A few travel tips for those with food Allergies, Asthma, Tourette's and Autism......
1. Week before the trip make extra servings off all the meals that I make and freeze them in single serving containers. Single serving containers make everything so easy and if we want to go in somewhere to eat, this is also a very useful tip. Once the trip starts pack a huge freezer with ice. I put the ice in gallon zip locks. This makes it so much easier to change ice out nightly on the trip. The key is to freeze everything before the trip and it stays frozen if the ice is changed once a day. Make sure your hotel room has a microwave. I also bring along the smallest of Forman grills so I can get some fresh chicken, hamburger or pork chops to prepare at a moments notice. So easy to travel with and clean.
2. Refill all scripts, sounds like a duh but it is easy to miss one. Don't forget the nebulizer !!!!! I also let my dr know of our travels so that if something comes up they are aware. This last time my son's asthma really flared and my Dr called in a steroid for him while we were on the road. Saved time, money and my son was treated much faster.
3. We always make sure no pets are allowed in hotels we use and we try and make sure they are all recently renovated or new. I also bring the hepa filters to run in the hotel rooms. Bringing your own dust mite free pillows can help some and always make sure where you stay has central air conditioning.
4. On your map try and map out hospitals along the way, better off being prepared.
5. Always bring the life jackets for the pools and we never stay anywhere right on the water, river, lake or ocean etc. Also at night if the lock on the door isn't up high enough we are always prepared to figure something out. Bottom floors are preferred if your child is a big stimmer like my third son. Fewer complaints about noise above from people below you.
6. Make sure your kids have identification on them and make a set of pecs cards that are laminated and place them on a key ring so they can be easily carried in your purse and pulled out quickly. We always use the buddy system, hand n hand.
7. You might think movies would be the way to get through an 18 hour car trip, especially with kids. Not so in this house. Movies get them through moments but after them my third sons stimming sky rockets. This last time we brought books and listened to classical music. I read many chapters to the kids and they read many to themselves. This approach really helped my third son get through the trip. Some times less is more.
8. Having plenty of hand sanitizer is a great tip for car travel. My son gets very upset if his hands get sticky and this is a quick fix if you are not near a stop.
9. No rush, don't even plan on rushing. One moment at a time and go with what ever everybody is having the most fun with.
10. Because of the food allergies and asthma there is so much to bring, meds, medical equipment, full weeks supply of frozen meals and hepa filters etc. that I bring very few cloths and plan on doing a load of laundry every night or every other night at the hotel. Making sure to bring plenty of quarters and detergent helps too.
11. If you are going somewhere like Disney always look into policy to help people with special needs. Disney was amazing and so helpful and made our vacation unforgettable. There are often more accommodations then you realize.
12. Going to an unknown place is always tough but let each child bring one small toy/stiffed animal and make sure it can actually hook onto their suitcase or bag so it doesn't get left behind. A little bit of familiarity can go along way to calm nerves.
Happy Travels........................
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Year in Review
When you look back and recount the years it can be hard to believe so much has happened and how much time has passed. It wasn't but just a couple of years ago we lost my brother. Not to long after that my father in law had a severe stroke. Heart breaking moments, yet only months later we took an unforgettable trip to FL and Disney celebrating my oldest sons 16th birthday. Next thing my Grandmother breaks her hip and at 93 her determination and strength to get back to living on her own was astounding.
Before I knew it spring had arrived and my parents made a wonderful trip out to celebrate their 44th Wedding Anniversary, Mother's Day and my Dad's birthday. Along with that they were able to be there for my daughters big recital and see all my kids extra curricular activities. It was such a great visit. The kids were so excited to share their special moments with Grandma and Grandpa Reedy. Another year of schooling flew by and summer was here.
We have never been disappointed by our 4th of July holiday at our heart-warming Kansas home, filled with the smiles, laughs and hugs of our kids around us and this year proved to be the same. The sky was once again illuminated with our brilliant Kansas fireworks display and the night was made even sweeter with some home made allergy free smores. After a festive 4th of July we wrapped up the summer months by taking a trip back to our old stomping ground.
