Having children with differences can be challenging. It's hard too when your child "looks" like every other but their "issues" are purely internal. Braeden had quite the day today. You just never know. He was very wound to say the least, and days like this that are jam packed and include a surprise location, well, you just never know. And since we've been playing Russian Roulette regarding new meds, and this newest combo is better than the last but still off base, and since we don't return to the doctor until Jan 3, we're left to piece together what we can and work our tails off to get him through these days. Most of the day was really ok, but there were a few rough patches and the rest of the day he was just WOUND, best way I can think to phrase it. Hoping to at least try something else starting Monday!

We began our day heading to Orlando and Give Kids the World Village. When we chose which day we would come to GKTW on this trip to FL, Braeden had originally hoped to go Tues which is when they do their horseback riding. Mondays have Disney characters to meet and greet, and Liam was so excited for that that Braeden and Olivia decided to come Monday and let Liam see Mickey. Of course, since Braeden was "off" today, he didn't remember THAT and was NOT happy about seeing characters. He has become quite shy regarding those meetings of late, and instead of just skipping the meeting, was becoming quite angry at even being there, let alone waiting in line. I simply reminded him he didn't have to go, and he and Grandpa ended up heading to our next stop where we met them later.

For the rest of us, a quick hug to Alvin and we were ready...

We first got to see Mary Poppins. Fun! We've never "met" her before so that was a treat for the kids! And can you tell it was VERY cold in FL today!? :) Here I thought I left this weather in IL! :)

Then we were able to continue on to see Goofy and Mickey! Liam was not at all sure of Goofy, but was very excited to see Mickey! Give Kids has photographers at everything and they take down your Villa number each time, to compile pictures of your time there on a CD for your departure. Even though we weren't staying there, they still take pics for us and will send them via email! Love them! This is our version, I'm sure theirs looks even better! :)

Once back outside we headed toward the ice cream palace where Grandpa and Braeden waited...

Nothing like a little ice cream for brunch!

Braeden was quite wound, but still doing ok...

Some play time in the castle...

And on the carousel outside...

We then grabbed some drive through burgers on our way to Down*town Disney. After the first store, we left Braeden and Grandpa to hang out with B's new toy bought with Christmas money, and Grandma's new iPad, while the rest of us walked and shopped some more...

Grandma went to stay with them after a while, while Liam, Olivia, and I finished up. At this point, B was restless and knew I had just walked by, so took off and ran away from my parents. In Downtown Disney. On Dec. 27. Where it was CRAZY with people! They were so scared, but did eventually find him. I was texted and came back and Braeden cycled through anger and apologies and hyperactivity.

We headed to the car and though early, began our way to their surprise... dinner and a show at Arabian Nights. When we were here for Olivia's wish trip in 2008, we had gone to the Pirate show, and I've been to Medieval Times, but the kids haven't. We decided to do Arabian Nights since they had a holiday show and we could do Medieval some other time here or in IL. Braeden had a rough time at the start of the show, but did great through the rest. They were all excited by the show, though us adults thought it a little boring. The horses were fun and Liam was so entranced he didn't even eat. :)

Braeden did fine once back in the car and on the way home too. Here's hoping tomorrow is much smoother again... It's just so hard to know, and that makes it even harder. Hoping to keep low key tomorrow with the exception of possibly taking the olders to skate and then going out to dinner...