wow weekend

[Guest guest]

We just got home from another roadtrip to visit the grandparents, and

each day we noticed some real " moments " for . Friday, we drove

all day, and then met my family at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.

Earphones in place, we (as a family!) watched several youth bands

perform, and even with the loud trumpets right in front of her,

didn't complain. I was sure that one of us would be waiting

outside with , once they started playing, but I am really

starting to believe that the noise sensitivity is diminishing (though in

loud situations like this, we sure wouldn't think of leaving them home,

LOL). Saturday, we attended " The Lion King " , which was amazing.

Although dozed off for about 5 minutes, she actually watched

the entire second half without her earmuffs! It was a really loud show

too, I thought. But, she was so into what was going on up on the stage,

she seemed to be able to tune the music down in her head. She sat still

the entire show (and it was long..... almost 3 hours with the

intermission) and seemed to like it (or at least she said she did, which

was nice, since we bought good tickets!).

For her personal " feather in her cap " however, we spent a couple hours

on Sunday at " Funderland " , a tiny old amusement park located inside one

of the larger parks in town. My folks always get coupons for half price

stuff there, and love to take the grandkids. Up until this visit, if

rode on anything, it was some tiny fish that went in a circle

(slow), the buggies the you " drive " along a track (slow), and the

teacups (as long as someone held it to make sure it didn't spin). She

has occasionally done the merry-go-round, but gets nervous unless you

are standing right there, holding on to her and reassuring her. Well, I

don't know what happened..... she was going along, happily doing " her "

rides, when my oldest convinced her to go on the airplanes.

agreed, as long as would not " go up " . Well, as the ride was going

around, gradually increased the altitude, and was so

happy waving at us she didn't even notice. Then, she looked down and

said " , I'm up! " , but she laughed and told they could " stay

up " . She was sooooo proud when she got off the little airplane ride

that she followed her sisters over to one of those rides that look like

a little train of cars that you go fast in a circle forward, then

backwards. Of course, this is a little kids ride place, so they didn't

go too fast, but it was waaaaay more challenging a ride than she'd ever

enjoyed. But, although we tried to talk her out of it (and got a

promise from the attendant that she'd stop immediately if

started to cry) she went on it and liked it! , sensing this new

confidence suggested they end with " The Dragon " , the tiniest roller

coaster ever made. But, it's jerky, noisy, and definitley not

's style. But, after thinking it over, decided to go

on the too... she was on a roll! " The Dragon " was 3 laps around the

little track. Lap #1 - she looked somewhat scared, #2 - she looked

terrified, a few tears were welling up, #3 - it was like she somehow

decided it was fun, and was smiling and laughing as they came around the

last turn. She came running off, polytails and glasses askew and said

" Mom, I rode The Dragon.... are you proud of me? " She was tickled pink,

and kept talking about it the rest of the day..... reminding everyone

that she rode on " The Dragon " . told me after that she put her arm

around her and held her tight after she noticed Elilzabeth wasn't liking

it, so maybe that helped her feel better.

I love it when she decided to do new things, and build upon her

sucesses! She was soooooo proud of herself, and it was really cool.

Now, if she'd just become motivated to try that hard on her math, LOL.

Well, the car is still full on junk, so I'd better get unpacking.

, mom to (9), (7 DS), and (5)