The Happiest Place on Earth,Day 1

No it is not Disney, in our world the happiest place on earth is Joni and Friends Family Retreat.  A place of love and total acceptance for families affected by disability.  For 5 days Junior gets to feel like a typical kid and not be singled out because of his differences.  As a parent I am surrounded by other parents facing similar challenges, who also see the joy in this journey.  

We had an amazing week and Junior had his best camp ever.  He always loves camp but typically we need to take lots of breaks to get him out of his chair, sit outside during certain activities because of sensory over load, and he would spend most of the day with me.  This year so many things had changed in positive ways for him which made such a difference.  No seizures over the past year, a new transport chair allowing him to recline, and of course his new assistance dog.

We arrived in the early afternoon on Monday and my super excited boy met his buddies for the week. Yes, he had two buddies this year and was loving all the attention and having a wonderful time.  A huge thank you to Abigail and Samantha for helping Junior have his best possible camp experience.
(Think he was just a little excited)

Typically when we arrive at camp and get checked in we then spend the afternoon recharging in the room until dinner and skip the first afternoon activities.  Not this year, this year Junior had a quick rest and treatment and was not about to miss a moment of fun. He headed off with his buddies to activities and was quite clear he did not need(or want) me along.

 

 

 

Dinner then, opening ceremonies time.

 

 

 Junior loved all the singing and dancing and did not have any of the typical issues with sensory overload.  Though we sat in the back there was no need to take him outside during any of it.

 

 

Then it was time for the ice cream social. 

 Mr giggles had a great time goofing around with his buddies. 

 

 

 

I handled this camp a bit differently and took some time to just relax.  I didn't push and try to attend everything but instead took some long walks in the beautiful area around camp and sat outside on the deck in front of our room.  Enjoyed visiting with other parents and meeting many new friends as well as catching up with camp friends we have known for many years.   I knew Junior was having a blast and if a medical emergency arose I could get to them quickly so no need to worry.

This was Yonder's first really big event since joining the family and he did better then we could have hoped for. He handled all the people like a pro and did a great job staying under tables, benches, chairs, or wherever he needed to be.

He loved being in the great outdoors.  

 

Yonder was one of three CCI dogs attending camp this year which was really neat.  He got to meet Roz who Junior has adored since he first met her several years ago.

 Roz brought Yonder a welcome gift which she gave to Junior.  Thank you Hill family, Yonder loves his new bandana.

Yonder also met CCI dog Chevy. 

Next up will be day 2 of fun.