Life and Times of John Krejcha

Three weeks in December! The formation of a Sensory Friendly Pack

2012-01-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hello All and welcome to Welcome to the New Year.

I wanted to share a Blog I did yesterday about a New Cub Scout Pack that is coming to Vancouver, WA. I will be blogging personally in the coming days.

I know I have gotten away from blogging and I really want go get back into blogging more.

Thanks and always remember

Hug A Hippo

Blog re-posted from Autism and Scouting. Jan. 1 2012

I hope all are having a very Happy New Years Day. I wanted to share a very special story about a very special New Cub Scout Pack.

The following blog is dedicated to all of the hard work that has gone into forming a new sensory friendly pack here in Vancouver, Washington. If you belong to a sensory friendly pack or troop or unit, please let us know and we would love to share your story as well.

“Three weeks in December! The formation of a Sensory Friendly Pack.”

As many of you may know, my wife Karen and I are owners of Count Your Beans. Our business has sold collectible dolls and bears online in various venues including our website, eBay and Amazon for the past 13 years. We also founded a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity, Autism Empowerment this past June. At some point one of our goals is to work on projects for Autism Empowerment on a full time basis in 2012 but in the meantime, bills still need to be paid and being in online retail, the Christmas season in the busiest time for us. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the craziest time and it is not uncommon to spend 12 - 14 hours per day on the business and still feel like we’re in catch-up mode.

Scouting takes kind of a backseat during this time of year. Since Justin doesn’t really like the cold, we tend to skip the November and December camping. There were only two troop meetings including the December Court of Honor and there was also a service project, Scouting for Food (an event that both Ryan and Justin took part in this year). The main thing scouting related that I was working on was the support I was giving via the Autism and Scouting website page on Autism Empowerment and support from e-mail and Autism and Scouting on Facebook.

Here is what happened the last three weeks of December and the birth of a Sensory Friendly Cub Scout Unit.

Wednesday, December 7th - I received an e-mail from Brian Blachly, our District Executive asking if I was going to be at the Roundtable (not the pizza place) the following evening. Round table is a monthly gathering of leaders within the district (including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts) to further training and is a place to network with other leaders and exchange ideas.

Brian knows about my passion for the scouting program and knows my passion to bring the scouting program to scouts who are on the Autism Spectrum as well as with other special needs. Brian also came out to support me when I gave a presentation the the Autism Society of Southwest Washington early in 2011. So I figured he wanted to talk to me about doing some further training or something like that. I checked in with Karen to see if we had anything going on that night and she said she would watch the boys.

Thursday, December 8th - I was able to meet up with him and he explained that he was meeting the next day with a parent who was looking for a Cub Scout Pack for her son that had a greater understanding of sensory processing issues and how to work with children on the Autism Spectrum. He had conversations with her and put forth the idea of starting the first Sensory Friendly Cub Scout Pack in Vancouver, WA with her as the Cubmaster. He asked me to come on board as a Unit Commissioner to support the new unit and to come to the meeting the next day with the Cubmaster to be. He also said that he had already set up a Join Night for the group for the following Thursday. Not really knowing what a Unit Commissioner was I asked him what a Unit Commissioner does along with some other questions.

He told me that a Unit Commissioner typically helps three or four units but in this case I would be a Unit Commissioner with only one focus and that would be this new Pack. My role would be as counselor, teacher (about the program), advisor, liaison between unit and district, liaison between unit and Boy Scout units and unit QA (quality assurance). I have to say that I was very honored but I was already very involved with Justin’s Boy Scout Troop (Troop 462) and I told him so but I would need to talk this over with Karen before I added anymore scouting related commitments, especially at our very busy time with Count Your Beans. When I got home, I told Karen about the offer and the new unit and she thought that it was an interesting concept. A lunch meeting the next day was in order just to talk about the concepts.

Friday, December 9th - I arrived a few minutes early and talked with Brian and then Deanna Pehrson arrived. I came to find out this was the same person I had e-mail correspondence with trying to find a Pack for her son and she also attended my class on Autism and Sensory Processing needs in Scouting a month and a half earlier at the Cascade Pacific Counsel’s Excellence and Training Conference.

We talked about the idea of starting a new unit that had at its core, the concept of being a place where scouts could experience the full scouting program in a sensory friendly setting. It would be a place where parents did not feel they needed to explain themselves or say “I’m sorry” for untraditional actions of their scouts and where other parents would be more accepting and understanding of those who had special needs. Extra care would be given to training of the adult leaders in order to provide an extra level of training for the leadership. In addition, the use of more visual aids such as timers, schedules and access to a sensory break room would be just some of the differences.

Brian explained that he had already set up a join night that would be in seven days, showed us a stack of join night fliers that he had done and explained what was needed to start a new unit:

A Charter Organization
A Committee Chair
A Cubmaster
Two more adult leaders
Three Committee Members
Have at least 10 scouts
Have a place to meet
Secure seed funds to pay for pack expenses
Unit Commissioner to be assigned by the District Executive

Coming out of this first meeting, the Cubmaster was the only person in place. Later that day I joined and accepted the position as Unit Commissioner.

Sunday, December 11th - Deanna, Gary (Deanna’s husband), Karen and myself met to discuss and put together the ideas that came from the first meeting two days prior and how this new unit was going to be different and how to get the unit up and running in a timely manner.

The desire was to create a place where the scouts could have fun, grow and be themselves where in a fully accepting atmosphere with an effort to accommodate each sensory need or special need. As parents and caregivers need support too, the idea also came up to include a support group for parents. We came out of this meeting with a plan for the marketing of the new group throughout the next week in order to try to reach the requirements to charter the new unit. This was going to be a huge feat because this was only two weeks before Christmas, it was right before kids went on Winter Break from school and it was a time of year that I suspect most people have a focus on other things. It is a slow time in Scouting for those who are active. What would it be like recruiting during a period when it might not be ideal to make a sudden decision about a new activity for one’s son and family?

Monday, December 12th - Plans for the new pack were starting to take shape and things were starting to happen. I had secured scouts to help out at the first join night and started the process to get Den Chiefs for the new pack. Marketing was starting to kick into full gear with the many marketing efforts by Karen through Autism Empowerment, Deanna meeting with some contacts at the local ARC and myself contacting many autism and special needs groups in the Vancouver area. The pack number was also assigned, it was going to be Pack 2.

Tuesday, December 13th - Social media for the formation of our new pack began to take shape with the addition of the Pack 2 Facebook Page and Twitter account. By Tuesday night, we were already receiving e-mails about the new pack and in addition, three possible charter groups were identified.

If you would like to follow us on Facebook, Click Here.
Wednesday, December 14th - The unit goals were developed as well as a mission statement. Welcome packets were put together and the first Committee Meeting was being set up. The first tentative Den Meetings were set for Thursday, January 5th.. The final details for the join night were being put into place.

Thursday, December 15th - Only seven days after the first meeting, Pack 2 had its first join night. With this short notice we had 6 families show up with a few others not being able to make the meeting. A potential number of scouts and leaders were identified. Pack 2 also received notice that they had a charter organization willing to commit.

Friday, December 16th - Things were starting to kick into high gear, Karen of Autism Empowerment joined the team as the Committee Chair and the website was created and was live. In addition to this, a location for the meetings was secured and generously donated but we needed to have a final walk through.

The week of Christmas, many of the details were being worked out and the families took a small breather in order to enjoy time with our families.

Monday, December 26th - The tour was taken of the River Rock Church and it was determined that the space would work great and the fact that the Church was donating the space fell right in line with the start-up budget. After the tour, the first official Committee Meeting took place and after three and half hours, many issues were determined on to better serve the in coming cubs.

Thursday, December 29th - Three weeks after that first conversation with our District Executive, the unit was close to being ready to be chartered.

There was a Parent Planning meeting where we met new potential scouts and their parents and received some completed applications. Another join night is planned for January 12th.

Cub Scout Pack 2 is so very close to be the first Sensory Friendly Cub Scout pack within the Cascade Pacific Council.

A Charter Organization Done
A Committee Chair Done
A Cubmaster Done
Two more adult leaders (Still in need)
Three Committee Members (have 5) Done
Treasurer Done
Advancement Chair Done
Marketing Chair Done
Committee Member Done
Committee Member Done
Have at least 10 scouts Just a few short
Have a place to meet Done
Seed Funding Done (thanks to Dr. Wolcott & Autism Empowerment)
Unit Commissioner Done

Friday, December 30th - We have our EIN Number, our meeting minutes and Deanna and Karen open up the Cub Scout Pack 2 bank account. We are on our way.

The Cubmaster has really done an incredible job putting together the program and we believe will be an outstanding leader. She has a service project already set and a field trip to deliver the completed service project by the middle of January. The plans are to offer a year round and full Cub Scouting Program (including hiking and camping) in a sensory friendly setting where Scouts Can Do Their Best

I will be providing a update via this blog on the Pack’s progress. I will tell you want is working well and what areas that can be improved. The Cub Scout Pack 2 and Autism Empowerment’s Autism and Scouting project would like to network with other sensory friendly groups.

One of the goals for Autism and Scouting it to build a database of sensory friendly scouting groups throughout the country so that caregivers can go to a single place to find out if a unit is sensory friendly. We will be working on putting together a matrix that would be used to get your unit put on the list. Please look for that in the near future. In the meantime, if your unit would like to network, please e-mail me at autismandscouting@gmail.com or john@autismempowerment.org with your unit’s information, we would love to get into contact with you.

Wishing you all a very Happy Scouting Year filled with success after success. I will be blogging more in 2012 and have some ideas already in the pipeline.

Autism Empowerment - http://www.autismempowerment.org

Autism Empowerment Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/autismempowerment

Autism and Scouting Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/autismandscouting

Twitter@autismscouting and @autismempowermt

john@autismempowerment.org or autismandscouting@gmail.com

New Starts in 2011

2011-09-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

This was a week of new starts

This was a big week in the Krejcha household as far as new starts.

On Monday, Justin had his very first troop meeting as a Star Scout. He has come so very far in such a short period of time and has overcome many challenges. He really want to slow down a bit and really enjoy scouts and what he has learned.

Tuesday it was about Ryan. He had an open house at his school. He was able to meet his homeroom teacher and his SCIP (Social Communication Integration Program) as well as walk around the school and see the gym, music room, library and all as well as the fount office. He was so excited to meet his teacher and see where he will be going to Kindergarten.

Wednesday, it was about Justin again. It was his first day of 7^th grade. He asked a head of time if he could be driven to school and I was more than happy to do so in order for him to get there early and get his schedule. After a fresh bagel with cream cheese, we took off and like last year it was a rainy day.

Once he came home, he said it was a good day and that he liked his new teachers. It was good to hear that he was off to a great start.

Friday it was a back to Ryan again. It was his first day of Kindergarten. We remember so well bring Justin to his first day of school back in California. Now it was Ryan’s turn.

Ryan was so excited to go to school and so were we. After a nice breakfast of salami and bologna (he loves this) mom and dad walked him to school. We could not find the aid that was supposed to meet him outside so we were allowed to take him to his class. It was so neat to see him off to his new school and class.

During the day we wondered how his day was going then about 1:30 Karen got a call from the school nurse. Ryan had taken a fall and was in the nurse’s office with an icepack on his for head. They thought that he would be ok to go back to class. Yikes, talk about the worst fears of a parent.

