We so rarely have a perfect day, let alone a perfect weekend. This weekend was as perfect as things get. Monster went skiing, skating and watched a movie in a theater. If that wasn't enough, he also slept through the night each night, was generally charming and kept Mr and I in stitches laughing all weekend.
Monster's aide, V, suggested we take him up to a ski resort to show him some skiing and try and get him to stomp around in ski boots. Mr and I had planned on getting him started skiing next winter, so we thought this was a good way to sort of introduce the subject. When we got up to Yawgoo Valley, Monster was so interested in trying things out. Mr. went to rent some boots and the like, when he spoke the manager and found out something wonderful. All of the ski instructors had just completed training for how to teach special needs persons. There was even one instructor who had had previous training. So we signed Monster up for a 30 minute lesson, fitted him for the equipment and crossed our fingers.
She (the instructor) was amazing. He was amazing!!! He went with her, without even looking back. Mr and I had to stay off the snow, down at the bottom. We stayed where Monster could see us, but he didn't check in with us very much. She put him in boots but he wanted to put on the skis. his instructor said she had to hustle to catch up with him when he put on his skis. He would take off his skis and wander around, and she would take her skis off and walk with him. She explained everything to him, what the different trucks were for, the tow line, the ski lift, everything. Their 30 minute session turned into an hour. During that time, they went up the tow line about 6 times (one shown in the video below, Mr was the camera man, so be warned, you may get a little motion sickness), ski around and even sat and watched the ski lift for a while. He really loved being with her and really listened to her. Unfortunately, it was probably the last weekend of the ski season (although we did sign him up for one more lesson next weekend if the snow holds out).
Monster after he put on his skis for the first time
going up the tow line with teacher:
But wait, we weren't done yet! After skiing for about an hour, Monster wanted to go ice skating! He has come so far in the few months we've been going each week. Since we bought him his own skates (and finally got him the right size), his skating has improved and he's skating more and more on his own.
This is my favorite video of him skating. it really shows how good he is getting. He gets going really fast next to the wall, just skimming his hand along. He also gets going pretty good away from the wall. We are now starting to work with him on stopping. He can get going pretty fast, then realizes he is going fast and can't stop. it is so funny to watch!
We got home after stopping for some food and Monster went straight to bath and bed.
Sunday was nearly as wonderful. We went ice skating again (ice skating is monster's latest obsession). Afterwards, we decided to go to the movies. We had great success with the Princess and the Frog on Christmas Day, but we've had little success with non-animated features. Regardless, we decided to go to see Alice in Wonderland. It was rated PG-13, and there may have been some things in there that a bit dark for a 7 year old, but he sat through the entire movie and except for the first 5 minutes and the last 5 minutes, he actually watched the movie.
All in all, a magical weekend.
