At the Park

This morning before the heat arrived we headed to Mickey's Grove Park and zoo.  This was Yonders first visit to a zoo and he found all the animals quite interesting.  They also were very curious about him and most came to the front of their cages to get a good look at him.  Junior loved this because he could then get a nice close up look since most times when we visit they stay towards the back.  Many exhibits were closed though and I think next time we will just enjoy the trails and Japanese gardens and wait until we are in Sacramento to go to the zoo.
Junior had a wonderful time and loved being out in the sunshine.

 
Junior's awesome nurse went along today.   

 

 

 Yonder was checking out all the animals very closely.

 They were returning the favor.

 They didn't seem at all scared of him just curious.

 

 

 

 Doesn't everyone love a hissing cockroach, eeewwww.

 More turtles.

 

 

 This guy came to get a closer look at Yonder.  At first he was just looking but then he decided he needed to be sure we knew who was boss and started jumping on the cage.  Junior thought it was cool but I was a bit unnerved by it considering this is a small, older zoo.  We made a quick exit of that area and if we return will skip visiting this guy again. 

 

 

 Then we headed across to our favorite spot the Japanese gardens. 

So beautiful and peaceful.

 

 My boy loving life and busting out into his contagious laughter.  Sometimes you just have to share that joy.  

 

 

 Someone was having such an awesome day.  There was no need to ask him to smile for a picture.

 Checking out the fish.

 

We got an early start and had done the zoo and park and were still back home by just after 11am.  Junior was thrilled and wanted the tv on immediately so he could watch the world cup game.
I am a soccer fan but Junior acted like it was sheer torture a week ago when I dared turn off his show to watch one of the world cup games. But by the second game he was deciding it wasn't so bad and by the third game he was hooked.  Now he can't wait to watch the games.

It was a beautiful day but the heat has returned today in a big way.  We are staying inside and after a rough night for both Junior and his dog we are keeping it low key.  Junior had some autonomic storming and Yonder had some tummy troubles which required some urgent trips outside during the night.  Both are better today, just sleepy.  We also had our garage broken into overnight though they didn't take anything(I suspect when they spotted only boxes of medical supplies they realized they didn't pick the best place to rob).  A new padlock is in place(one that can't be cut off) and hopefully we won't have any further problem. 
My crew relaxing today. Yonder had just come in from a quick potty break so had his shoes on. 

 

JAF Camp Day 4 & 5

Thursday was crazy hair/hat day so Junior wore his big orange  hat and Abby had her emoji hair band. 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly he is having no fun at all.

  

We did a quick practice for the talent show before

Junior went out to play the carnival games with Abby and Samantha and of course had to have some cotton candy. 

 

 That cotton candy is nearly as big as he is. 

 

 The talent show is always amazing and so special.  Junior is always exhausted by Thursday night and though he typically wants to be in the talent show by the time it is time to get on stage he is usually hitting sensory overload and on the edge of melt down.  This year was a complete change, he was very excited and couldn't wait to get on stage with his crew.  No signs of sensory overload and he was having a wonderful time. Not only did he get on stage for his talent portion but two other times as well.  I can't deny I was a little teary as I watched him smile and laugh while on stage with the young adult group he had been part of for the week. I never would have thought it possible, the noise is usually so overwhelming that he doesn't even go on stage with his group.  Watching his smiles and joy was one of those moments I won't forget.

 

 

 CCI was getting well represented at the talent show. 

Each day at camp as we walk back an forth to our room we "roll" over this little sign.  We have pointed it out and laughed a few times so couldn't resist a few goofy pictures. 
My rebels.

Friday is always a hard day as we say goodbye to everyone and head back home.  When you spend a week in a little piece of heaven it is not easy to go back to regular life.  But that week helps us recharge and prepare for another year on this amazing journey.
Thank you to the JAF staff, Mission Springs staff, our STMS, those who purchased weighted lap pads and donated to help us pay for camp, and everyone else involved in making this past week so fabulous.   We love you all and Lord willing will see you next year.

 

 

 

 

Something to make you laugh.  Yonder checking out his "happy gram" from Roz.