Avi's school went to This is the Place Heritage Park and we were able to go with them. Itai was unbelievably excited. There was a very long wait in the hot sun at the beginning was enough to try both boys' patience. After we were finally allowed to enter the park both boys perked right back up. After going through old buildings and getting a demonstration from a fairly grumpy pioneer the excitement started to fade again. Lucky for us, this train happened by.
Itai was in train heaven.
Avi was happy to get a break. We took the train all the way around the park and it still wasn't enough for either of them, but we had other plans ahead for them.
Once we got close to the horses Itai forgot all about the train. Avi was excited too. Itai insisted on wearing his "cowboy hat" while he rode his trusty steed. Avi wasn't as interested in what he wore, he was more interested in sitting on top of the horse. He was ready to climb on and get going immediately.
After the very short ride we went over to the petting zoo. Avi was happy to touch all the animals, except the pig. I can't blame him, the pig felt nasty. Itai on the other hand didn't touch a single one. His arms were pinned to his chest and he loudly refused to be let down on the ground.
Then it was back on the tour and into the heat. Avi's wrist band was a bit of an annoyance to him. It eventually became an ankle band.
Itai enjoyed his freedom and wondered around wanting to stay with us and the class, but wanting space to be on his own.
We continued the tour for some time, but once Avi leaped onto an authentic pioneer bed and earned us terrified gasps from the pioneer woman "living" in the cabin I thought it was probably time to leave.
We hopped the train around the park again.
We even got to board the caboose after a bit. When it arrived at the exit we headed for the car with very little complaining, mostly because they were both too hot and thirsty to put up any big fight.
We'll have to go back and try the panning for gold, the "pirate ship," and the Native American village. Hopefully next time Avi will be a little more into it, and I will be smart enough to bring a real camera and a lot of water!
I'm not sure why I brought that up. I guess I just thought I'd mention.
The good news is that our pantry is now cleaner than ever!
I now have proof that it is possible to get a picture of Avi smiling!
Of course we've all seen Itai smiling.
But his riding-my-trike smile is extra special.
Can you tell he was getting tired?
I had to throw this one in because Debbie says it looks like Avi is praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem. In reality he's enjoying the wind from an air conditioning unit.
Itai was really sad about going back inside. I told him he could help me take some pictures. This one was my favorite, even if I do look terrible.
Then it was back on the tour and into the heat. Avi's wrist band was a bit of an annoyance to him. It eventually became an ankle band.
Itai enjoyed his freedom and wondered around wanting to stay with us and the class, but wanting space to be on his own.
We continued the tour for some time, but once Avi leaped onto an authentic pioneer bed and earned us terrified gasps from the pioneer woman "living" in the cabin I thought it was probably time to leave.
The last day of school ended with a luau. Itai was very excited to get to go to Avi's school because he loves playing with the Mac Truck from Cars and he even found a Doc "The Hornet" Hudson this time. He was also really excited for his Hawaiian shirt.
Avi didn't seem to think much of his Hawaiian shirt, but he really didn't want to wear the leis. After the limbo and hula lessons there was a little ceremony. Nine of the 10 boys in the class are moving on to Kindergarten. Some of them will be staying at Pingree while others are moving to public schools or different agencies. Avi was given a "Promotion Certificate" and an award for being the class acrobat.
Avi stayed pretty laid back during the most part.
Itai joined in the fun for coloring and snacks.
Avi wasn't entirely entertained by all of the program.
Itai learned to say, "Aloha!"
Congrats to our little graduate!
Now party!
Debbie kept saying she was feeling kind of sad about the end of the school year. She was asking if I felt sad and honestly I just felt excitement because I'm really proud of him; he's really done a great job. Then, just before everyone left (a few of the boys were gone) there was an impromptu class picture. Suddenly I did feel kind of sad. I spent a fair amount of time in the class and really liked the teachers and the students. Suddenly it was clear that this was the end of the year and we'd probably never see many of these kids and some of the teachers again. Suddenly the words of my end of year program were actualized and it struck me.
At his first lesson he was practicing swimming with her and his developmental pediatrician was there with his son who has autism. As they approached the side of the pool where all of the gear is stored Avi said something Debbie didn't quite hear, but the swimming instructor and the pediatrician both heard him and said, "Yeah, flippers!" It seems that he had seem them on the side and realized what they are. We have never heard him say flippers before and aren't really sure how he know knew, but they were both positive that he said flippers.
