Tag Archives: tradition

Trick or Treat

3 Nov

Another one of my traditions with Dyl is taking him trick-or-treating. Since he was very young I’ve been able to celebrate Halloween with him, more years than not. When he first started trick-or-treating we would prompt the entire process, and we were his voice. “Trick or treat… Thank you, Happy Halloween”. We would help him hold his bag out, and prompt him to repeat a simple “thank you” at each house, although he was inconsistent in responding. Then one year I was impressed when he independently said “Trick or Treat” at a few houses! And, one time he even greeted a neighbor with “Chuck E Cheese! Where a kid can be a kid!” We laughed and reminded him, “did you mean trick or treat?”

This year he recited an online social story over and over in between houses. He told himself, and us, “People give out candy, and small snacks!” …. “Wait here!” …. “Don’t go in people’s houses unless you know them.”

Then after I prompted him a few times, he kept repeating  “Look in their eyes and say ‘thank you’.”

I have thought about his perseveration and I’m still not exactly sure what to make of it. Does he repeat it as a way of reminding himself of what to do? Does he repeat things because he doesn’t know what else to talk about? Does he repeat it because he’s excited for the routine at each house? Does he repeat it because he thinks he’s supposed to say it over and over? Does he repeat it because it’s a favorite story he’s recently learned? I don’t quite know why he perseverates so much on social rules and exectations. But, regardless, he did a great job trick-or-treating, and I had fun going with him.

I also loved something else he said this year…. We went up to a dark house, knocked, waited, and then realized no one was home. He turned and said “That’s weird”.  !!!   He was spot on! Absolutely right! And it was hilarious! He knew that Halloween night was all about going house to house to get candy. So to come to a house where no one opened the door or gave out candy… that was weird! It was so appropriate, and totally spontaneous. It was a highlight of my night 🙂

Our Halloween’s through the years…

Halloween

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Tradition

23 Oct

I’ve taken Dylan to the pumpkin patch almost every year since he was a baby. It’s one of my favorite traditions with him, and for the past couple years my sister joins us, too. Over the years we’ve been able to see his progress in our annual outings to the patch.

I remember the year he kicked me in the stomach because he couldn’t have my water bottle, as an uneducated onlooker told her kid that he was “being a bad boy”.

I remember the year he handled being told he was too big for one bounce house LIKE A PRO! He easily transitioned to a different bounce house for kids his age.

I remember the year he appropriately used his words to let us know he was over it, and wanted to go home.

I remember the year we tried taking him to a different pumpkin patch and he described the one he wanted to go to instead.

I don’t think he looks forward to our yearly trips to the pumpkin patch as much as I do. But, I know that he counts on our routine. He wants the same pumpkin patch, to do the same activties (pick a pumpkin, get cotton candy, go in a bounce house, ride the train), and then he wants to go home. Plus, he smiles for pictures, even when his nutty big sis insists on taking about 1,000 😉 Our pumpkin patch trips are one of my favorite things about fall. I love our tradition, and I count on it every year.

Here are some pictures from our yearly adventures…

pumpkincollage

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Merry Christmas

27 Dec

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

I know I did!

I’m so behind and have so much to share…

First was Dylan’s school performance. He rocked it. Seriously. His rendition of Feliz Navidad was one of my favorites. He stood on stage so nicely and sang along to most of the songs. He would look over and smile at me every few minutes. He knew I was so proud of him.

Then, last week I got to take Little D to see Santa. The company I work for put on a big Christmas party for their clients. They had arts and crafts and of course, Santa. Dylan did so well at the party! He participated. He followed rules. He greeted. He made eye contact. And he smiled nicely with Santa.

On Christmas I got to celebrate with him again. We have a tradition, he and I. We do a gingerbread house together every year. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t get to do it Tuesday. But, I still gave him one and I know he will enjoy building it. He was engaged and participating in most of the Christmas celebration. My husband and I both noticed how much calmer he was this year, as compared with years past. Every year he seems to be doing better and better with holidays. He did an awesome job, and he really enjoyed opening all his presents.

Here’s a photo summary of my Christmas with Dyl.

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