Any day that starts off with the opportunity to have a little “sleep-in” followed by a delicious breakfast in bed (presented by 3 very loving and highly excited family members) with presents is destined to be a very good day indeed! So it was that I started father’s day, and it only continued from there. The weather outside was gloriously sunny, if slightly cool for this time of year, but given how the weather has been of late I wasn’t about to complain.

K’s big sister decided that what would be a great treat for me would be for the whole family to go to the beach. A quick check of the local tides showed that we would arrive at the beach just after minimum tide, and therefore the kids would get maximum beach exposure for exploring. So quickly we got everything together and jumped into the car for the short 15 minute drive to the beach. They were both very excited, as was I despite still being somewhat sleepy and very satisfied with my banana-chocolate pancakes, eggs, juice, and decaf coffee!

The beach too was beautifully sunny, the wind was blowing slightly and this made the temperature a bit chilly but that didn’t stop the kids from enjoying themselves and it most certainly would not keep K out of the water. As we neared the water’s edge he spotted a gull and the chase was on. Not to be satisfied with making the bird take flight, when it landed a short distance away he was off again, sure this time he would be successful. The bird flew off this time and K and I continued our search along the shoreline for other interesting creatures. On a few occasions he threw himself into the water and lay down on his stomach in the chilly ocean water to bask in the glory that is “the beach”. This was followed fairly shortly by the need for me to carry him up the beach back to the towels to dry off and warm up which presented itself as a grand opportunity to have a snack. Tracy and K’s sister continued to search the shoreline for various creatures and natural treasures and soon came to join us on the blanket to soak in the warmth of the sun away from the shoreline and the slight breeze.

Never one to pass up the chance to catch a little rest, and it was father’s day after all, I stretched out and listened to the wind, the sea birds, and took in the warmth. After their snack the kids headed back to the beach just below our picnic spot and started building sandcastles and amusing themselves as only kids can do.

I began to think that this idyllic scene seemed to be somewhat unlikely even last year at this time. K has come so far and his ability to attend to what he is doing and not just to sit for 2 seconds and then run off in any direction with one of us in pursuit made all this even more enjoyable. Imagine, being able to relax at the beach and talk to your spouse secure in the knowledge that everything is alright and that your child does not need your eyes on them constantly. It was incredibly liberating and relaxing and made an enjoyable morning all that much more so. To those with kids that are not affected by ASD my ramblings must sound very mundane and boring, and that they are and for that I am very thankful!

After a relaxing and very enjoyable morning at the beach we headed home for lunch and to see what else the day would hold and I was very optimistic that my good fortune was only going to continue. As the kids enjoyed their lunch I puttered in the kitchen and straightened up the house in preparation for our dinner guests later on in the day. I enjoyed some lunch and worked out in the garage for awhile to boot!

The kids helped Tracy work in the garden and played in the yard, I think they too were enjoying the nice weather as this spring has left more than a little to be desired, and though cool in the shade with a slight breeze it was beautifully clear and when in the sun it was warm and inviting.

When gramma and grampa came over we had a nice family BBQ and chatted for awhile keeping our collective eyes on the kids playing on the trampoline. As they eventually made their way to the door we started to get the kids ready for bed and now Tracy and I have some time together for me to tell her how great the day was!

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