Here is a little something Ryan did before we left home

Mom, dad and Justin went to pick him up. He looked none the worse for wear and said that he had a great day and could not wait to go back the next week.

Sunday was a transition for both boys at our church (Lifepoint). Ryan was starting the K-5 program and Justin went back in to show his brother the ropes. He had been in there off and on over the past year but this was his last time he could take part in this program. He will be in the REVJV program starting at the same time that we are in our service and Ryan is in his.

This was a huge week of Transition for our family and everybody did a great job. It was a good week.

Thanks for stopping by this week, we hope you all have a great one.

Hug a Kindergartner

Summer Camp at Camp Parsons 2011

2011-09-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Boy Scout Camp week!

This year our Boy Scout Troop was out of counsel for summer camp and we went to Camp Parsons which is on the Hood Canal which is part of the Puget Sound. Like last year, I was going to go up with the troop on Sunday, leave after breakfast on Tuesday and then be back on Thursday after lunch in time for troop time. I would then send the rest of the time with the troop and take Justin with me so he could avoid the long bus ride back and we would get back about two hours before the rest of the troop.

So here is the story and some of the wonderful details of a really wonderful camp.

The troop was to assemble in our normal meeting place at 7:30 am in hopes of leaving by 8:30 am. The boys lined up in the patrol lines and of the eighty scouts in our troop, forty were going off to camp. Some of the troop had already gone to Philmont the high adventure in New Mexico and others had done various hikes the troop had offered. It was a nice mix of first year scouts, second and third year scouts and some older scouts.

The gear was stowed in the trailer and the bus pulled up right at 8:30. The boys entered the bus along with most of the other adults (I was driving up behind the bus and the Scoutmaster for the week was also driving).

The bus finally pulled out at about 8:45 am.

About an hour and forty-five minutes into the three and half hour trip the bus pulled off to a rest stop to give the boys a break, stretch their legs and use the bathroom if needed. After 15 minutes the boys are back in the bus and we are on the way.

Once we pass Olympia, we leave I-5 and move on to 101 north and then we reach the bottom of the Hood Canal which is part of the Puget Sound. It was a really pretty drive up the canal.

The plan was that the bus was going to stop outside of camp to allow the boys to eat lunch at a day use area which is part of the Olympia National Forest. The problem was that the bus was not allowed to stop, so the bus pushed on to the camp and the boys ate in the camps overflow parking.

I think it was only about fifteen minutes or so until the Scoutmaster in charge came back with the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) as well as the troop guild and then the boys quickly cleaned up, got the packs on and we were on the way to our camp site. The overflow parking and the camp were on different sides of a two way highway but camp policy is that NOBODY crosses the highway for safety and it smart scouting. The boys were lead off down a path that came to a tunnel that ran under the highway, very smart and very safe but kind of weird when walking through it.

A couple of quick turns, pass the trading post, down a hill, past the pier up another hill and we were at our campsite. The boys quickly paired off or tripled off into their tents while the scoutmasters got their gear stored. The boys were told right away to get the swimming suits on for the swim test and the troop was off. The boys had to go though the medical check station and then it was off to the end of the pier for the swim test.

This was much different than the past year for Justin and I was not sure how he would adapt. While at Camp Meriwether last year, the swim test was in fresh water (a small lake) and it was four laps between the docks where the boys would make their turns. This year it was going to be in the Ocean (salt water) and they boys needed to follow a row boat out stop by themselves, turn around and then swim back. I knew Justin could do it physically; I was not sure how he was going to do mentally since it was a strange and unexpected method without any transition.

So Justin and his partner get down to the end of the pier (they have to use the buddy system) and his partner bails out on him and refused to go. I could see that he was mentally stuck and didn’t know what to do, my voice was near gone but I was still trying to call down to him to ask the lifeguard what to do. Nobody was helping him and I felt powerless to help. I finally went over to one of our other scoutmasters to see if they could help out. One other scout who did not pass his test, spoke up and said that he would like to try again and he would be Justin’s partner. This was yet another proud moment where young boys step up to help other scouts in time of need. I look down and Justin is getting rattled because he just doesn’t know what to do because nobody is helping him. I let him know that somebody is coming to be his partner and swim with him.

His new partner makes it down to the pier and they start. I was really amazed and proud of Justin on how he overcame this sensory and processing nightmare just hours into this camp experience. Both boys did the swim and completed it with flying colors. This was the first situation that if I was not at camp and was not paying attention that things could have started off so terrible wrong and set a negative atmosphere for the whole camp. Instead, Justin realized a huge success, passed a very difficult task and started off on a very positive success!

It was turning a near tragedy into a positive start.

After the swimming, the boys went back and got dressed for a tour of the camp. We were taken past the Trading Post (the most important point of the entire camp for the scouts), then to the different points throughout the camp where the scouts would have their merit badges would take place.

After a very short free time it was time for Dinner. I was at camp the first two nights and the last two nights and I have to say it is one of the most beautiful camps I have ever attended, the food was very poor. I know they tried their best but the food really was really lacking. We knew going in that Justin was going to have issues with the food and I don’t think he ate one full meal, in retrospect he was the lucky one (I will talk about this more on my other blog about Autism and Scouting).

After that it was mandatory Vespers (prayer service) and Swimming Safety rules (since the camp is all about water activities). We were all then dismissed to another field where the camp had set up tables to sign up for Merit Badges. Justin going in had already decided that he wanted to focus on Eagle required merit badges. I had the choices a few months before camp so he could choose and he was the one that wanted to do the ones he did. He took Citizenship of the World, First Aid and Emergency Prep. and completed all three.

The final part of the first day was the opening campfire. It was a good program and I like it when they do the history of the camp. Camp Parsons has a long history and was even visited by Braden-Powell himself.

That night it was hard for me to get to sleep, the weather was cool which was nice but I was in a quasi-cabin with three other scoutmasters. Two of them were snoring up a storm and I could not sleep and had a light right in my eye from the KYBO on the other side of the camp. The light was perfectly aligned that it would not hit any other spot or camper except me. I had my boots and socks off and being on the top rack, I was going to suffer through it and hope to fall asleep which at some point I did.

The funny thing is the other two guys who were snoring to start with complained that I was too loud and the guy under neither me had ever banged on my rack which caused me to temporarily stop snoring. This was one of the stories that made Karen laugh once I got home.

I hate getting up early and having to be up by 6:30 when you already had a late night, I was tired. We did morning flag in camp and then off to the chow hall for the camp morning flag and some nasty food. After breakfast it was back to our campsite (did I mention that our campsite while outstanding in beauty was the very farthest away from the chow hall and we had to make this trek many times a day and the path was very hilly).

What I did last year, I did this year as well. I stayed with Justin for his first class (Cit. of the World) which had an instructor that if I had to guess was a fellow traveler on the Aspie road. We were then off to First Aid . I dropped him off at First Aid and then let him know where E-Prep was (right next to First Aid) and I told him I would be back before E-Prep ended. He was a bit nervous I think but he was fine with me leaving.

I went back before the end of this class and was able to watch a bit. I knew he would do great and he did.

After Lunch it was Troop time. I was really tired but I went to the first part which was shooting at the rifle range. Four of us feel a bit behind and arrived after they had already done the safety rules. Justin was nervous and at first did not want to do it and was not going to. After some processing time, he went out on the range (as did I) and we were able to shoot. In the end Justin did a great job and had fun, I also had a great time. I will find my targets and add the photo at a latter point.

When that was done, the boys were off to some field games and I was bushed so I went back to get some rest. I later found out that there was an issue of Justin not wanting to take part in the games and after a conversation with another Scoutmaster he made the choice to take part. During the game he also was the only one who came close to scoring (twice). He has an issue of not wanting to take part in games because he doesn’t see the point many times but afterwards he will admit that he did have fun and a good time.

So when they came back Justin wanted to go do the Art Merit Badge and so he asked me to come with him and another Scout and I said I would and on our way out, the scoutmaster from above asked to talk to me. I told the boys to go ahead and I would catch up to them. The scoutmaster then told me what had happened while I was gone. He knew that Justin has Aspergers and did a great job helping him make the correct choice to take part in the games.

I then went down to the Art Shack and neither where around. After looking for them for a bit I was headed back to the campsite when another scout from our troop asked if I wanted to take the rowboats out. I told him, Sure! He did not know how to row a rowboat and I had so during the next half an hour, I was able to teach him how to row. It is always a neat feeling seeing a scout acquire a new skill that they have not had before. It could be a Merit Badge, first aid or rowing a rowboat.

The boys had free time and it was good to see Justin bonding with his fellow scouts and hanging out with them. It is times like this these where I see him in a non-computing setting learning how to relate to others and becoming closer to his friends.

It was a good day

Another rough night: Tuesday morning, did Flag, Breakfast and then I was off back to Vancouver for Tuesday, Wednesday and I was hoping to be back at camp by Thursday for troop time.

When I left, I was so happy because I was able to leave Justin on a positive note and know he was going to have a good week.

It was nice to be back home and sleep in a comfortable bed for two nights and to be see Karen and Ryan.

I get back into camp on Thursday afternoon and find out that there is a problem. The problem was able to be resolved within in 45 minutes and all was back on track. Justin said that he had already had finished his Cit in the Nation and Fingerprinting Merit Badges and was on track to finish his EPrep and First Aid. During free time, he was able to finish his Art Merit Badge.

As a Troop we then took a tour of the museum, after that Justin, two other scouts, a scoutmaster and I all went down to go swimming. I had not done the swim test earlier so I went and did that for the evening events.

In the evening the camp opened up the pier for the pier jump. Justin did not really want to do it and that is ok, not all of the scouts did take part. Part of the pier jump was the Scoutmaster Belly Flop Contest. One of our Scoutmaster Mr. Johnson and I were there to represent Troop 462.

So I go first and do my flop – it was just ok. Mr. Johnson goes next and he slips and falls. So the dock was repositioned and we were told that we could try again. Some of the other scoutmasters were dressed up and funny outfits but they did not have much. Our lead Scoutmaster (for Troop 462) for the summer camp was telling us to get height. So I was able to do a redo and I got some height.

The judges got together and cut to the final three which included me! The other two Scoutmasters went and then I went. Again, I got some height. I get back to the dock and judges are they were stilling making the decision. And the win is ScoutMaster Krejcha! Yes, I won the Belly Flop Contest for Camp Parsons for our week.

The next morning after breakfast, Justin camp back to camp and he had his Scoutmaster Conference for the Rank of Star. From what I heard, he did a great job. He was then off to First Aid.

In the afternoon, we the boys had camp games and it was fun watching the scouts bond.

The evening was closing campfire and again the camp did a great job. Another tough time getting to sleep but I think I finally did.

The next morning it was closing flag and I got Justin and we were on our way back home.

5 Merit Badges, Scoutmaster Conference for Star, Bonding with other Scouts, overcoming challenges – Priceless.

Camp Parsons was a great one for Justin and next year we will be back in counsel at Camp Pioneer.

Support A Scout

43 Years Young

2011-08-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and it now over for this year but I know it will be next, or at least I hope I will be back for 44.

