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Yes, it has been a while…

Yesterday was a great day.  We loaded the kids up in the car and took them to the movie theater.  If  you know Allyson, you know that may not have been the best idea because she does not like loud noises.  She has a difficult time filtering noise, so lots of noise bothers her.  AMC West Olive movie theater had a special showing  of UP for families of kids with special needs (all kinds of special needs…Down syndrome, Tourettes Syndrome, Autism, etc) .  They kept the lights up a bit and the sound down a bit.  There were no trailers at the beginning, so they could begin the movie right away.  We could bring our own snacks as well.  We decided we’d go and give it a try.  If she didn’t like it, we leave.  We pretty much figured Benjamin would like it. 

I carried Ally in, and we found a seat.  She did not like it at first, but she wasn’t screaming and bolting for the door.  We had seats on the end (good thing), so Brad took her and let her do what she needed to do to get used to it.  She walked all he way to the top of the theater.  She and Brad sat there for at least half of the movie.  She’d put her hands over her ears when she needed to, and eventually they came down and sat with Benjamin and I.  (As we thought, Benjamin loved it.  He did GREAT!! He sat like a big boy and watched the entire movie.  He got a little antsy at the end, but that was fine.)  I can’t believe we all were able to stay and watch the whole movie!! Another break-through!  Thank you AMC theaters for allowing families like ours to enjoy a movie together without having to worry about being distracting.  

Today was the Down Syndrome Association annual Buddy Walk.  We got up and went to the Muny parking lot at Forest Park.  The kids got to run around a little bit, and we were able to participate in the walk as an entire family for the first time.  We were so glad to see how much this event has grown.  There were so many people there…such a great thing to see.  

Both kids were tired from the busy weekend.  

This week will be busy too.  Benjamin and I are going to the circus on Wednesday, we’re all going to the Magic House for a Friends of Kids with Cancer event on Thursday, and Friday, Brad and I are going out to dinner for our anniversary.