First stop was were it all began, where we were married 18 years ago of course. :-) Then off to a unique town called Frankenmuth filled with carriage rides and a very beautiful main street. Of course we couldn't miss visiting Bronner's Christmas store. A stop at Old Time Photos proved to be comedy at its best. We were rolling with laughter and my third son dove right into his character. I had no idea how much fun my second son was until I saw the pictures. Absolutely priceless. Finally, a stop at where I spent most of my childhood. The place where I spent countless days adventuring, going for walks, endless swimming, fishing and enjoying bonfires with family and friends.
My father taking my oldest out for a special spin driving the boat was just priceless to watch and my sons expression when they got back said it all. My Dad was so good with my youngest boy, had him holding a fishing line and hook so carefully, it was amazing. We had a great bonfire, two days of swimming, being on the lake and driving the boat. Seeing my mother and my daughter playing in the lake was like watching history repeat itself. I spent so many hours paddling around the lake on floats with my Grandma and Mom. We were blessed to spend time with my cousins family and my Grandmothers. On a side note.......So excited for Christmas , my parents are traveling our way and will be here for Christmas week. The kids are so excited. Seeing Grandma and Grandpa Reedy 3 weeks in one year is such a treat. So nice because they stay with us and really get to kick back and relax and spend some quality time with the kids. Sorry, back to our Summer vacation trip.
My husband was so sweet he took us to the Ionia Free fair the night before my birthday. Next morning I was surprised by my family all lined up in the hotel room wearing an "I LOVE REVA " T-shirt that had my first grade picture printed on the front of it. LOL He even purchased them for my family back in MI. Very cute. Seeing all my family and my children come together and have such a good time sure made my 40th something special.
On the way home we stopped in Chicago and I was able to take my daughter to the American Girl store and purchase her an American Girl doll. On the way out with this enormous bag in her hand she said, "but Mom you used your birthday money from Grandma to buy my doll!" Tears welled up and ran down her eyes. I looked at my beautiful girl and said, "ya know what I wished for when I blew out the candles on my cake, I wished I would be able to buy you an American girl doll and I did!" She wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "I didn't know that!" A big smile appeared on her face and we carried her big American Girl bag together hand n hand. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out.
Another stop on the way back for our summer vacation was to see my father in law. The last time the kids saw him was right after the stroke. My youngest son, the one most severe on the spectrum out of the blue started to cry one day and ask about Grandpa Butch. This was months after the stroke. I felt that it was important that the kids saw him again in a better state then what he was before. Again both my boys with Autism were amazing with their Grandpa. His wheel chair and differences didn't scare them a bit. In fact my youngest boy ran to him and gave him the biggest hug. My oldest son was right there talking and offering to help with everything. I am so glad they have those moments to think of him in rather then the time before when they saw him. It was a glimpse into what truly beautiful individuals my kids are.
Recently a cousin of my husbands passed away. He was too young and will be missed. Thinking of his mother and family and sending love and prayers their way. Then another cousin of my husbands had a beautiful baby boy. I also discovered another event on the horizon last night. I just found out that my brother in engaged. So excited! Have no idea when the date is yet but looking forward to celebrating the big event with our family. I guess that is being family, really being there for the ups and downs. You may physically be at a distance but you never shut them out and can always be a sounding board or offer a piece of advice here or there. I guess family is keeping your ears open so that your hearts can be filled with joy together and to lift each other up when they are filled with sorrow. Sometimes it is so hard to be at a distance but if you don't know what is going on or block them out to protect your own emotions then you just can't empathize and that wouldn't be family. I guess life really is a roller coaster, full of heartbreak, joy and all sorts of unexpected events along the way.
So after an adventurous year full of ups and downs we are now hitting the books again. We are getting more involved with our homeschooling group, extra curricular activities are all arranged and before you know it the holidays will be around the corner. So in a nutshell that was our summer. I'll write a couple of later posts about tips for travel and some learning adventures my oldest son took part in over the summer months. Hoping this year I have time to share some of my allergy free Halloween treats. So excited for the holidays this year!!!
Before I knew it spring had arrived and my parents made a wonderful trip out to celebrate their 44th Wedding Anniversary, Mother's Day and my Dad's birthday. Along with that they were able to be there for my daughters big recital and see all my kids extra curricular activities. It was such a great visit. The kids were so excited to share their special moments with Grandma and Grandpa Reedy. Another year of schooling flew by and summer was here.
