Hugo and Horseback Riding

Hugo has been taking horseback riding during school and recently received his certificate of completion for the spring session at Gallop.  This was no easy task for Hugo as he spent many early sessions refusing to participate, overcoming his discomfort or fear of riding.  Jen and I can't be there for these sessions, but luckily one of his teachers was there to take these photos and write this wonderful letter about this particular session.

"Today I went to the last session of Gallop/horseback riding.  Hugo did AMAZING!  There are so many positive things that happened that I needed to email you all.  When we first got to there a student was crying and did not want to go on the horse. Hugo walked over to her rubbed her back and said "it's ok".  He did this completely independently!  Myself and Ms. Soher saw the whole thing and were almost in tears. Then when Hugo got inside he got on the horse with no problem at all.  He followed the instructor's directions very well the whole time.  They practiced walking to the left and right, walking to certain letters in the rink, and walking to certain colored cones.  Hugo independently said "Come on Popcorn let's go!" during one of the exercises. Throughout the last few weeks, Hugo has learned a few commands to give the horse, such as:  "walk on" (to start walking), "whoa back" (to stop), and "trot on" to trot.  While I was inside Hugo was able to give these commands.  At the end of his session he was awarded a certificate and he said "yay first place!".  It was truly great to see how far Hugo has come.  Not only was he great with the horse, but he followed directions extremely well and he commented appropriately throughout the day.  We are all so proud of Hugo!  I also included a Gallop newsletter that I put in his folder.  I will also separately email the pictures :)  Have a great night!"  -Cindy

Ninjutsu Boys

Congratulations to Dash!  He earned his first stripe on his white belt yesterday.  Hugo is also attending Ninjutsu classes but we're finding he's excelling more as the next Spiderman.

Hams

Just photos

Chocolate Ice Cream

Because Memorial Day. :)

This Morning's Brunch

Everyone sat at the table nicely and nobody had hot pants!

Recent photos

Scooter Boys

Jen took these fun shots of Hugo and Dash at our storage unit...we were digging out our summer clothes and the boys had ants in their pants.  They are pretty fast on these things. 

Happy Mother's Day, Jennifer

A cute little piece the boys and I worked on for Jen.
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"Under The Sea"

When it comes to school performances, Jennifer and I always hope for the best come show time, but we are also somewhat prepared for the worst. We both understand how Hugo can get when demands are placed on him and he isn't willing or ready to comply. Generally, you get a good looking, blond-haired, slightly-green-eyed rage monster boy. We understand this, though; like many children on the spectrum, Hugo's fear and frustration manifests itself in challenging ways for us, his parents.

 For the past few days, poor Hugo has been extremely stressed out about his school's upcoming spring musical performance. He has had full on tantrums about it at school. He has been steaming and fretting about it while at home. "No Fish!" or "No Song Now!" he would shout! In fact, last night according to Jen, he complained about his part in the show right up to the time he fell asleep. 

Anyway, today was show day. That's Hugo in the fish hat wearing the orange shirt. He isn't doing much dancing to "Under the Sea," just wiggling really, but that he was even on the stage at all (and for the entire number) is a triumph neither Jen or I can fully express in words. A very emotional moment for both of us. Thanks to the staff at PS255Q for helping Hugo find his place on stage! And thanks for a remarkable and wonderfully entertaining show! The magnitude of effort, care, and patience it takes to coordinate an hour-long production of autistic kids is not lost on us.

 

Popsicles in the park

Spring at Sesame Place

A great afternoon at Sesame Place just outside of Trenton!  It was "Autism Day" courtesy of Variety Children's Charity. and we rode many rides, ending the day with the roller coaster, which the boys enjoyed immensely.

Jen, Hugo, and Dash on the "Blast Off" ride at Sesame Place.

Sunday Funday

A Hugo News Update

Hugo went horseback riding with his school yestersay.  We received this wonderful picture in his backpack.  The quality is a bit rough, it's a picture of a picture, but still wonderful nonetheless.

In other news, we thought we had lost kitty. We spent 4 days looking for her and thought she was gone.

The day after kitty was lost I over heard Hugo in the living room talking to imaginary kitty: "Kitty I misplaced you.  I had you in the car and I lost you.  Now I don't have you."  That got me to doing some research about this Ikea "Gosig Katt."  Turns out that other families are looking for toy cat because their kids love this toy, too, and IKEA no longer makes it!!  But, you can buy one on eBay for a markup, $50-$100 or so! 

Here's the good news, though. Kitty was in the laundry and we just didn't know until we unpacked it a couple days ago.  It was a happy reunion, and honestly me, Jen, and Dash were elated Hugo got his Kitty back.

At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Good day for a hike...

At our regular Chinese Food place....

Just waiting for the food to be done with the restaurant owner's youngest.

From today...

Jen sent along this great picture of Hugo and his chalk drawing of Jennifer while at the park today.  Also posting one from this morning of Hugo in the new bed, wrapped in his star quilt.

Happy Easter

From this morning, our first Easter egg hunt for the boys.