Before I start I want to thank all of the people from Facebook who wished me a Happy Birthday, some people I rarely know but it really means a lot to me. Also, I want to say a special thank you to Karen who does a great job every year trying to make my day special. Justin and Ryan did a great job as well, they both had moments but they did a great job. I really had a wonderful day.

Justin put this on my Facebook wall the night before my birthday and it really made me smile. Thanks J.

Birthdays are a bit tough for me I have to say but not as tough as some but I do have baggage that I need to work through during the day and I have to say for me it is hard.

To me I really don’t want to make a big deal out of my birthday but if it comes to somebody else (Karen, Justin or Ryan) that is a different story. To be honest a nice quite day at home would be just fine for me. I guess growing up I never really had big birthdays. With my birthday falling in late August during summer vacation, those types of kids parties never happened also growing up we were always taken care of but did not have a lot of extra and that was ok. That was just the norm for me.

I want the parties and to splurge more for my kiddos, so when the boys have a birthday come up, it is important to give them a birthday experience they will hopefully will remember. With Karen, I want to treat her like a queen she is.

So back to my funkyness (I know that is not a word but it fits). It goes back to Dad issues which I still fight every year.

Karen know about this funkyness I have and reasons behind it so she really tries to go out of her way to make things special and she always does a great job.

This year, she wanted to take me to a local (on the Oregon Coast) casino for a few days but due to Justin’s Board of Review and a few other things it just was not going to fit into the plans. It really was the thought that counted. Karen is very thoughtful.

This year started on the 19^th when Karen took me to a very nice lunch dinner. It was nice because it was the last day both boys were going to be in camp and thus gave us some time away to send with each other. It was a great lunch and this photo topped it off for Karen. LOL

In the evening, Justin posted this on my facebook page, it really was great and brought a lot of smiles to my face. It still does. Click Here to View

Karen and I went to bed early and at Midnight, Karen sung happy birthday to me, a family tradition we carried over from San Jose. She is so wonderful.

It was so nice, the next day I was able to sleep in. Ryan did come get me around 9:00 am but after I got his juice, Ipad and Sprout, I was able to sneak an extra half an hour. It was like I won the Lotto.

Around noon, the traditional opening of gifts was started. Nothing says Happy Birthday like Dexter and Bones, I was happy to get both. Some wonderful gift cards, socks, some inspirational gifts from Karen (which were so touching and really meant a lot to me) and a new Angry Birds shirt rounded out some of the top gifts.

Around 1:30 pm we were out the door. Karen wanted to treat me to a lunch at the Olive Garden (neither of the boys knew, so it was a great surprise for them) and a wonderful lunch was had including the three boys having to touch the odd shaped lamp.

Boarders the book store was going out of business so we thought it would be fun to see what they had left. We spent about an hour at the store and we got some new treasures at 50 – 60% off.

Next stop was Petsmart to pick up some new additions for the family. After a really long wait because of a customer who was in front of us, we finally left the store with 4 new Tiger Barbs. They really look great in the tank and they love swimming together.

Last stop before going home was QFC to pick up some snacks for a family movie.

Once we got home we all got to the family room and settled down to watch the movie Scout Camp. This movie was not the most inspirational scouting movie ever but it did give a glimpse on what camp life is like. It is pretty over the top in many ways but it was a family movie that we enjoyed as a family.

Who can forget cake! Karen got this wonderful ice cream cake from Cold Stone and it was outstanding. At the end, Ryan was being a goof ball and put on what he calls mommies Booby Protector. It was so funny.

The evening was everybody just relaxed and hung out. I finished my Blog about the County fair and got caught up on some other things.

It was a wonderful day and thank you so much for Karen and the boys making is such a wonderful day.

A Day at the Fair - 5 Years and Counting

2011-08-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

A Day at the Fair ….

Is not just a day at the fair to us! It means so much more than just a day at the fair and this year it meant that much more.

We moved here from California July of 2007 and when we moved we knew one person, our real estate agent and nobody else. We came to Washington with blank slate. Four weeks after we arrived in our new state the Clark County Fair started. We had never as a family been to a County or State Fair and both Karen and I growing up had never really been to too many fairs.

So when it came around, we wanted to really get to know our new community and we quickly made plans to attend which we did. We quickly fell in love with all aspects of the fair. From the Cows to the Alpacs, to the food (both the good, bad and ugly), the rides (which are still overpriced) and all of the extras that come along with the fair.

This quickly became more than just a fair, it became a tradition that we have not missed. This year it was our fifth year and every year it seems to just get better (expect for the fact there were less Alpacas then in prior years).

This year we had an extra special reason to go as well. About two months ago while we were at an Autism Society of Southwest Washington, we were told that on Tuesday the 9^th of August the Clark County Fair and Butler Amusements (the ones that do the rides) were going to run many of the rides in a sensory friendly mode.

What is sensory friendly mode you might ask? Well this is where the lights are turned lower or off, the music is lowered and the speeds are reduced when possible. So of course we going to get out and enjoy the fair and support this special event. It was a double win.

We kept Ryan home from his Camp Evergreen and we wanted to go early enough to get back because Justin was off to this four night camp at our church – Lifepoint.

We get to the fair early and the rides had not started yet but we know the boys will be doing the rides so to avoid the long lines we get both boys wrist bands for unlimited rides.

On the way to our first stop the animals, we check out some old fire fighter equipment and some of the informational booths.

We get to see, tons (literal) of cows, alpacas (we really love those Alpacas), sheep, chickens, rabbits and tons of other animals. The smells are not the best but they bring smiles to our faces. The sheep this year were the ones that were the funniest. While we were going through this section, there was one that was just making a ton of funny sounds. We had a great time.

The boys had to take a quick stop and do some bouncing.

We then went through the convention center where there were many booths. The family all wore the same style of Angry Birds shirts and the whole day we got tons of comments.

After that it was a stop to get something to eat. The boys had pizza, mom a hot dog and I had a double cheese burger.

Now that Mom and Dad got to see the animals and Justin and Ryan ate, it was off to the rides. The first ride was called Sherik’s Adventure and this is one the Ryan just loves. I think we got the monies work just on this ride alone.

After that, we went over to the carpet slide. When the boys entered we saw the following sign and we had to take a photo.

We were so very proud of all involved that they would offer this wonderful option for kiddos with sensory processing issues. Thank you so much to the Autism Society of Southwest Washington, the Clark County Fair and Butler Amusements

I took the photo and out of the corner of my eye a lady approached us and introduced herself as a reported from the Columbian Newspaper that serves Vancouver. She asked us if we were here for the sensory friendly day and we said we were and then asked if she could ask us some questions. We were more than happy to help and talk to her.

We also noticed a photographer taking a photo of Ryan coming down the slide and we later found out he was from the paper as well. When we checked out the paper the next day we found Ryan on the front cover and the following article. Click Here for the Link:

This was the photo on the front page

The music volume was reduced. The rides swirled a little slower. The lights were a bit dimmer.

But the squeals and giggles of children enjoying rides at the Clark County Fair were in full effect.

For an hour Tuesday afternoon, a handful of children’s rides at the fair operated in “sensory friendly” mode. The reduced lights, sounds and speeds were arranged to make hopping on the rides a little less overwhelming for developmentally disabled children who are sensory sensitive.

“Something is way louder, way brighter, hotter, colder, anything that has to do with sensory is affected by autism,” said Bridget Schwarz, a member of the local chapter of the Autism Society of Washington and an event organizer. “(The event) gives some special consideration to the kids that would love to go on the rides but they’re too loud or too fast or too bright.”

The first-time event was a collaboration between the Clark County Fair and Butler Amusements, and the Autism Society of Washington and Arc of Clark County.

Vancouver resident Diana Vick brought her son, Chase, to the event after seeing a flier at Chase’s occupational therapist’s office.

“I think it’s cool they offered it,” she said. “Today just happens to be his birthday so it made it better.”

Chase celebrated his second birthday by taking a whirl on the Bear Affair ride with his mom and grandmother, Natishia Chacon.

The trio sat inside a large bear wearing a baseball cap and pink overalls. Vick and Chacon used a steering wheel to turn the bear so Chase could see the people watching the ride.

The lower speeds and softer sounds made the ride more enjoyable for Chase, Chacon said.

“It didn’t go super fast,” she said. “We could turn it, but if we didn’t, we just went in circles.”

Tuesday’s outing was Chase’s first time on amusement park rides. The bright lights and loud sounds of a typical evening at the fair would likely be too overwhelming for Chase, Vick said.

Eleven-year-old Justin Krejcha and 5-year-old Ryan Krejcha also benefited from the quieter afternoon at the fair. Both boys are on the autism spectrum and don’t typically do well in loud environments, said their mom, Karen Krejcha of Vancouver.

“It makes it a lot better of an experience for our boys,” Krejcha said as she and her husband, John, watched the boys zip down the Super Slide.

“Sometimes being around so many people making so many noises can be overwhelming,” Karen Krejcha said.

The sensory-friendly hour began at noon, when the rides first opened. The early event time meant fewer people, shorter lines and less distractions for the boys, Karen Krejcha said.

“For them to even offer something is incredible,” John Krejcha said.

Schwarz said she hopes to make the sensory-friendly event an annual offering at the fair and would like to see the number of opportunities for developmentally disabled kids expand.

“Autism can very much isolate the family,” she said. “This is another attempt to help these people live as normal a life in this community as we can.”

End Article

After that it was off to the Roller Coasters, the train and many other spinning rides. While Ryan was going back on his Sherik’s Adventure, Justin treated Mom and Dad into a due at the water pistols. Justin won.

We had a great time and then we were all sad we had to leave. A great time was had with the family again and we are already looking forward to next year.

Hug A Hippo

Sunday, August 14th to Friday, August 19th

2011-08-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 14^th to Friday, August 19^th

I am finally caught up. I still have two blogs I need to do. One for Camp Parsons and one for the Clark County Fair and I hope to get these done very soon.

The weather this summer has really been very mild and the whole family really is enjoying it. The first day in the 90s will not be until the 20^th of August and then the temps will be retreating.

Sunday

We had a wonderful service. Justin stayed with us and we watched at 23 students were baptized. These were students from the camp that was held at our camp.

Monday

Ryan – He started his last week of camp and he was a bit sad. He has really done really well all summer and I am sure that he will miss camp. Kindergarten is right around the corner.

Justin- He had camp again as well but he took off Monday to recover from a long weeks of lots of trips and outings. Justin did have a Boy Scout meeting in the evening and he was asked to be part of one of the Older scouts Eagle Court of Honor. This was a real honor for Justin and he accepted.

Tuesday

Ryan – Evergreen Camp

Justin – Justin got to go to Oaks Park in Portland. The first week he was at this camp they were supposed to go but due to very poor weather they went to a movie instead. So Justin was excited that he was finally going and he had a great time. He even got to do the go-Karts. Who doesn’t like the go-Karts.

Wednesday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin - It was another trip to Oregon to the Nickel Arcade and movie in Portland. All reports came back that he had a lot of fun.

Both of the boys had soccer. They only have one more week left and they will have a Pizza party.

Thursday

Ryan – Two more days left of Summer Camp. Yikes

Justin – Another trip up to Northern Washington for Justin! We lived here four years and we for the most part stayed in Southwest Washington, this summer Justin has been to Northern Washington four times. He had a good time at Wild Waves but they did not stay as long and it was crowded. He still had fun.

