Back in florida

We made it home and in one piece from our Tennessee trip! The kids did pretty well on the planes, all things considered. Dad traveled to TN with me, and we found out we could pre-board on Soutwest airlines because of Sam's disability. Previously, every time we had taken Sam on an airplane he spent the first 30 minutes screaming! I am not sure if this has to do with Down syndrome, or if it is related to his Sensory Integration Disorder issues, or if he is just claustrophobic (he does this in elevators, too!). I mean, in the past, he was hysterical as soon as we walked on the airplane.... well, this weekend, Sam did great! He started crying on our first plane as we walked onto the jetway, but my dad held him and he really calmed down. I think the pre-boarding thing helped. He got used to his surroundings without a lot of peole on board yet. By the time we took off, Sam had calmed down and was a real pro! I was truly proud! He is making huge progress, in lots of ways! He is also talking more.... has probably 20 words now? Maybe a few less....

I wish someone would have mentioned to his brother, my baby Thomas, that HE didn't have to scream in the airplanes, however! Instead of Sam, Tommy screamed the entire first plane ride. But after that, he was fine, too, and we somehow survived!

I had both my parents traveling back with me, and that made it easier with three adults and three children. We still did the pre-board thing, just to be on the safe side, and Sam was really, really good. I will definitely keep doing that in the future! Wish we could pre-board elevators, too! Ha ha ha

Tennessee was a fun, cold change of pace. Got to meet my new baby nephew, Timothy, for the first time. He is so cute and looks just like his daddy! Lauren had fun playing with her cousin, Zachary, and all the kids enjoyed Chuck-E-Cheese night Saturday night. (I think they had more fun there than on Thanksgiving day with the big feast!)

Only 37 more days until my hubby comes home from deployment! We are counting down! Spence's current return date is set for Jan 9, but it could come earlier. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but am very HOPEFUL anyway! We will celebrate Christmas here in Florida with my family and then arrive back in Ohio and have Christmas as an entire family whenever he gets home!

Hello Shelly Leiter! I was so excited to read your post on here. I am coming up to Bradenton next weekend and plan to be at church on Sunday. I hope to see you then & meet your kiddos! Send me your e-mail address, if you can.

Adios for now!