As the weather was fantastic (especially for early April), we were able to go out a lot. I took the boys to a local nature and lake reserve on several days. I took a picnic each time, and spent many many hours wandering around, playing games such as catch, sitting by the lake shore, and taking in the peace and tranquility.
We had a visit to the local community farm, and participated in an egg hunt there - the best part being they were all rewarded with a bag of mini chocolate eggs!
I had bought some bubble making machines for them all, and our garden was alive with floatings bubbles, catching the light, and twinkling so beautifully before they disappeared.
J finally got his beloved Croc shoes, and has lived in them ever since. He also took to a new t-shirt I bought for him on the spur of the moment, as I loved the pale yellow colour of it. He wore it as soon as I showed him it, and he didn't hide it in a drawer (which he does when he doesn't like a new item of clothing).
As the weather was so hot, I bought him a new pair of shorts. He isn't a fan of shorts, and has been known to try and stretch them down, to lengthen the leg! But, he is almost 13, and as he is a very tall boy for his age (5ft 9in), I still want him to look good, and not have him dress shabbily.
So I purchased a pair of denim 'long' shorts. He was not happy at first and hid them. But, I had everyone ready to leave for the lake and reserve, and then asked him to change into them. He complied, with a bit of fussing, but it was too hot for his regular black trousers he wears.
Once in the car he was fine, and accepted these were what he would be wearing.
Below is a photo I took (well, one of many!) of J taking in the lake. He loves nature and the outdoors, and at this place, there are other people who walk dogs, but no-one is right there in your face, or bustling past you.
He relaxes there, as do I, and the other two boys.
 |
| J enjoying the lake and reserve |
I have also had all the bedrooms redecorated, and J's is now a very (very!) bright yellow. He loves it.
I have put up a new mirror, to which he now admires himself in, and sings songs to himself as he smiles back at his reflection. He choose the mirror himself, and it's actually a lot better to look at in the flesh, than on camera (see the photo below).
I also framed a few photos of him, as well as two pieces of artwork he created at school (the Picasso inspired pieces I have mentioned in previous posts).
He put a selection of teddies back as well. He filtered out ones he didn't want anymore, and has stuck with the 'Autism Awareness' bears that were sold in the UK.
No clutter either. He really loves it now.
Removing the blue from his room has positively lifted the atmosphere in there, and I'm so pleased I was daring enough to go for a bold colour.
 |
| The bold yellow room! |