Friday

Ryan – Last day of Camp. Mom picked him up this time and I stayed at home and rested.

Justin – At his camp they did carnival games! He called us early to have him picked up, which we did.

Karen took me out for an early Happy Birthday Celebration. We had a very nice lunch.

Hug A Hippo

Sunday, August 7th to Saturday, August 13th

2011-08-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 7^th to Saturday, August 13^th

Sunday

This was a relaxing day for the Krejcha Clan. We did have church and after that, it was a nice day as home.

Monday

Ryan – Ryan was once again back at Camp Evergreen

Justin – He had the day off and he deserved it

Tuesday

We kept Ryan home from camp today because it was Clark County Fair time. This will be a separate Blog coming soon.

In the evening at 6:00 PM, I dropped Justin off for a four night camp at our Church. It was called Unshakeable.

Wednesday

Ryan – Ryan was again back at camp Evergreen. He is really doing a great job. Ryan did have Soccer by himself because Justin was at camp and that was ok.

Justin – He was at Camp Unshakeable that was located at our Church – Lifepoint. On this day, they took a trip out to Lake Merwin to do swimming and tubing. They had some team competition, nightly devotion and then a late night bash. They also watched the movie Soul Surfer which is a wonderful movie.

Thursday

Ryan – Again at Camp Evergreen

Justin – At Camp Unshakeable they went to the Ape Caves, again had team competition, nightly devotion and then a late night bash.

Friday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – They originally had plans to go to the Clark County Fair but due to the weather, they changed the plans and went bowling. More worship and nightly devotion and then a Bonfire

Saturday

At this point I was really missing Justin. Normally when he goes to camp, I see him one of the nights or I really know the people he is with. I was so proud of him in taking part of this church camp.

It was a good week

Hug A Hippo

Boy Scout Camp Blog Coming Soon

2011-08-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

I am trying to keep the order of the Summer's events in line but I want to give special time to Boy Scout Camp for 2011 at Camp Parsons on the Puget Sound.

So From Sunday, July 31 to Saturday August 6th we went to Boy Scout Camp and this blog will be coming very soon. I will link here to it once I have posted it.

Hug A Hippo

Monday, July 25th to Saturday July, 30th 2011

2011-08-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Still in the process of getting caught up after a very long summer! I will be doing some scouting blogging soon and I hope that you will enjoy it.

Monday, July 25^th to Saturday July, 30^th

Monday

Ryan – He was back at Camp Evergreen at one of the local Schools. He will be at this camp for the rest of the summer. He really enjoys all of the games, the staff and of the fun things they do.

Justin – He is also back his camp this week. Justin got to go back to Fort Vancouver for some more fun with his camp. In the evening, Justin had a Boy Scout meeting to attend.

Tuesday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – They had a trip to the Ocean. They got to into an arcade, explore Seaside and then have a party on the beach and play in the Ocean. We were a bit worried about this because cleaning up tends to be an issue sometimes when sand is involved. All reports came back positive and from what he told us he had a great time.

Wednesday

Ryan - Camp Evergreen

Justin – The camp on this day just stayed in a local park and played games. It was a bit of challenge for Justin but he did a great job. Sometimes taking part in group activities can be issue but he overcame and made it through.

Justin and Ryan both had Soccer in the evening.

Thursday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – This was a very early day for Justin. We had a drop off time at camp (which is about 20 – 25 minutes away) of 6:30 am. The camp was then going to drive to central Oregon and do some white water rafting. How FUN! I wanted to go but that would have been ODD and not appropriate. Anyway, we picked up Justin at about 7:30 PM and he had a great time. This is something the whole family wants to do next year. How cool.

Friday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – The camp that he is in took yet another trip to Oregon. This time it was a Waterfall tour. The stopped at three waterfalls and they were able to go swimming in one. Again, how fun and what neat memories.

Justin really liked this week, lots of fun memories and experiences.

Saturday

This was the calm before the storm. The next day, Justin and myself were taking off for Boy Scout camp. We were all packed (ok, Justin was already packed) and ready to go. The camp was going to be about three hours away and it was a lot of stress on the family.

We did find time in the busy day to do shopping as well as attend a local Car show to support the Columbia Valley Miracle League. Ryan really loved the cars and this one orange jeep. Karen signed Ryan up on line the following week.

The boys had a really great time at camp.

Hug A Hippo

Monday, July 18th to Sunday, July 24th

2011-08-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 18^th to Sunday, July 24^th

Here is a blow by blow on what happened.

Monday was our 19^th Wedding anniversary and I did a blog on this day. Here is a Link.

Monday

Ryan – He was back at sensory camp that is located in western Vancouver.

Justin – He originally had this week off but made the choice to do a film camp that was being sponsored by our church Lifepoint. It was just a few hours each day so he still had plenty of free time.

Mom and Dad went out on a date. It was a really time away and the food was great. Here are some photos from our date. We also mailed our paperwork for Autism Empowerment – more on this later.

Tuesday

Ryan – Back at Sensory Camp

Justin – Film Camp

Ryan and Justin – Swimming

Wednesday

Ryan – Back at Sensory Camp then in the evening he had Soccer.

Justin – Film Camp during the day and instead of going to Soccer, he had the second half of the troop’s annual planning meeting. During the meeting, the all of the campouts for the season now are on the calendar. We have some great campouts, hikes, canoe trips and more.

Thursday

Ryan – Sensory camp

Justin – He had finished his film project the prior day so he was off this doll.

Ryan and Justin both had their final swimming class.

Friday

Ryan – Sensory Camp

Justin – In the evening we all headed over to Lifepoint to view all of the movies that were made at Film camp. They had popcorn, candy, soda and goodies.

Saturday and Sunday were rest days for the most part. Of course mom and dad were still hard at work moving inventory.

Hug A Hippo

Monday, July 11th to Sunday, July 17th

2011-08-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 11^th to Sunday, July 17^th

Ok, summer is now in full swing. Here is a blow by blow on what happened.

Monday

Ryan - was at Camp Evergreen which is a camp he did last year at a local school and put on by the School District. The person that worked with him last year was there again this year and it was nice to have somebody that really knew Ryan. This camp is great because they do lots of crafts, games and have lots of fun.

Justin – He started a camp through the Vancouver Rec Department in which they do different field trips each day. On Monday, they were off to Fort Vancouver to learn about the Fur Trade and do games including a “Survivor” games.

John – I had a minor surgery in early afternoon to remove a cyst. It took about 20 minutes and 3 stitches. It took a total of about an hour and half with the wait time. Karen drove me home.

Justin and I both had a Boy Scout meeting in the evening and after the main part of the meeting was over, we left a little early.

Tuesday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – The camp was supposed to go to an amusement park called Oaks Park but the weather was cold and gloomy so they went bowling and went to a movie instead. He does have another chance to go back in August.

Justin and Ryan both had swimming in the evening

Wednesday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen

Justin – The camp had a field trip going to the Portland Zoo. Lots of animals were viewed.

Karen – It was Karen’s turn at the Doctor’s office. We had to first drop her off at Kaiser, I then went and dropped off Justin and Ryan and then I was back to Kaiser. Today, Karen had her Iron infusion. It took about four hours in total.

Ryan and Justin would normally have Soccer this night but was cancelled.

Thursday

Ryan – Camp Evergreen. We did have to pick up Ryan early for a trip to the Doctors office because we were concerned he might have some allergies. Ryan also had swimming in the evening which his brother missed because he was having too much fun.

Justin – We had to drop him off early because he was headed up to northern Washington to a water park called Wild Waves. He did not get back until late and he had a great time.

Friday

Ryan – He was back at Camp Evergreen but he had a special treat. They had a field trip to a water park called Wings and Waves which is about an hour south of us. Both boys got to do two separate water parks this summer. How fun!

Justin – His camp went to downtown Vancouver to a city park for some fun and games. It was not as exciting as some of the other days but he did have fun.

Saturday and Sunday the boys had off and they could just relax. The whole family was really starting to get into this season of Big Brother on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Hug A Hippo

Action Packed Sunday

2011-08-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 10^th was an Action packed Sunday for sure.

The prior Sunday, Justin decided to start going to a new group at church called REVJV. This program is for students in middle school and starts at 9:00am each Sunday (an hour before we need to be at Church). I was so happy to hear that he wanted and made the choice to take part in this new group. I was so proud of him.

So, I drop him off at Church at 9:00am and then it back home to pick-up the little one and Mom and then it was back to Lifepoint.

Justin met us at our normal seats in church and he expressed to us that he wanted to go. We told him we would talk about it.

After church it was off to the Autism Society of Southwest Washington second annual picnic. This year’s picnic was at the same place it was last year – on the shore of the Columbia River at a city park on the far Western side of Vancouver.

We arrived and the music was just starting and the grills were starting. We went down to test the waters. It was cold!

We made our way back and most of us enjoyed either a cheeseburger or hotdog. After we ate the boys played or a bit and then we needed to leave because Justin and I had to attend a Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor later in the afternoon.

We got home about 1:30 pm, we changed and Justin and I were off.

The reason why I really wanted Justin to go see this Court of Honor was because the scout who was having his court of honor has Aspergers. The COH was really wonderful to watch and seeing person after person coming up and talk about how wonderful he was and how he never gave up and always gave his best effort. Both Justin and I were very impressed and I think it really showed Justin that he can do what he sets his mind too.

We were home by a bit after 3:00pm and we relaxed the rest of the Day.

It was a good Day!

Hug A Hippo

Cars 2 - Sensory Friendly Film

2011-08-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

One of the things Ryan has been looking for months has been the release of Cars 2.

He has been seeing the trailer for the movie for weeks and really wanted to go to the movie while we were in California but we knew we were going to take him to the movie once we returned.

The Autism Society of America introduced the concept of Sensory Friendly movies three years ago at their national convention we attended in St. Charles, IL. This is join project they originally introduced between them and AMC but expanded the program to include the Regal Entertainment Group.

What is a Sensory Friendly Movie you may ask? Good Question!

First – The movie theater opens its doors early before its first showing just for the one showing. This will help avoid large crowds. Large crowds can be provide a sensory overload for many on the Autism Spectrum (crowds = louder noises + extra smells + just a sense of being crowded).

Second – The movie theater allows the views of the movie to bring in their own snacks that may be gluten or casein free. In most cases it will have its normal snack bar open but being allowed to bring in helps provide families to bring down the cost of going to the movies.

Third – During the movie the theater reduces the volume of the sound. For those on the spectrum with sensory issues around sound this is very helpful.

Fourth – During the movie the theater brings the lights up slightly. This is so the theater is not completely dark. It is normally dark enough to watch the movie but allows those who have issues

Fifth – The theater does not frown on the views of the movie to get up and move around. This really helps for those kiddos that have issues sitting still.

So the movie stared at 9:30 and we get in plenty of time to make a stop to pick up some popcorn and some other treats.

Ryan only got up one time and that was for a bathroom break but otherwise the boys stayed in the seats and really enjoyed the movie.

Thank you so much to both the Autism Society and the Regal Entertainment Group for putting on such a great event.

A good time was had by the whole family.

Hug A Hippo

Tuesday, July 5th to Friday, July 8th 2011

2011-08-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 5^th to Friday, July 8^th

Ok, this is when summer really stats to get hopping and Camps start.

