The Swim Breakthrough

It was an incredibly busy weekend and we were contemplating not taking the boys to their swim lesson and even discussed not doing the lessons because they didn't like to go and weren't making any progress. I even called to find out our options about a refund.

We decided to attend since we related it to being part of a team and that we couldn't just give up.

 

We are so super happy that we did because today was the day that Connor finally realized that his float would actually keep him afloat.  He would confirm this when we were in the pool that he wasn't going to sink but was shrieking in tears the last time that I tried to get him to "swim" on his own earlier in the week. The new swim director took away his beloved back float citing it wasn't an acceptable device for rescue and could only be used in swim lessons with a lifeguard/instructor observing.

Connor and I did our typical routine of hold me close to the neck, move down to the shoulders, down to the elbows and holding 2 fingers. I looked away from him and let go. Instead of a major meltdown, he smiled big and started to kick and maneuver around.  We were so proud of him.  It has been an ongoing issue.  Knowing that you can't compare the boys makes things hard especially when it come sports.  Connor never lived in a mindset that the float would keep him up and Jackson has been using his Turtle for 2 plus years without incident.  It was limiting the fun he could have at the pool without being carried around, being designated to the kiddie pool or monkey patching the pool at the Y.

Despite the complete shock of him being able to float/swim on his own, he took a step further and said the he was ready to jump in.  This has been an issue in their prior lessons with neither boy being able to relax enough and jump in without holding the instructor or our hands.  Their prior instructor explained that they lacked confidence and without being able to jump in, they wouldn't be able to move on to the next class.  He jumped in and went out of the pool and did it again and again.  At one point, he asked me to move away so that he could do it on his own.

Hershey Park Happy in 2014

After the vehicles in Founders Circle, we moved on to Music Box Way for the swings, dizzy drums and monorail.

Connor and Jackson miss Caleb and Jake so much.  They just want to shower him with hugs. 

We found Gabby and found a couple of rides that were her speed, including the Monorail and Dry Gulch Railroad. 

There was a lot of hand holding with these two. 

Before heading over to Kissing Tower Hill, we spotted the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, who was available for pictures. 

After a fun lunch (always riveting when you are trying to get 3 kids under 5 to focus on lunch with all the excitement that the park has to offer), we moved on to the speedway to let the kids drive us around. 

This is the face of two boys who were not ready to move off of the Frog Hopper. 

We moved on to Midway America after down talking Jackson on his wish to ride "something that he's talking about," which included the really large coasters, we settled on the Pony Parade and train and granny bugs.   

Connor had a willing partner in Caleb so that he could experience the Livery Stables TOO many times to count.

It was a great day at Hershey Park and we can't wait until next year!!

Arriving and Founders Circle : Hershey Park Happy in 2014

We arrived at Hershey prior to our friends and Connor wanted to size up to all of the chocolate.  He wanted to cuddle with the chocolate bar as he LOVES chocolate.

We handed over tickets to Will Call for our friends from New York.  Jackson was proud to hand over the tickets and despite trying to relay that the tickets were for his pals, Jake and Caleb,  Michael and I stepped in to give the necessary information.

 The boys started off on the hot air balloons.

Connor got a chance to get a picture with his pal, Chocolate Chip. 

While Connor was getting his quality time with Chocolate Chip, Jackson and Jake hit up the Hot Air Balloons. 

Connor finally got his chance to ride the carousel.  Every other time that we are in the park, the line has been way too long.  It was a good warm up for Caleb and Connor's favorite ride. It was definitely a win-win.

We moved on to  the vehicles in Founders Circle.

Connor loves spending time with Caleb.  He would definitely be happy if his family would make the decision to return to Baltimore.

visiting Hershey Park's Chocolate World

We enlisted the boys' help and packed up their personalized back packs with items for them, including their lovies, as we are not able to travel without them.

The boys were concerned about the idea of spending the night.  I was asked many many questions about whether or not there were beds and bathrooms in the hotel.  After a lot of reassurance and confirmation, we started our trip to Hershey.  We stopped off at the hotel to freshen up and use the potty. The boys were in complete amazement as they walked around the hotel room spotting the bathroom and tub and beds.  This wasn't their first time in a hotel and I am assuming that they just don't remember but the conversations were hysterical.  The kind of hysterical that you don't want to point out because they are just learning to engage in serious conversation.

Discovering the beds and breaking them in with some jumping.

And, using the potty.

 

We had contacted Chocolate World to confirm that they were open and we proceeded in to Hershey.
It was close to dinnertime but there would have been tears if we didn't immediately go in to see some chocolate.

We boarded the cow ride 

as the boys described it and spotted the Gabby cow.  

They completely understand the purpose of the ride and that they were teaching us how to make chocolate.  In comparison, last year, they just noticed the cows.

Upon leaving the ride, we were all given chocolate by a boy with downs syndrome.  Connor was GRILLING him about the ride and asking if there was another ride available. The worker was so kind to explain that the rides were in Hershey Park and that this was chocolate world. Unable to control his "know-it-all" attitude, Connor started speaking over him with "oh, I knew that."  He said thanks to the employee and moved on while the employee continued to explain to Michael the differences between the facilities.

Connor was in a happy place with all of the chocolate and shopping.  He picked out kisses to make some pretzel doodles and requested his own bag separate from everything else.

Instead of leaving, we opted to eat in the food court. Jackson got started with his Twizzlers and Connor located his chocolate bar that he was given for riding the cow ride. He had tucked it into his coat pocket and wanted to make sure to keep it separate from every one else's.  It was slightly neurotic but typical Connor.

After driving through the town and seeing the hershey kiss lamp posts and the lights on the coasters, we returned to the hotel for what was going to be a LOOOOOOOONG night.

Prior to deciding not to settle down, the boys picked up the phone to "call" Jake and Caleb to confirm that they were in Hershey. It was super sweet.

Connor just kept on saying how much he LOVED and it does require ALL caps LOVED Chocolate World. We discovered what we believe to be a feather allergy for Jackson as there was a lot of sneezing, coughing and eye rubbing until we removed  the pillow from the bed.  He was sharing a bed with Michael and apparently was having a FULL body shake until 3 in the morning.  Michael relayed that he was just repeatedly saying that he was so excited.  We threatened with not going to the park but how can you get upset with them about being so happy about going to the park.