Category: relatives

When I was growing up, my family and I visited Michigan every other year, on average.  Our vacations always included visiting cousins, grandparents, and extended family.  We usually drove throughout the country and stayed with family members.  It was rare to stay at a hotel. The best parts of our vacations were not the activities or sight-seeing tours.  The best parts were being around family, or doing those sight-seeing excursions with family.

I wanted to continue these outings with my own family.  Unfortunately, travelling with kids with autism is difficult as their schedules are interrupted.  Staying with extended family is tough because the relatives don’t quite understand what can trigger a meltdown or tantrum.  Relatives are not usually aware of sensory issues or lack of communication skills my boys have.

In the last couple of years, we have started to travel with our boys.  They have learned to adapt well.  I have include them in planning, so they will know what to expect.  They usually look forward to the adventures.

This trip is without the kids.  Unlike most vacations, this trip has a purpose:  to see my Godparents, who are my mom’s brother and sister-in-law.  Too many years have sped by, and we are all much older.  Most of our time is spend sitting and chatting, catching up.  Not the type of activity that my boys could endure for long.  So, it’s just my mom and me.

photo credit:  Michelle Nicolai-Hoffmeyer