We wanted to make sure that Ryan was prepared for Kindergarten in August so for the most of the rest of the summer (with the exception of the last week) he was going to be in some type of camp. This way that he could count on a routine and he would have structured play group interactions for the summer.

For Justin we had planned on giving him breaks throughout the summer to help give him the breaks that he needs but it ended up were after this first week of July off, he was going someplace every week as well. We will go over a blow by blow for you each week but for this first short week, he could just relax.

We had found a Sensory camp that was through the Vancouver Parks and Rec Department but it was located in the downtown area which is on the west side of the city. We live on the extreme East side so twice a day during this week I needed to make the trek downtown which is about 20 minutes mostly highway.

As it turned out of the ten weeks of summer vacation, I would be going downtown five of these weeks. It was a lot of driving some weeks but the things the boys did it was well worth it. I digress. Shocker, I know.

Anyway, the Sensory Camp is a camp that gives a one on one experience for the campers and is meant for those with special needs of any kind. We had never sent Ryan to this camp before but we wanted to learn more about it and see if it would be something for him next year (he did have a second week of this camp this summer). In the camp they worked with many sensory friendly things and some days they were even able to get dirty. Each day they also had water play time outside with small kiddy pools, slip and slides and sprinklers. Ryan really loved the water play. Lots and lots of sensory things for those that have sensory issues!

Also, each week this camp takes a field trip. This week Ryan had a field trip to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) in Portland.

Karen had a Doctor’s appointment on Thursday and it was determined that since she has been having such a challenge with her Iron, a Iron transfusion the next week would be the best course to take.

Other things happening this week – Swimming on Tuesday and Thursday, Soccer on Wednesday! One show that the family really enjoys started – Big Brother!

It was an action packed start to an action packed month.

Hug A Hippo

4th of July 2011

2011-08-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

The 4^th of July Weekend 2011

Each night for about five nights it seems like more like a war zone rather than a non descript all American middle class neighborhood. It is amazing coming from Wisconsin and then California were most all fireworks are banned to Vancouver where everything is encouraged. But you know, our family likes it and it really brings out the neighborhood spirit.

The night of July 1^st, it was noisy but not too much. The night of July 2^nd, it was an increase that everybody could notice. The Night of July 3^rd was just crazy and on the 4^th it was insane.

We started out the night with some large sprinklers that we wanted to the boys to enjoy in a safe way. It really was the first time the boys got to do “fireworks” and they said they both enjoyed it and they would like to get something a little bit more next year. We will have to wait and see about that.

So after that, it was off for the next two and half hours walking around the different streets. There was a different display going off on every corner. Really, it was every corner. It was so much fun.

After awhile it was getting hard on the ears and it was about eleven when we headed for home. We got the boys to bed by 11:30 and you could still hear the fireworks going off outside. The noises did tapper off and by 1 it had all stopped.

Our family really loves the Fireworks here in Vancouver and we hope you enjoyed a the video.

A Happy Belated Birthday USA

Supporting Another Scouts Eagle Project

2011-08-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Even if the first day of July started out as a lamb the rest of the month was the Lion. It started with the first day off but for the most part, there was something for somebody almost every day had something going on. I think there was only one or two days during the whole month that nothing was going on.

Justin had some service hours to complete for this Boy Scout rank of Star, he was hoping to complete by the end of the month. One of the other scouts was working on his Eagle project so he was up to going out and helping.

The project was a local cemetery in restoring a monument that needed to have stone pavers put at its base to prevent it from being hit by the mowers. Justin needed three and half more hours and so in order to support him in his cause we were off to help. I really like it when he volunteers for these service projects because it really gives something back to the community and teaches him new skills.

So we get out to the spot and we spend our morning helping in the completion of this wonderful project. Justin had some moments but really had a good attitude for the most part and he really enjoyed when they brought out the Pizza to thank those who came out.

Here are some photos.

Support Your Scout and Hug A Hippo

Ending June and Starting July like a Lamb

2011-08-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are almost done with June but not yet.

The end of the month and the start of July was one of down time for the boys. We did not have to get up early either day so was nice. The boys had a fun time playing video games just relaxing.

Karen and I worked on business and we started to get catch on our business from being gone to California.

The Fourth of July’s in this area is crazy and the Fireworks started Friday night. To our good surprise it did not bother Ryan this year. In fact he was really enjoying the loud noises.

Hug A Hippo

Trip to Olympia

2011-08-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are still in June! It was a busy month but guess what – July was doublely busy.

Wednesday, June 29^th the Krejcha family was taking a field trip to Olympia our states capital for the first time. Karen and I are working on a new venture which I will talk about in a later blog but we had to go and take care of correcting some paperwork so we thought it would be fun to make it a field trip day.

We were off and got to the capital in pretty good time. It was a grey day but we still had a good time. We went to the Sec. of State’s office and took care of our business rather quickly and it was off to the capital building.

It was not crowded so parking was rather quick. It is a neat set up. The Capital building and the State Supreme Court are next to each other and both buildings are rather impressive. We wanted to get in on tour but it had already left a few minutes before but the nice lady at the information desk said that we could jump in if we catch up.

We did catch up and got to see most of the tour. It was impressive to see the House and the Senate chambers. The tour guide was filled with some great information and did a great job. He told the group about how they have pages that work with the members while they are in session. This was something that Justin said he might like to do some day.

The tour ended in the basement near the gift shop and we saw a sign about a free tour of the Governors’ mansion. Ryan was a bit of challenge but we thought we would give it a try. We had about twenty minutes to kill so we went to the cafeteria to get a quick bite. I had a really good grilled cheese. It was yummy. Then we made our way back to tour was going to start and joined the tour.

The tour left the capital and went across the street and past the State Police check point. We get to the mansion and enter. Karen and I notice tons of old stuff (IE Breakable and expensive). We started in the tour and Ryan was not doing well. We could tell the lady leading the tour was annoyed and we felt like everybody was watching us (they were). We asked to leave the tour and we were released back and left. We would like to go back some day but when Ryan is older or in camp. We did get some photos on the way up.

Then a quick stop back at the gift shop we were back in the car and on our way back home. The boys did have Soccer that night (see prior Blog) so it was still a very good day.

Hug A Hippo

Swimming and Soccer O My

2011-08-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Now that we were back from our big California Trip, you would think we would settle into a nice quite summer route. As I had stated in one of my past blogs, this summer was going to be crazy and the very next day it started.

Nether Justin or Ryan were going to be in camp this week but Tuesday saw the start of swimming classes for both Justin and Ryan. Tuesday and Wednesday for the next month saw both boys sharpen up their swimming. Granted it was this week was not going to be that bad but when you add in the fact they are were going to be in different camps, it was going to be a lot on those days. Here are some photos of the swimming.

Wednesday of this week also saw a trip to our State’s Capital (that will be the next Blog) and once we got back, both boys started in a group called TOPSoccer. This is where the each would have a buddy and they would start for the first half an hour to do different soccer skills and then the last hour they could get into a game if they wanted. This gave both boys an chance to try out soccer in an inclusive atmosphere. Soccer was going to run from June 29^th to August 24^th. Here again were some photos.

Ryan really took to the soccer. It was not Justin’s cup of tea.

They did get to rest on Tuesday and we were able to sleep in.

Hug A Hippo

California Trip - The Last two Days

2011-08-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe that it has been three weeks since I last blogged. I really love writing. I think I left off while we were still in California (June25th). I am going to get caught up shortly but there has been a lot to write about.

So I will pick up with the last two days of our California Trip

We did most of the packing the night before so when we work up we did not have much to do. We finished what we needed to do and then we were off to Mom and Dad’s home for breakfast and to say goodbye.

We had the traditional scrambled eggs, bacon, rolls, orange juice and great company.

By noontime we were all set to go except for some final photos, we were off to our halfway stop. It was sad since the time had gone by so fast but it was time to go.

We got to the hotel and the boys wanted to swim. We changed and went in. The water was cold, it was even colder that the Hood Canal that Justin and I were in at Summer Camp (those stories later to come). I quickly got out but the boys stayed for another 15 minutes. Justin worked on his diving.

After swimming it was time for our traditional Pizza. This has been a tradition every time we stay at this hotel. It was a somewhat restful rest of the night.

The next morning, we got up and hit the road. We got back to Vancouver about 4:00. Most people would’ve spent the rest of the day relaxing but Justin and I had a Boy Scout meeting to attend which we did. I had to go because of a mandatory parents meeting for summer camp. After the meeting the boys were just playing games so we left a bit early.

It was sad to leave California but it was good to be home.

Hug A Hippo

Happy 19th Wedding Anniversary

2011-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 19th Wedding Anniversary

Karen

~~Angry~~ Love Birds

Today, 19 years ago, Karen and I got married. There have been tough times it is true but so many good times that outweigh those bad ones.

As each year passes, the reasons why I love Karen so much just increase. The miles that we travel at times have had many hair pin curves that we were not expecting but we have overcome them.

We are setting our ship together in a new exciting direction full with many more wild waves ahead of us but we can’t keep our ship in the harbor because ships are not meant to be safe in the harbor but they are meant to travel to brings its goods to all of the ports in its path. We have lots of sailing to do.

Thank you so much Karen for putting up with me and my snoring over the years. You are my Gem!

I Love You

Thursday, Friday and Saturday - California 2011

2011-07-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Friday and Saturday – California Trip 2011

It was hard on these days because we could see the end of the trip coming and we just wanted to spend more time in California but we knew we needed to get back.

Thursday, June 23rd – This was a down day for the most part. Karen and I had another date in the afternoon and it was nice to have some more just Karen and me time. We were gone for a few hours and them came back to have another nice home cooked meal. Justin stayed the night at gram and grandpa’s house. He really likes the sleep over.

Friday, June 24^th – Since we moved a few days around in the start of the week, we had a chance to have two outing with Gram and Grandpa. Today we were off to Happy Hallow. This is a park in San Jose that is part Kids Theme Park part Zoo. We had gone many times in the past and we had to cancel the trip last year. This was a rain check event.

Ryan had a great time on the rides and it was just a nice day spending time with family.

After we got back to the house, we spend a little time with Mom and Dad and then went back to the hotel. The boys of course wanted to swim, so we swam.

Saturday, June 25^th – We had set this day up just to relax and get ready for the trip back the next day. We went over to the house and spent a wonderful time with Mom and Dad and again had steak for dinner. This trip was so wonderful because we got to have some really wonderful conversations and talks on a whole range of issues.

Saturday was hard because we knew the next day we were starting to go home.

Hug A Hippo

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-07-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send out a special Happy Birthday Wish to my Mom who turned 70 today.

We were able to talk to her and it was good hearing from her. Without her, I would not be here!

Happy 70th Mom

We All Love You

Great America - June 22nd

2011-07-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Great Time at Great America - Santa Clara June 22nd

The weather was starting to break and the temps were starting to go down.

We had planned on going to Great America again on Wednesday and that is what we did!

A note about Great America; if you have kiddos with special needs and/or on the Autism Spectrum. If you go to the Town Hall which is right next to the Snoopy Ice Show and they will give you a Fast Track Pass. If it is not busy, this will allow the person with the disability and three others to board in advance of the lines. We used it many times during the day and got to go on many more things and prevented meltdowns which is the important thing.