We have never been disappointed by our 4th of July holiday at our heart-warming Kansas home, filled with the smiles, laughs and hugs of our kids around us and this year proved to be the same. The sky was once again illuminated with our brilliant Kansas fireworks display and the night was made even sweeter with some home made allergy free smores. After a festive 4th of July we wrapped up the summer months by taking a trip back to our old stomping ground.
First stop was were it all began, where we were married 18 years ago of course. :-) Then off to a unique town called Frankenmuth filled with carriage rides and a very beautiful main street. Of course we couldn't miss visiting Bronner's Christmas store. A stop at Old Time Photos proved to be comedy at its best. We were rolling with laughter and my third son dove right into his character. I had no idea how much fun my second son was until I saw the pictures. Absolutely priceless. Finally, a stop at where I spent most of my childhood. The place where I spent countless days adventuring, going for walks, endless swimming, fishing and enjoying bonfires with family and friends.
My father taking my oldest out for a special spin driving the boat was just priceless to watch and my sons expression when they got back said it all. My Dad was so good with my youngest boy, had him holding a fishing line and hook so carefully, it was amazing. We had a great bonfire, two days of swimming, being on the lake and driving the boat. Seeing my mother and my daughter playing in the lake was like watching history repeat itself. I spent so many hours paddling around the lake on floats with my Grandma and Mom. We were blessed to spend time with my cousins family and my Grandmothers. On a side note.......So excited for Christmas , my parents are traveling our way and will be here for Christmas week. The kids are so excited. Seeing Grandma and Grandpa Reedy 3 weeks in one year is such a treat. So nice because they stay with us and really get to kick back and relax and spend some quality time with the kids. Sorry, back to our Summer vacation trip.
My husband was so sweet he took us to the Ionia Free fair the night before my birthday. Next morning I was surprised by my family all lined up in the hotel room wearing an "I LOVE REVA " T-shirt that had my first grade picture printed on the front of it. LOL He even purchased them for my family back in MI. Very cute. Seeing all my family and my children come together and have such a good time sure made my 40th something special.
On the way home we stopped in Chicago and I was able to take my daughter to the American Girl store and purchase her an American Girl doll. On the way out with this enormous bag in her hand she said, "but Mom you used your birthday money from Grandma to buy my doll!" Tears welled up and ran down her eyes. I looked at my beautiful girl and said, "ya know what I wished for when I blew out the candles on my cake, I wished I would be able to buy you an American girl doll and I did!" She wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "I didn't know that!" A big smile appeared on her face and we carried her big American Girl bag together hand n hand. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out.
Another stop on the way back for our summer vacation was to see my father in law. The last time the kids saw him was right after the stroke. My youngest son, the one most severe on the spectrum out of the blue started to cry one day and ask about Grandpa Butch. This was months after the stroke. I felt that it was important that the kids saw him again in a better state then what he was before. Again both my boys with Autism were amazing with their Grandpa. His wheel chair and differences didn't scare them a bit. In fact my youngest boy ran to him and gave him the biggest hug. My oldest son was right there talking and offering to help with everything. I am so glad they have those moments to think of him in rather then the time before when they saw him. It was a glimpse into what truly beautiful individuals my kids are.
Recently a cousin of my husbands passed away. He was too young and will be missed. Thinking of his mother and family and sending love and prayers their way. Then another cousin of my husbands had a beautiful baby boy. I also discovered another event on the horizon last night. I just found out that my brother in engaged. So excited! Have no idea when the date is yet but looking forward to celebrating the big event with our family. I guess that is being family, really being there for the ups and downs. You may physically be at a distance but you never shut them out and can always be a sounding board or offer a piece of advice here or there. I guess family is keeping your ears open so that your hearts can be filled with joy together and to lift each other up when they are filled with sorrow. Sometimes it is so hard to be at a distance but if you don't know what is going on or block them out to protect your own emotions then you just can't empathize and that wouldn't be family. I guess life really is a roller coaster, full of heartbreak, joy and all sorts of unexpected events along the way.
So after an adventurous year full of ups and downs we are now hitting the books again. We are getting more involved with our homeschooling group, extra curricular activities are all arranged and before you know it the holidays will be around the corner. So in a nutshell that was our summer. I'll write a couple of later posts about tips for travel and some learning adventures my oldest son took part in over the summer months. Hoping this year I have time to share some of my allergy free Halloween treats. So excited for the holidays this year!!!
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