Two weeks ago today we were travelling down to Texas to see our kids. Our "kid" Aaron went with us, somewhat compliantly until the morning we left. The reality of actually leaving the house and his room and all his things was too much for him to handle gracefully.
All during the packing process I encouraged him to downsize what he took. For instance, I told him to take the one Handy Answer book he was reading…not five. He won't read five books in the next three years. That's because he will ONLY read at night before bed, a few pages, and nothing so far has ever changed that reality for him. He agreed to this deal, but as I was putting something in one of his bags, I uncovered two extra Handy Answer books that he had hidden from me under some clothes. I removed them, saying nothing. He put them back, saying nothing. HaHa! We finally agreed on taking one extra book, which of course was never opened.
We also let him use his money to buy a Nintendo game he had wanted. He bought it two days before we left, but the game was in our possession until he walked into Kyle and Andrea's house in Texas. Call it bribery if you want, but we call it another of our clever survival tips for traveling with an autistic child. Survival for us even more than Aaron.
Other than dragging Aaron kicking and screaming out of the house on the morning we left…not literally, but almost…he did great on this trip. I'll start my photo dump now.
Happy Aaron blowing his straw wrapper on me at Quik Trip.
Spending Easter morning at church with Kyle and Andrea. A huge blessing!
Then giving Aaron the basket that Andrea made for him. Sweet sister!
He helped Kyle gather sticks before their new fence was installed the next day. Kyle is great about getting Aaron involved with activities.
He fed the dogs every chance he got!
Our big outing was to NASA. He was having a slow day physically and mentally, but he loves telling everyone about that day.
Our son, Andrew, was in town for an NHRA race. He got to come over for dinner one night. What a joy to have us all together, even briefly.
Gary, Andrea, and I went to the race on Saturday while Kyle stayed home with Aaron.
And on Sunday, their Monster Energy team won!! Sadly, we were unable to be there that day. 
I love the love that Andrea, Kyle, and Andrew show to Aaron. I wish I had a picture of Kyle trying to teach Aaron to do push-ups while we were at the track. 
The week was packed with much more, but I'll end this now with a funny story:
Background: For years my family has had fun with my association with cows, as in cow Patty. I also go by Moo as much as Mom. 
On our way to Houston, we stopped at our favorite tourist center/rest stop in Oklahoma City. Aaron was ecstatic that Gary told him he could buy me a little stuffed cow.
Aaron decided to explain his purchase to the clerk at the cash register.
Loudly.
"I'm buying this for my mom because she's a COW!!"
I explained as best I could.
Then she pointed me to a bag of candy.
Cow Patties.
Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful weekend!
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