Best Photo of the Day

So we get to the park and it was not busy at all, one more trick to avoid lots of people, go in middle of the week.

Here is a photo montage of the day’s events. There are lots of fun photos to share, that is why it is its own blog. The weather was much cooler and that was a good thing. Everybody had lots of fun and all had great behavior, even Karen!

Hug A Hippo

Monday and Tuesday of California Trip 2011

2011-07-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday of California Trip 2011

We discovered that the weather was going to be rather HOT the first part of the week so on Sunday, we made some command decisions and switched up the outings for the coming week. Monday was going to be the same but the rest of the week was going to switch up a bit.

Monday , June 20 – San Jose Tech Museum and Date Night for Karen and John

Monday was going ahead as planned. We took the boys last year to the Intel Museum and then the Computer History Museum and we wanted to keep with the Tech theme this year and had originally planned to go to the San Jose Tech Museum and them the Computer History Museum again but instead only did the San Jose Tech Museum.

It was going to be right around 100 degrees so being inside was a good choice. After we got out tickets we went to the IMAX theatre for a movie called Under the Sea. Last time we had been in a IMAX theatre with Ryan, it lasted all of 5 minutes and we had to leave and I took Ryan out and we missed the movie. This time Ryan lasted for about 50% of the movie and then I took him out. We did come back in twice and we got to see most of the movie. Next time I am hoping for a full movie since I know he sat through a whole IMAX movie just two weeks later.

After that we hit the Museum and the whole family loved it. Here was our day.

After the Museum, it was hot and Karen’s parents had offered to sit for a few hours so we could get away. We did not pass up the offer.

We dropped the kiddos off and I took Karen to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. We own all of the movies already so we thought it would be a fun date. We stopped and got some Cold Stone before the movie and then walked across and got our tickets. It was a fun date. We ended the day with a dinner.

Tuesday, June 21 – San Jose Children’s Museum

When we found out how hot it was going to be on Tuesday as well, we thought an indoor activity would be the best. If we could include Mom and Dad as well, all the better. In the past we had gone to the San Jose Children’s Museum and the boys like it. Prior in the year we went to the Portland Discovery Museum and they were not too old yet so we thought it might be the last time so why not. After a meeting and talk with Karen’s parents we loaded up the car and we were off.

I think it will be the last time we venture to the San Jose Children’s Museum just because of the age but it was worth it and all had a great time.

The time was going by so quickly and we wish we could have stopped time to have more but we know that is not possible.

Hug A Hippo

Father's Day 2011 - June 19th

2011-07-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have to say that when Father’s Day comes around every year I have many mixed feelings.

On one hand I reflect back on my relationship with my Father and how dysfunctional it is and all of the lack of communication and all of the things never talked about. I am grateful for many things my Dad did with me while I was growing up. He took me to ball games, taught me how to play racquetball and gave me the basic knowledge on how to and how not to run a business. I do recall how he did seem to care for each customer that that is something that is extremely important when running a business but other aspects I learned not what to do. But I always felt something lacking and felt I never really had a connection.

Then on the positive side I look to my sons and being a father and my relationships that I have with my two. I have always tried to be in attendance at special events and want to teach them to be the best they can. I know that we but heads from time to time but on balance I feel I have a good relationship with both of them.

Teaching things to kids is hard and when they get older (they know everything) it becomes harder and then you through in the Autism, well it can be a challenge.

Much of my life I have had to learn by reverse example. This is in no disrespect to my parents but I leaned from them how not to have a marriage, how not to parent and how not to be a good father. They did the best they could and I thank them for what they did give me but not having positive role models was hard and I am sure caused many of my own issues. I have to take personal responsibility for my own actions but when I reflect, I have to start someplace.

When I met, fell in love with Karen and then married her, I was given a set of wonderful In-laws and calling them in-laws is doing them a disservice. They have been our side through thick and thin, we have relied on them and they have helped us out in time of need. They have both taught me so much and they are so wonderful.

So when we were looking at our yearly trip back to the Bay Area, Karen suggested being there for Father’s Day because we were not going to be able to make it for or normal first week of August timeframe, it seemed like a perfect fit. It made me so happy to be spending Fathers Day with Paul my Father-in-law.

We were going to start the day off at Marie Calendars that also sells pies in the stores. We knew that Randy a family friend who is going through some family challenges was going to attend and also Ruth another family friend and we had prepared the boys in advance. We meet the rest the group at the restaurant and it turned out to be pretty good with only a little wild body by Ryan. After we ate, we then went back to the house to spend the rest of the day.

When we got back, Randy the family friend and Justin hit it off talking tech. Well, the Tech talk started while we were eating and Justin got to play around with his I-phone. Justin really wanted to see Randy’s computer equipment so we allowed him to go with Randy for a few hours. Once they got back he was so excited and he had a great time. It worked out great because we got to visit and get caught up.

Angry Birds

We opened some gifts and after a bit we went back to the hotel. Both boys wanted to go the pool, so it was off for some pool time.

It was a really good day and I was so happy to spend the time in California. It was a Great Father's Day

Hug A Hippo

Start of Summer Vacation Week ending June 18th

2011-07-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well I am now making some good progress getting caught up on the summer events. Now it will get a bit sticky since we are starting in on the middle of June and this was the first week of Summer Vacation for the boys and things were really starting to heat up.

Sunday was the calm before the storm.

Monday was a very busy day. After doing some shipping for Count Your Beans, it was off to Ryan’s school for Field Day. We had missed the field day last year because it was the same day as Justin’s graduation from 5^th Grade, so this year we really wanted to make sure we made it to support Ryan.

It was wonderful to see Ryan at his school with his classmates. Ryan had spent the last two years at ECC (Early Childhood Center) and had the best teachers. We will miss the school but look forward to him moving on Kindergarten. It was kind of sad since there were so many good times at ECC and he really had some great teachers. Ryan made so much progress.

Then we got back home to finish some work. We had a early dinner because Justin and I had a Court of Honor to attend. The Court of Honor was rather short this time because there were not too many people with rank advancement. Justin did receive merit badges for Scholarships, Communications, Family Life and Disabilities Awareness. I was so proud of Justin and all that he finished.

Tuesday – Again like much of the summer Tuesday was really action packed. This was Ryan’s last official day at ECC and this will be the last time he will have to ride the bus to school until he goes to middle school. Our local elementary school is only a few blocks away and when they start this coming fall, he will be walking to school. When he got home it was an end to an era. We will miss you ECC.

Here comes Ryan

The evening was going to be very special for me. A month or two prior I was asked to take part in a Autism Society of Southwest Washington panel of groups that be good for kids to take part over the summer. I was asked to represent the Boy Scouts and I accepted. After I accepted, I contacted the District Executive for our Area and made sure it was ok for me to speak and invited him to attend as well. He accepted and we represented the Boy Scouts of America at the meeting.

Other Groups in attendance was Special Olympics, TOPSoccer (group that supports special needs kiddos in the pursuit of learning soccer, The Miracle League (group that support special needs Kiddos in the pursuit of learning Baseball) and Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department.

I was very proud of the work we did and there were many questions that came out of the meeting and I know for sure that we had two families that were going to try scouting for their boys who have Autism. It was such a great feeling to make a difference.

I want to personally thank Karen. The group said they were going to have childcare, which they didn't and Ryan was really acting crazy and she watched over him outside the room.

Wednesday – This was packing day, on Friday we were off to California on our yearly trip to the Bay Area and visit with Mom and Dad (Karen’s Parents). We miss them so much since we have moved and it is hard just too only see them once per year.

Thursday – This was Justin’s last day of being a 6^th grader. He only had to go for a few short hours and he was home well before noon. He was so happy once he got home, he was glad to be on Summer Vacation.

In the afternoon, I had a Doctor’s Appointment to get my annual physical for the Boy Scouts (it is required each year). While talking to the Doctor, I asked about a Cyst that I had on the back of my neck. It had gone way down and was not hurting at all but over the past three years, I have had to have it looked at three times and had to get medication twice. It was just a pain in the neck. LOL Pretty funny since that is where it was. She said that she could have it removed if I would like, I said I did and we set a date in July to do it. Otherwise all seems to be doing good.

Late afternoon and into the evening, I was packing, packing and packing. By 9:30 PM, we were all packed and ready to go for a good start on Friday. I was so proud of everybody coming together and getting all ready.

Friday – We were off by 10:30, only thirty minutes past were we had projected. We did have to make a quick stop to get Gas but by 10:45 am, we were on the road.

Both boys have always traveled well and this was no exception. Last summer, we had to stop at almost every single rest stop for Ryan (I think he thinks it is a game)but this year he was much better but we did have to make a number of stops.

We made some great time and rolled in to our halfway stop at around 4:30. The boys were in the pool by 5:30. We were not in the pool that long, only about 30 – 40 minutes. Afterwards, we did are now traditional Round Table pizza. The rest of the evening we all tried to relax and have a good time. We know in less than 24 hours we would be at Gram and Grandpa’s house.

Saturday – We got another good start and were on the road again by 10:30. The trip was again good and the boys watched Home Alone 2 and 3. We arrived into the Hotel around 4:00 and after we got checked in and settled in, we were off to see Gram and Grandpa. We where over to their home by 5:30 and it was so good to see them again.

It was nice visiting with them over the next few hours and it was nice to have a home cooked meal of Steak.

This was the first of many busy weeks and the start of Summer Vacation for the boys.

Hug A Hippo

Week Ending June 11th, 2011

2011-07-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

Summer started really got started the week ending June 11^th. As I write this on July 13^th, it seems to have been non-stop.

In the month of June, I only did one blog, much less than I had wanted to do. Working, taking care of the kiddos and life just seemed to roll and time passed. There are several reasons why I do the personal blogs.

1. I want to share what is going on with our family who live all around the country.

2. This will give a journal of what happened so we can look back and see what our lives looked like and the progress our kiddos have made.

As I mentioned, I did only one blog for the month of June and it was done on June 5^th.

Three Years Later - This talked about our sons journey on the Autism Spectrum after three years with a doctors diagnosis.

Monday June 6^th – My Oldest had a Patrol Leader Meeting he had to attend so I attended the parent meeting and a big issue came up with the Troop Facebook Page. Many in the Troop are more old school and don’t see the value in the use of social media to make sure that the troop can communicate more effectively. The issue was tabled until later.

In the evening Karen and I did something special that I can’t share yet but something special was born this day.

Tuesday June 7^th – Our oldest who is in his first year of middle school was honored at the schools Gold Awards. The awards are given out for being on the Honor Roll and are given out three times each year after each of trimester. Our oldest was on the Honor Roll for each of the three Trimesters. We were so very proud of him. Great job buddy!

After the award ceremony, Justin and I took off for the first of two annual planning meetings for his boy scout troop. As an Assistant Scoutmaster, I was also invited to attend. The meeting was for happen on Wednesday but was moved to Tuesday night. I was again so proud of my Boy Scout, he was engaged and gave his thoughts and opinions. He did a great job of being part of the team.

Thursday and Fridays were work days for Karen and myself. Our oldest had a half day on Friday and our youngest was off so we did as much work as we could.

Saturday, June 11 was a very busy day. Justin and I attended an Eagle Court of Honor for one of the sons of the Scoutmaster of our Troop. It was the first Eagle Court of Honor that either of us had attended and it was neat to see what a real honor that this is.

