Philadelphia

David is studying American History this year. So Grandma took him to Eastern Pennsylvania. We arrived in Philadelphia in the evening, and stayed in a hotel near the airport. We then got a car the next day and drove out to King of Prussia.

Valley Forge was our first stop. They have a wonderful self-guided tour - you buy the CD and keep it - that really makes the experience. David was impressed with Wayne's Woods - he loves woodsy countryside - and with General von Steuben, because of his colorful languageS - yes, indeed; he cursed in several languages.

The next day it was pouring down rain. We had Gettysburg on our itinerary. We went anyway for a number of reasons. In stead of a bus tour, we hired a docent - the cost of a personal guide is just slightly more than 2 bus tour tickets, and you get to drive around in your own car. If you ever go to Gettysburg, I highly recommend this option. We also advised them that David is high-functioning autistic, and our assigned guide was a former HS teacher who was sensitive to the issues. It was a lot of fun.

The trip - more on it later - was good but I think a bit much overall for David. When I do this again, I think we'll plan alternate days of "just fun" versus learning fun.

I'll just add one more thing here. We flew American Airlines - I have status on them this year - and because of that flew through DFW. On the 2nd leg, I had requested a first class upgrade with my upgrade credits, which we got. I did explain to David that the cost of first class seats was 3-5 times the cost of a coach seat. His comment was that he didn't think first class was worth it, outside of the getting on first, personal attention, wider seats, extra legroom and food and the dessert (American still does ice cream sundaes). (Grandma would add, "and the drinks, but she thinks it's worth it!)

Mikey and Development

Mikey is his own "man" - that is, nothing YOU think or say about him influences him in any way most of the time (or me either). And he is such a funny mix of things. I think I already mentioned that we are having issues with appropriate behaviors and appropriate touching now that he's entered puberty. He'll be going along on the Internet, looking a Clifford, Sponge Bob Squarpants, or combing the Disney site for news about when revamped attractions will reopen. And then he's onto a site with scampily-clad men and/or women.

Age apprpriate?  How about, "Age gamut." After many years, he has pulled out VHS (that'll tell you how long) tapes of Percy (from the Thomas the Train collection) and "I love Trains" - a preschool video. Go figure.

He loves music. Opera, classical, Celtic and SOME rock. His mom tells me he doesn't tolerate the 70s and 80s collection she prefers, and he will not tolerate either of us playing our guitars and/or singing. He doesn't like much regular TV and he will watch videos - well, "watch" needs explaining. He moves through them quickly, skipping major parts; then he'll fixate on one section and play it over. and over. and over. AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER >>>>>>>.

Ah, well. It's MIKEY, after all ......