Sorry. I have been somewhat otherwise occupied and am unable to update the blog from my iPhone, making on the go updates impossible.
Several people have asked if I am going to update but a message from my Dad has spurred me into action.
Norris moved in a little over 2 weeks ago. He and Joshua have bonded really well, Norris had stopped looking for the trainer within two days of being out and about on harness. He has proved to be a fantastic match with Joshua and they are getting on really well. Joshua was assessed for progress by a senior trainer last Thursday, not quite two weeks into his training, it was a route we had not planned but one which will be useful. Joshua knew nothing of the assessment but that was how he wanted it. He was just going through the walk as he had been taught. Afterwards the Assessor Met with Joshua, Norris and the trainer and was really pleased. She said that had the walk contained all elements of training, (it couldnt as he has not done some of it yet) then it was a walk she would have been happy to qualify him on. So all is going well for the two of them.
Friday 5th August saw our family entering into new territory. Jonathan and Rosie went on holiday without the rest of us. They joined another young man and 5 members of SENSE on a holiday in Rossliston Forest. It was quite a nerve racking time running up to the day as Jonathan was very adamant he was not going! We were obviously concerned about his anxiety issues and had had a lot of contact with the holiday leader over the possible triggers for the aggressive behaviour we had witnessed last summer. Eventually on the Thursday I was asking him to get his DVD's and Colouring ready and he was telling me no thankyou repeatedly. Eventually I decided to get a little bit cross with him. It was not something I was comfortable with but there seemed no other way to e get through to him. So I said if he didnt get the things he wanted ready then he would be going without them as he was going and it was up to him if he enjoyed himself or not.
I walked out and got on with the rest of our packing. ten minutes later he came out and asked if he could have Hot Dogs for tea next Friday? I said if he would get ready and be happy then yes I would make sure he had hot dogs for tea when he gets home. We then started talking about all the things he would be doing, he kept checking what time we would collect him on Friday and would he have hot dogs. But he was suddenly looking forward to his holiday.
David and I were taking Eve and Christina to Blackpool and then Wigan. We had been given a weekend in Blackpool at Donna's Dream House. An amazing place set up by the parents of a young girl who died from Cancer at 20 years of age. It was her dream to provide holidays for sick children free of charge and with built in WOW factor. I have to say, Donna's Dream House certainly has the WOW factor!
So Friday saw us setting off with Jonathan Rosie, Christina and Eve heading out to Swadlingcoat. Everyone was happy and everyone was looking forward to their holiday. Joshua was happy to be being left behind with Norris and Iris. There was a busy schedule for him at home and Iris was looking forward to some time with him too.
We arrived at Rosliston Forest an hour before we could drop them off so we headed to the cafe and sat in the sunshine with drinks, Christina went off to run off some energy in the adventure park. Rosie was happy to potter around on the grass exploring a little further afield bit by bit. Jonathan enjoyed a little wander then it was time to head for the Chalet.
Once the medicines were signed over and last minute reminders of feeds and attachments and all was well. We said our goodbyes and headed off to Blackpool.
It was with relief we eventually pulled into the back gates of Donna's Dream house. It was Donna's brother who met us and showed us round, the facilities there really are amazing, the garden is packed with illuminated figures, an old fashioned merrygoround, a summer house containing a hottub, another with a built in cinema, the house is well furnished with a playroom that is jut out of this world. Our room was called Pooh's Den, it had a double bedroom and a room with two lots of bunk beds, as well as a toilet and showerroom. The walls were decorated with characters from Winnie the Pooh and even the wooden floor was engraved with characters.
There were passes and money off vouchers for many of the attractions, two meal tickets for a local cafe, and even in the kitchen a basket of sticks of rock which the children were told to help themselves to!
We had a wonderful weekend, Christina enjoyed the pleasure beach, the arcades, we had a trip to Madam Tusauds, and a wander round town. it was over all too soon. We even made good friends with another family staying, and Christina and their little boy got on really well.
So Monday the weather decided to turn really nasty, it was throwing it down as we left Blackpool, we arrived in Wigan at our premier Inn soaked! We were thrilled when the staff offered to get our room ready immediately, they even made us a hot drink whilst we were waiting.
During the next week we managed to visit, Water splash, Camelot, Bolton for the Cinema, Ikea at Warrington, and finally Knowsley Safari Park. We really did manage to build memories in our week away. David got some amazing photographs and I will try to get some uploaded.
Friday we had to leave really early to get back to Jonathan and Rosie by 10 am. This meant we were then home by 12. Perfect timing really, we had a mad burst of energy to empty the bus before relaxing for the rest of the day before bed time.
The washing machine has worked overtime, we have managed to get back to some sense of normality. Joshua had a weekend off from training and so Sunday after Church he and Dad headed off to do some Archery. It was the first time he and Norris had been seperated since Norris Arrived, but he coped well, laid himself in his bed within 10 minutes and slept till Joshua got back. Meanwhile Christina and I decided to do some major clean up in the lounge. We only got half way but it does look better.
Today back into the swing of things, Joshua and Norris went off to find a route in Spalding, I tried to tackle a pile of paperwork, including the unwelcome post of two speeding fines for David, one from May and one from June! amazing hoe long these things can take to come then two at once!!! This afternoon Jonathan had a hospital appointment so he and I headed off to Lidle's to do some shopping then on to see his Dr.
And so I think you are up to date! The rest of the week holds a difficult and long day in Sheffield to talk with the Consultants involved in Eve's care and those who will be involved in her upcoming tracheostomy. your prayers will be welcomed for this.
Hopefully this post will be preceded with some photos, in no particular order. Sorry non of Norris and Joshua as we have not been out with him so no opportunity to take photos of them working yet.
Tina
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