As soon as we left the Eagle Court of Honor, we drove home changed and the whole family walked over to the Fisher’s Landing Fair. This was the fourth carnival and we should have about six more to go. This has become a family tradition for sure.

This week Karen had to do a lot of watching of Ryan because of scouts and it really means the world to see how much Justin is going with each experience.

Hope you enjoyed this!

Hug A Hippo

Week Ending June 4th 2011

2011-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

I want to get at least one of these blogs done since I have a lot to catch up on. The Blog now will cover May 29^th to June 4^th. Enjoy!

This will be easy one since not much happened this week. One thing that was fun was America’s Got Talent Started on TV. This is a show that the whole family really enjoys and we stop work and go down and watch it. Very few shows are like this so it is special. The boys like to judge the talent themselves and have pretend buzzers to buzz the acts they don’t like. Last year our oldest got has a Staples Easy Button that he used but since we only had one and two boys conflicts arose. This year no Easy Button was to be found, just a buzzer in their heads.

On a side note, does anyone else think that that the acts being judged by a Canadian and two British Nationals for America’s Got Talent is a bit odd? The same say the Hoff is judging acts in Germany. I think it odd and strange for one.

My oldest started his last month of this Physical Fitness Merit Badge. The Badge takes a total of three months to complete and is doing a great job and making progress.

Besides for a couple of haircuts and lots of work at Count Your Beans, not much else to report this week. It really starts to get busy starting on June 5^th until August 30^th.

That’s the week ending June 4^th

Hug A Hippo

Up Coming Blogs

2011-07-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am getting farther and farther behind. This is what I plan to since I am so far behind and there are so many things going on. I will be doing the following Blogs shortly.

1. Blog for Week ending June 4

2. Blog for week ending June 11

3. Blog for week ending June 18

4. Blog for week ending June 25

5. Blog for week ending July 2

6. Blog for week ending July 9

7. Blog for week ending July 16

8. Blog for week ending July 23

9. Blog for week ending July 30

10. Blog for week ending Aug 6 – BSA Summer Camp

11. Blog for week ending Aug 16

12. Blog for week ending Aug 23

This should get me caught up. So look for these blogs in the coming days and weeks. I also plan on doing Blogs for Autism and Scouting as well.

Hug A Hippo

Happy 4th of July 2011

2011-07-04T23:30:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July 2011

Welcome to July 2011

2011-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Again, It has been awhile! June was very busy and lots of things have happened in the past month. I will be catching up in the coming days.

Some of the events that I will cover is;

4^th Annual Fisher’s Landing Carnival

Justin’s Gold Awards

Boy Scouts Annual Planning Meeting and Court of Honor

Autism Society of Southwest Washington Meeting

Summer Trip to California –Father’s Day, Computer Day, Happy Hallow, Great America

Trip to States Capital

The last few days we are still trying to recover from the past month so I plan on writing more soon.

Thanks for stopping in

Hug A Hippo

Three Years Later

2011-06-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog Friends!

I know that it has been a bit since I last blogged on a personal note. The Month of May was so crazy busy and the coming months seem to be more of the same but I will try to find a few spare moments to pop in and share what has been going on.

Three years ago today, our youngest received a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. I have written about this, the emotions and all the details including last June in my blog entitled “Bonus it is all about Ryan”.

Today, I again wanted to look back at the past, pause to see where we are at and look forward to the future ahead. I have to say the journey that our family is on has been a long and winding road with many twists and turns. We still have a long way and we know there will be many more twists and turns but we hope a lot less with those sharp corners.

Three Years ago, Ryan had just turned two (the prior month) and from the age of eighteen months had lost most all of this words with the exception of just a few. “Mommy” and “Daddy” were not heard coming out of Ryan’s mouth anymore and many of the words only we could discern. He started spinning in circles and when he waved, he waved with the back of his hand.

Karen and I took Ryan into Portland for a battery of tests (three to four hours) to see what was going on. To Karen’s credit she had some idea but to me I was thinking it was some type of developmental delay. Autism to me was only from what I had seen in movies and was not on my radar as what was the issue.

I know in prior blogs I talk about the sitting down with the Doctor in a little room and hearing the words that your son has Autism. Not really knowing the full implications of those words fully but knowing that was something all encompassing for life. I know this was going to change our lives which I have to say it has.

I also recall being given a packet by the doctor and being told to contact the State of Washington for the next step. Not being told what the next step was but that was going to be the next step for us and then being told that there would be a follow up in four to five weeks and thanking us for coming in. About six weeks later our oldest received the diagnosis of Aspergers.

I remember the thirty minute ride home being shell shocked (for me) on the news and wondering what can be done. Being a guy I tend to have a “How can I fix this” or “what is the next step and I will take it” and like being in control, control was not out of my hands in many ways.

As soon as we got home, Karen went right to the computer and read and clicked her way to what I call and equivalent Degree in Autism Awareness. I did my share of reading of course like I suppose most parents who received the similar news. For the months of June and July it was a crash course in Autism and Aspergers and the whole Autism Spectrum.

The following day (it was a Friday) I called the number that was given to us and set up an appointment with the State that takes care of Birth to three programs.

That Sunday, I remember being at the back of the church when Amazing Grace was being played and Karen and I holding each other in tears. Not knowing what was to come, will Ryan ever talk, will he ever say “mommy” or “daddy” again, just not know was overwhelming to both of us. Today at church, Amazing Grace was played again and I was taken back three years and had tears of joy of how far our little guy has come. To me it was very emotional and I feel so blessed by the hand of God, giving us the teachers and tools to help our little one and big one as well.

The following week we took Ryan in and we were given a choice of different programs. Karen and I chose an in home program and a few weeks later a wonderful lady by the name of Julie started coming out on a weekly basis. Other people including OT, PT and speech professionals would come out from time to time but Julie was there every week. For the next year and third she only missed one week (due to excessive snow) and Ryan made so much progress. Ryan started to learn to sign and then his speech slowly started to return. We were doing other things as well as taking him to Portland once or twice a week for other therapy (which our oldest did as well for a time).

It was hard when Ryan turned three that we lost the support of Julie. Ryan had graduated the Birth to Three program in June of 2009 and was going to start going to the Early Childhood Center in the fall of 2009. That summer the family took a road trip to the National Autism Society Conference and it was an experience that was well worth the trip from Vancouver to St. Charles, IL. That summer we took that we had learned and tried our best to get RyRy ready for the next step.

In the fall of 2009 Ryan started at the Early Childhood Center and we were blessed with such a wonderful school and staff. ECC is a two year program that is part of the Evergreen School District and they prepare kiddos with special needs for Kindergarten. In the first year he was with other kids on the spectrum as well as some other special needs kids and in the second year he was in a mixed classroom, some with special needs and others that are Nero-typical.

But like two years ago it this a bitter sweet time. He is leaving a wonderful teacher and teachers aid (for the whole classroom) that he has had for two years and now is going into the unknown of the a Kindergarten setting.

Ryan has blossomed and is advanced in many areas including his reading and math (besides his counting, he can do some simple addition, subtraction and even some multiplication). He can read a clock just fine and many times is a chatter box. Sometimes it can drive me bonkers but I would rather have that then where he was.

In other ways, he is behind and has still has a long way to go. Safety, bolting and following directions can be challenge and is an area that we are working on. He has many sensory issues and still has issues with “wild body”. Meltdowns are daily and sometimes hourly but these are areas that are being worked on as well.

We have him in camp for most of the summer to keep him on a scheduled based program and on track. In the fall he will enter a typical Kindergarten at the local school just a few blocks away. He will share an in class aid and will have a pull out for a program called SCIP (Social Communication Integration Program) and has a IEP fully in place so he has a place to go in case he needs a sensory break.

Although things look bright and we want to stay positive, the whole family still has a long road ahead. Many issues still need to be worked on but I am hoping for the best.

So three years later, the road behind had many twists, turns, ups and downs but it was always moving forward. Looking ahead, I see the twisting road up hill and know there will be peaks and valleys but it is moving forward. The road that we are on is less traveled but we are joining others who have blazed the trail before us and will be joined but others that could benefit by the paths that we have cleared.

Thanks for stopping in and reading.

Hug A Hippo

Autism Spectrum Disclosure – Final thoughts Part 3

2011-05-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

This was the third part of the part Blog set that I had posted on the Autism and Scouting Blog.

If you would like to come to our Facebook Group, here is a link

Autism and Scouting

Welcome back to all for part three.

Autism Spectrum Disclosure – The final chapter

If you have not been around for part one or part two, please check out the following and would love to hear what you have to say.

Part 1 – Autism Diagnosis Disclosure: When, Where and How

Part 2 – Our Autism Spectrum Disclosure Story in Scouting

Part 3 – Autism Spectrum Disclosure – Final thoughts

Now that I have given some feedback on Disclosure (part 1) and you have read what our story is (part 2), I have had time to reflect on what I first wrote and prompted some additional tips.

1 Try to provide a balance between the realities of the needs of your scout and the privacy of your scout compared to safety concerns. Safety should always win out.

2 All medical allergies should always be disclosed and all appropriate leadership need to know for your scout's protected.

3 Make sure to have a private meeting in advance of your scout joining a unit to talk about your scout's strengths and areas of challenge.

4 At a bare minimum, your unit leader and Committee Chair need to know of your scout's condition and issues.

5 When filling out any medical forms, provide as much information as possible.

6 If the leadership does not know about an issue, they will not be prepared to help your scout out and could put the whole unit in harm’s way.

7 The leadership wants your scout to be successful; work with them like you would a teacher and give them the tools they need to help get the best out of your scouts.

8 Provide the top leadership an introduction letter (at the private meeting or prior to the meeting). On single piece of paper, provide the scout's name, a recent photo (color if possible), areas of challenge, strengths, special interests and triggers that might send the scout into a meltdown. If you can provide any suggestions or tools you have used to help an these situations that would be also be very helpful. For example a brief sensory break or quite area to recover.

9 Make sure any leader is aware of any wandering issues especially in a camping or hiking situation. Your scout’s life might depend on it.

10 If your scout has a more severe case of Autism, consider doing a unit awareness presentation to help inform the unit about your scout's condition. Knowledge is power and most scouts should show the scouting spirit and will welcome and help your scout.

11 Do not let Autism define your scout, let their actions define their character.

Be willing to be on the scouts first few outings at a bare minimum. Being involved in leadership is a rewarding way to help empower and bond with your scout as well as being an advocate for them. Many times a scout just knowing you are around will allow them the personal security is close at hand. This helped with us early in the Boy Scouting experience.

If you have any other suggestions, let us know. You can e-mail me atautismandscouting@gmail.com or leave a message on the Facebook page Autism and Scouting.

Support Your Scouts

Happy Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

I hope all are having a wonderful May So far!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to All – Lets remember what this weekend is all about.

Congrats to my Sister In-Law and the birth of their second child. Welcome to this world William.

I know that I have not written too much over the past month. I have reposted many of the blogs that I have written for my Blog Autism and Scouting but have not really done much on a personal level.

This is a quick note and blog to let people know that I will be doing a personal blog shortly.

