Our captured shots from 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, I've looked back through the moments captured on our instagram, picked my favourite photographs and written about what they mean to us. 

1.  The family are more together

In the first half term of the 2017, we had some good days out and some a bit more challenging.   But this one at our local sea life attraction was lovely.  Three kids all had a good day - a great treat when we often find that one of the boys, most likely David, will struggle with something. I think part of the trick is going to places when it's a bit cold or miserable looking - they tend to be quieter.  The kids also measured themselves against penguin statues. Only Anthony was bigger than an Emperor penguin, but everyone was bigger than a Rock Hopper.

We've some great family days out during half term. This was #todaysmomentintime so rare to get them all together but it's happening more and more often. Read about our #autismfamily #specialneedsfamily #dayout #ontheblog

A post shared by RainbowsR2beautiful (@rainbowsaretoobeautiful) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

2. Anthony has grown

Anthony has matured so much this year.  He has become more aware of the difficulties he has as a lad with autism and ADHD.  He's settled into his meds and although this may have stinted his physical growth - he has grown and embraced the things he enjoys, karting and even bounding about!

He jumps and moves around so fast, he's sometimes a blur. Just one of the way Anthony tells me he's already like the #powerrangersmovie2017 . See his awesome response to when I told him one of the Rangers is #autistic on the blog in bio.

A post shared by RainbowsR2beautiful (@rainbowsaretoobeautiful) on Mar 23, 2017 at 1:07pm PDT

3. Jane's become really creative this year.

She makes, builds, paints, draws, decorates, recreates and is highly imaginative. I've delighted in her development this year, with below just one example.  She's now half way through her reception year already.  Growing up quick.

We're working on making the hall a bit more kiddie friendly. I'll probably be doing more of the painting than gorgeous Jane is here though.

A post shared by RainbowsR2beautiful (@rainbowsaretoobeautiful) on Apr 14, 2017 at 6:52am PDT

4. The kids have been more comfortable

Early in the summer the kids and I went to see my folks on the north coast of Scotland.  We manage to get there most years during the summer months while my other half has a very busy time as work - we all get some rest this way.  David and indeed all the kids are relaxed there - it's familiar and safe. With them all relaxed I get some just gorgeous moments.

Some moments seem almost magical. David just stopped the starred at the sea and felt the wind over his body. See more magical moments from our #autismfamily and #SEND blog in bio.

A post shared by RainbowsR2beautiful (@rainbowsaretoobeautiful) on Aug 14, 2017 at 12:35pm PDT

5. We've achieved new things

At the end of the summer our family went to a chalet in the Alps. There were days when we felt things were difficult but then we achieved some things I never thought might be possible, like taking my kids to walk up a mountain. Just over a year ago I was still having to use a big buggy for then a five year old David, but he's just now capable of walking for a while without needing to be carried.  Plus it really was a beautiful place.

There was a point not long ago when I thought taking my family up a mountain might not be possible. That the kids would freak out. That it simply wasn't safe. I'm not sure what's changed.. maybe more than just the kids. Maybe my confidence in them and in us as a family doing things. We can do some things now we couldn't before, go out to dinner, cope on a day out... and even climb (a bit of) a mountain. 😊

A post shared by RainbowsR2beautiful (@rainbowsaretoobeautiful) on Aug 29, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT

Here's looking forward to 2018.  How was your year?