Fort Worth Visit

This past week, Ethan and I drove up to Fort Worth. I had a two day workshop in Grapevine and Dad and Rocio were long overdue for a visit with Ethan. We arrived late on Wednesday night and the whole way up there Ethan chattered about going to "Abuleta's" house (yes--it's misspelled--that's how he said it) and how nice papa and abuleta are, and how much fun it was going to be. He didn't go to bed that night until 11! That's the latest he's stayed up in his whole little life--once he hit the pillow, though, he was OUT! Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures at their house, but there will always be next time.

My workshop was on social thinking disorders and how to provide effective treatment--GREAT workshop! I was really inspired and feel like I have an idea about the direction I want to head in regard to professional education and practice. I would definitely recommend checking out Carol Gray's Social Stories website (www.thegraycenter.org)as well as Michelle Garcia-Winner's Website (www.socialthinking.com). I met a great Speech Pathologist from Durant, OK and a mom of a young man with Asperger's from Indiana. We're looking forward to keeping in touch.



Friday night we got to hang out with Uncle Ron, Aunt Amy, Austin, Kyle and Dylan. We went for pizza at Mama's pizza and then followed it up with a game of Hulaballu (spelling?). Lots of fun!



Saturday I had made plans to hook up with an old friend from OT school, Merritt Kazda. She lives in Fort Worth and is an OT for Mansfield ISD. This past summer she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has been undergoing treatment. Saturday was the Brain Cancer Walk in Fort Worth and she had formed a team called "Miles for Merritt". It was a cool, beautiful day on the Trinity River and Ethan and I had a great time listening to some local musicians, exploring the area for large nuts (I don't know exactly what kind of nuts--but they were big), and hanging out with Merritt and her family and friends. Merritt is someone I admired very much in school and as she reminded me (I had forgotten) we were officers of the National OT Honor Society in school. Ha! I wish her the very best and hope that you all will keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers!






Finally, we headed down to Mansfield Saturday afternoon and spent time with Grandma and Grandpa. Uncle Mike and Aunt Michelle came over with Matthew, Nathan, and Kyler. The boys had a good time playing and hanging out with one another. I had to get a photo of all of them together.

We got home this afternoon about 3:45 and I'm definitely ready for a glass of wine and vegging out on the couch--It sure doesn't feel like I should be going back to work tomorrow! Crazy!

P.S. Dave got a job with Lowe's. He's working the EARLY shift (4 a.m.)! We're thankful that he's got a job! Yea!!!!