Things I will be covering will be:

Survivor Finale

Information from the ECC Parent Support Meeting

Ryan’s Birthday and my Moms Trip to come see us

Camp Currie and Justin starting to blossom as a scout leader

Random thoughts and ideas about what is going on

I want to do a blog on Sunday, I am kind of tired right now and need to figure out a came plan. Things are really starting to change in our world. Karen and I have found a path that something that we have been thinking about for a while and with a Leap of faith we will be taking. Nice Tease?

Thanks for coming and I will be writing more.

Hug A Hippo

Leadership at the Cub Scout Level – A Foundation in Leadership

2011-05-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

This is a Blog that I did on Tuesday for the Autism and Scouting Page. I hope that you enjoy it. I will be blogging on a personal level soon.

Thanks and enjoy

Leadership at the Cub Scout Level – A Foundation in Leadership

I hope all are having a good scouting season so far. I have been getting some wonderful questions which I will be turning into some great blogs I hope.

Keep the questions coming and suggestions and I will do my best to get to each and every topic that comes my way. Thanks to everybody.

I wanted to clarify for those that might be confused that there is currently a Facebook Autism and Scouting "page" and a Facebook Autism and Scouting "group". It's okay to be part of both but the page is where I see the most activity happening in the future.

I formed the group first thinking this is where we would meet, then Facebook made a bunch of changes to their format and it made more sense to me to move the group to it's own page. So even though I still consider us a group by definition, on Facebook, our group is on a "page". Sorry for the confusion! If you just follow this link and click "Like", this will take you where you need to go.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-and-Scouting/170750596311589

The new Facebook Autism and Scouting page (different than the old "Group" page due to Facebook changing formats on everyone) is really starting to take shape and many new features are being added and coming soon. We just added a new poll about who in scouting you are supporting. I will be doing more polls in the future and hope to provide additional content as well. This is meant to be an interactive participation page, so please feel free to share your content and opinions as well. If you are not part of our Autism and Scouting Facebook group yet, please come and “Like” us and tell others that you might find the kind of support helpful. Here is a link for you: Autism and Scouting

Today’s topic is a spin off on a question that I had received. The question came from a Venturing Crew parent in which the scout had progressed fine doing leadership and other higher level requirements but was not ready to move on the next level.

I have also received similar letters asking about general leadership and how those on the Autism Spectrum can take part in leadership for advancement. So what I will attempt to do is combine both questions into one collection of blogs and give some ideas on what might be a good solution and progression toward the goal of having scouts on the spectrum be involved in leadership. I also am going to start the topic at the Cub Level because this issue should not just start at the higher level of scouting, it is a skill that can be fostered from Tigers (Joey or Beaver) onward.

This is also going to be a set of blogs since there is a lot of information to cover.

Part 1 – Leadership at the Cub Scout Level – A Foundation in Leadership

Part 2 – Finding the right leadership position in Scouting

Part 3 – Preparing for more advanced Leadership

FYI – For those of you are not familiar with Venturing Crews, they are similar to Rover Scouts, Sea Scouts, Air Scouts or Explorer Scouts. The age group is typically 14 to 26 (26 in Australia and Canada) and do higher adventure activities. In the US, the Venturing Scouts are part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and they can earn Bronze, Gold and Silver Awards. The purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and to prepare them to become responsible adults. The nautical version of this worldwide is the Sea Scouts.

Since I am not sure of many of the Girl Scout requirements, in this blog I will mainly deal with leadership positions within the Boy Scouts and Venturing Crews.

Leadership is defined as: “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. Many times those on the Autism Spectrum have a challenge when it comes the social piece of this and relating to peers and then being put into a position of having to communicate an idea or set of directions. Finding the right leadership positions, having chances to learn how to lead (which may have to be done repeatedly) and being given the correct type of support system is very important. For advancement in Scouts (Boy Scouts, Venturing Crews and Sea Scouts) leadership is required at different levels.

I think for those who are parents or leaders of children or teenagers on the autism spectrum, giving them a chance to learn leadership should start as early as possible and that means at the Cub Scout level. It can even start at early as Tiger (Joey or Beaver) level because this will give the scout a chance to practice early on. I would recommend for all scouts at the Cub level to make attempts practicing responsibility because leadership can be used by all scouts and the skills gained can be applied to the school classroom, to the home and to many other social settings.

How can I teach leadership or have them practice leadership at the Cub Level you may ask?

When I first became a Den Leader I used the Denner and Assistant Denner System. This is a system that is not often used in Cub Scouting but I think it should be. When I become a Den Leader for my youngest when he starts out as a Tiger Cub next year, I will use this from day one.

A Denner and Assistant Denner can either be elected (typically at the Webelos level) or on a rotation system set up by the Den Leader.

The Denner will assist the Den Leader or Den Chief with the following:

1. Set up of the meeting area

2. Leads the group in the opening Pledge, oath and law)

3. Takes attendance

4. Helps in leading actititives

5. Helps pass our refreshments and clean up

6. Helps in closing and final clean up

The Assistant Denner will help out the Denner and will lead if the Denner is not at the meeting or outing. This is the first chance to give two scouts areas of leadership early on in the scouting experience and give them opportunity to see leadership over and over again. The hope is that through repetition they will be more social with the other scouts and feel more comfortable. It also gets them used to participating in a group setting which can have positive benefits transferred to the classroom.

Some benefits to each scout are:

1. Each month two scouts find out what leadership is firsthand.

2. They are able to fulfill rank requirements (Wolf and Bear) which otherwise they are not able to.

3. They are recognized by being able to wear the Denner and Assistant Denner cords.

4. When I ran the program in my den the Denner sat up front next to me and the Assistant Denner sat at his right hand. This was to show that leadership has benefits and positions of respect.

5. This prepares the scouts for the Patrol Method that is used in scouts later on and is bridge to Boy Scouting concepts.

6. Scouts and parents that are engaged and involved are more likely to stay in scouting.

7. For those on the spectrum, it gives practice in communication and leading activities.

8. For those who have greater issues on the spectrum it gives them a chance to be more involved and feel more part of the Den.

9. It introduces the concept of adult association (a Boy Scouting Concept) when they work with the Den Leader and Den Chief (if you have one).

10. Teaches responsibilities and introduces this concept.

11. It promotes acceptance and inclusion.

12. It allows each scout to let their light shine.

How is the Denner chosen?

I used a rotation system the whole time but in retrospect I should have used the election method during the Webelos years. During the Tiger (Joey or Beaver), Wolf and Bear years I would recommend using a rotation method each month to make sure that all of the scouts have an equal chance and that no-one feels left out.

The rotation system is where I choose one scout as Denner for the first month and an Assistant Denner , the next month the Assistant becomes the Denner and then I have a new scout become the Assistant. Once the last person in the den is an assistant then the next month the assistant becomes the Denner and then the first Denner becomes the assistant. The rotation then continues. The Pack will hopefully add scouts and then you work them into the rotation.

This rotation system is good for those on the spectrum because it is very predictable and builds in more structure but also introduces the concept of change (scheduled rotation-or scheduled-change). Make sure that the scout is aware that change in schedule may happen with the introduction of additional scouts. If a new scout comes into the leadership rotation, consider still keeping the person in front and behind the scout on the spectrum the same so that it doesn't appear their routine is as disrupted. Use your best judgement.

When the scouts become Webelos, they are about eighteen months before they crossover into the next level of scouting. Your den should move to an election system. This is where once a month the den elects a new Denner (the scout who is elected one month should not be allowed to be the Denner again for the next two cycles and all scouts should have a chance to participate in leadership at least once before a scout is re-elected) and then the Denner appoints the Assistant Denner. This will provide a bridge to the Patrol Method. This is good for those scouts on the spectrum as well because you can slowly introduce a new concept in a small safe environment which will be part of the scouting experience if they move on to one of the next levels of scouting. The concept of elections is a great bridge for all of the scouts.

The use of Den Chief to teach Leadership

The use of Den Chief will be also talked about in one of the upcoming blogs on leadership from the perspective that this gives a scout who is on the Spectrum a chance to be a leader for younger scouts and assist the Den Leader. For the purpose of this section, it is to show that having a Den Chief will teach the Cub Scouts who have Autism leadership. They can also be used as a mentor to scouts who are on the autism spectrum.

1. Many times those on the autism spectrum will be able to relate better to those who are either older or younger rather than their peers. Having a Den Chief, gives a bridge between you as an adult leader and a youth that they might be able to better relate to. This also gives the scout a chance to see what an older scout leadership position would look like.

2. If you use a Denner System in conjunction with a Den Chief, when the scout with Autism has his chance to become the Denner, this will give the scout a chance to work with a peer and learn how to better build those bonds and communication. If the scout has autism with more issues, having the Den Chief be aware of the scout's condition (if not a diagnosis, then perhaps some of the specific challenges he or she is facing) would be recommended with parents approval.

Rank Requirement Work

When doing your rank requirements make sure that your den or your scout does the leadership portions of the requirement. Citizenship is a wonderful start to learn about leadership because it helps build on the feeling of being part of something bigger. Communication portions will help build skills to help your scout effectively express themselves and is needed to be an effective leader.

Bear – For the Self section (do four), make sure that the scout does section 24 (Leadership)

Webelos – Make sure the scout does the Citizenship (required for Webelos Badge) and Communication activity badges as both are good foundations in leadership.

Also, as a Webelos scout leader or parent of a Webelo, start to have him understand what the next level of scouting looks like. Have him learn about Patrols, Patrol Leaders, Senior Patrol Leaders and the structure of the next level of scouting. If they have transition and understanding of what is to come in the future, they may be more willing to stand up and take on a leadership role sooner. Any transition preparation is helpful and will be useful.

Do the following Beltloops: Citizenship and Communicating.

Cub Scouting provides many opportunities and a great foundation to start to building leadership and life skills for scouts on the spectrum. The earlier one gets familiar with and involved, the easier it will be to transition and be comfortable for the scouts once they move on to the next level of scouting. Don’t let this teaching platform go to waste.

Leadership Transition from Cub to Scouts

Support the Scouts

20 Years after she said Yes!

2011-05-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 20 years Karen! Thanks for having me!

Today, 20 years ago Karen accepted my proposal for Marriage and that is what I am celebrating today. I remember the day like it was yesterday.

A few days before I asked Karen for her hand and the rest of her in marriage I called up her dad and asked if I could come over and talk to them. The first step was that he agreed for me to come over and talk to them. I remember pulling up and being so nervous but I knew I needed to talk to them first before I asked Karen.

I remember be asked in (that was another good sign) and then going into the family room which is not normally used, sitting down with them as asking for their blessing. They did give it to me.

I wanted it to be special and something that we would really remember for years to come. Karen had invited me to a company picnic party at Marine World an animal theme park on the northern part of the bay area. I knew the part had many different animal shows and I thought it would be fun to do it before either the Whale and Dolphin show or the Tiger Show.

I will admit that I freaked out a bit when it came to the details and how to go about doing this. I was nervous and was kind of scared on how to make it perfect. I did choose the Whale and Dolphin show and I wish I would have made the choice of the Tiger show but she still said yes!

Right before the show, I stood up went down one knee and asked her to marry me. Even early on she could see though me and I think she was expecting it. She made me the happiest man in the world.

We will have been married for 19 years this coming July and I am growing in Love with her every single day even more. She is so beautiful and I still feel like the luckiest man in the world.

Happy Anniversary Karen

I Love You!