Moe will spend the first half of the summer in the district's extended school year (ESY) program. Although his teacher doesn't work summers, it is the same classroom and one of his current aids will be there as well. After the ESY program ends (I can't imagine how anyone thinks a four-week program is enough), Moe is going to attend a private autism preschool for the rest of the summer. Both classes end around noon.
Leaving me with long, hot summer afternoons to fill. The area we live in has wonderful activities for little kids. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and the Children's Discovery Museum are all within ten minutes of our house. I can be at the beach in 45 minutes. Gilroy Gardens, an amusement park geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, is less than an hour away. We live near numerous parks with water features. There is a pool at the Y, and many beautiful swim clubs we could join.
Oh how I'd love to join a swim club. I'd relax by the pool while the kids splashed in the water with their friends.
Okay, okay. That last one is unrealistic for any parent with a two year old and a four year old. I got caught up in the dream for a moment.
The point is, I can't take both kids anywhere by myself, unless they are strapped into the stroller. Moe is just too much of a flight risk and Jelly couldn't keep up if he took off. I do have some babysitting help, but mostly to watch Jelly when I take Moe to therapy. Maybe I should have hired someone five afternoons a week. But that is expensive, and would seriously cut into my future swim club membership fees.
The good news is that we do have an enclosed backyard. We will be spending a lot of time out there. I got some sprinkler toys and will buy a little wading pool. We can take stroller walks around the neighborhood when it isn't too hot and air conditioning when it is. I'm fairly certain our house will be an enormous mess. But I guess it already is.
I will try to make the most of the summer, and like last year, we'll get through it. Maybe next summer, I'll be able to take the kids out myself. For now, there's only 74 days until school starts again.
