Autism Walk 2014 and a few other things!

This weekend we participated in the Autism Speaks walk.  Last year we raised over $1,200 for this philanthropy.  We were amazed at all the people who donated.  As great as that was, and as proud as we were to raise the money for them, we started to think.....We were sure that people would be just as likely to donate money that would go directly to benefit Grayson and help him attend numerous therapies.  As some of you may know, the occupational therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy (ABA), and speech therapy are not cheap to say the very least.   We want to add speech therapy into Grayson's routine, but if I am being honest, we don't know where to put it in an already packed schedule.   We were completely shocked and overwhelmed because when we put it out there that we were raising money to help Grayson, we raised over $2,500!    We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for donating, for walking with us, and just for being there when we need you.   The support has been life altering and completely necessary for the journey that we are on.  Grayson was not in the best mood this morning because his sleep patterns have been whacked out, but we did the best we could to keep that smile on his face that we all love.  Below are a few of our favorite pictures from the walk so you can see some of the amazing people we have in our life to support us.

 Our 2014 group of walkers!

 A group of women I met by chance in a MyGym class that have turned out to be an amazing support system to me.

 Some of the best women I have met have been through Jacksonville Beach Elementary.  I am so lucky that I picked that school not knowing anything about it!

 We were so happy to have Gramps in town to walk with us.

 After the walk it was time for swim class.  When we walked in, the owner came out from the pool to take our picture.  She loved how we were all in our shirts showing support to Grayson.  Swimming Safari Inc is an amazing company.  They offer private classes for a group price for special needs individuals.  It has been a great experience and wouldn't be possible financially without the thoughtful people that work there.

Just a fun photo session with Gramps the night after the walk.

 Then Uncle Andy thought he would be able to beat Gramps at making Grayson smile.   Maybe next time!

 The weather was a little chilly, but we haven't been to the beach in ages.  We figured we would take a quick trip there and if it was too cold we would leave.   It was great.  Grayson loved having the open area to run in and even poked his toes in the water a few times.  He was the only one brave enough to do that!

 Grayson and Luca having fun in the swing at ABA.  That smile is worth a million dollars.

We have been so proud of Grayson lately.  He has been so exploratory at the parks we take him to.   In the past he would just run circles around the perimeter.  Now he is so actively engaged in the equipment and makes up his own obstacle courses.  It is such a great change to see!