What holidays bring...

Thanksgiving, St. Nick's Day, Christmas...so much excitement buzzing around.  As adults, we have added lists upon our lists, and the business of everyday life has increased greatly.  For our children, they are constantly stimulated, and the reminders that something is different are everywhere- the lights, the decorations, the count-down calendars...

the holidays often bring anxiety as well.

Thanksgiving was a beautiful day- Peter and I successfully cooked a turkey dinner, and were fortunate to have family and friends help with the sides, the ham, the desserts..it was quite a feast!

Our Maple Bacon Savory Turkey- so yummy!  Even stuffed it with cornbread stuffing!

the spread

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peyton loving on john and carrie

Cold winter days=household projects, lego building, paint tape art projects,  and massive forts

 Such a fun project- they turned out great!

Our tradition has been to decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving..and by 10 AM, our entire house was decorated.  Hunter was insistent upon waking that it was TIME!

Adding the star to the stable

 One of our favorite things...taking out our two big boxes of Christmas stories!

 Every year we visit the same large sporting store to see Santa- he is one of the best!  He is sweet, patient, and the best part...the pictures are free!  They have a carasol to ride, crafts, and trains you can drive. The kids love it- and we get to drop off our Santa Wish lists very early!

 look at peyton's head!

We were supposed to go as a family to a little festival in town, but due to a 5 AM wake up call from Hunter anticipating St. Nick's arrival on the 6th, a meltdown in the car led to us staying home...but Daddy still took the other two and they had a great time!

 Paige's note to St. Nick...starting to have her doubts...

So this was St. Nick's reply...

Early morning stockings in our bed

Christmas festival at the Farmers Market

That night, we had a Blue Christmas Charity Gala to attend.  We had a blast with one another and seeing old friends.  Bad picture of me, but a great one of my handsome hubby.

Today, Paige had her annual caroling/treats for the nursing homes in the area.  I always love seeing the pictures- they just warm my heart!

The holidays are a wonderful time of year...but we also have to be mindful of the anxiety they cause for a child with Autism, the child who wants to have everything the same ALL the time.  The child who doesn't like transitions, surprises, variations...but at the same time, wakes with such excitement to announce the number of days until Christmas.  

He loves it all- but it doesn't come without struggle.  This year, though, he hasn't cried at the sound of carols.  He has watched new Christmas movies, has participated in crafts (and wore a smock on his own!)...we are in such a different place than last year.  

Peter and I were watching videos tonight from three years ago, and it is almost comical to listen to Hunter's commentary in the background.  We hear the yelling, we hear the crying, we hear the whining- and with every video, we heard "Can I play your phone? Give me your phone!"  He has definitely expanded his repertoire of favorite past times. 

Two weeks until we have two weeks off of school!  Hunter  had a PURPLE day on Friday, and we celebrated big-time- hoping to have more great days ahead.