I just wish it weren't so expensive, or I would send them for another two weeks. Its worth every penny. The best part is J is assigned an additional counselor that works with him and other students with LDs. He used to get an actual one on one, but now he shares with other campers who are starting to move out of needing such individualized attention. The primary aim now, is socialization - this is as important for his future as an adult as are his academics.
August 10th - present: The rest of the summer, well...other than the Fair, its pretty wide open. Some playdates, maybe a movie, a trip to a waterpark and lots of time outside. Soon, we'll find out who his 5th grade teacher is (fingers crossed its the one we hope for!) and the countdown to school will begin. J is looking forward to seeing his friends, Boy Scouts, math class and LUNCH LOL!! I'll keep you posted...
