eSpecially Ben

 We met many characters along the way. Hugs were abundant.   A Guinness World Record could have been set with this hug. And if you are wondering who this is...so am I.  Logan was concerned that Santa was here and not making toys in the North Pole. Santa told Logan that he was in a supervisory role and had elves to do the work. Logan still thought he was cutting it too close to Christmas. His disappoval was evident. Notice Ryan's hand around Mickey's waist. Ben learned quickly that the characters hands were great to chew on.  Ben only had eyes for Jessie. Poor Woody - he was intent on giving Ben a big hug.  Who is the happiest in this photo?  For more information on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Organization , check here .

Photo credit goes to Angus Lamond , the photographer on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Trip 2011 20 families were invited this year on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Trip 2011.  Families were from North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Tennessee. We did not know each other before we started on our journey, but by the end of the 5 days in Disney, many connections and friendships were formed. Although we did not stay together as a group all day, everyday - it would be impossible with over 100 people - it was great to see another family on a ride or share a spot on the parade route. Our common denominator, raising a child with special needs, was a good conversation starter, and lead us to other topics, like our work, family life and outside interests. It was a relief when, as a group on the plane, bus or restaurant, and Ben was yelling or making loud noises, that not one person was looking at us in a way that said, "Could you please quiet that child?" We were al

Photo credit goes to Angus Lamond , the photographer on the Ace & TJ's Grin Kids Trip 2011 .

Just got back from the Disney Orientation meeting for the Grin Kids trip. At one point, I had tears in my eyes and we are not even there yet. There may be a flood when we actually arrive on Wednesday. It is amazing what this organization has in store for us. Every detail is planned out to make it simple to travel with our children with special needs. We drop off our luggage at the airport and do not see it again until we get to our room. Meals, transportation, park passes, special events, souvenirs, snacks...anything you can think of is all taken care of for all 20 families. The Ace & TJ Radio Show and Grin Kids staff will be updating their Facebook and website pages daily while we are in Disney World. If you want to follow along, here's where you can find us: Ace & TJ Facebook Grin Kids Ace & TJ Radio Show Ace & TJ will be interviewing families throught the trip and playing the responses on their morning show. Listen from 6am-11am, Monday - Friday

A Walking Machine - that's exactly what Ben has become over the summer.

We've had a bit of a bumpy start, education-wise, but things are good now.  Actually my son was just honored at his mainstream school assembly as the 'Star of the Week' for his class, as he knew all his letters and letter sounds.  This is something I was not expecting.  Of course I know my son is super clever, but 2 weeks into the school year I anticipated tantrums and being called to come and bring him home, not awards!  But I feel this is proof that he is in the right place.  His needs are being met and he is content.  That's all I have been praying for and that's what we've got! Let me take you back.  You see, because my son has trouble with new people, places, routines, and the like I carefully planned our cross country house move 18 months before he was to start school.  My intention was to settle him in our new house, and a new pre-school with children who would be attending the local (very sweet, just 80 students total) school to prepare him for the smo