Summertime Has Come

Today is Whitney's last day of school . She's finally done with first grade and the whole family is anxious to start some summer fun. Initially, Melanie and I looked into a special summer school that's held for children who regress too much during the break, but Whitney didn't qualify. She's never really had a problem with losing abilities or knowledge over the brief summer. And besides, everyone needs a break. Even little girls who love going to school.

So during our break, we're planning on doing some vacationing and spending some quality family time together. For the last four years we've traveled as a family to attend the annual 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness Family Conference. We've had some great experiences and learned a lot from so many wise parents and caregivers. These conferences are an absolute must for -1p36 families who haven't been to one before. They offer camaraderie and strength that you can't get everyday because this disorder is rare enough that we're all too far spread out. Gathering in a big group is a huge help to everyone who can make it.

But for the first time in half a decade, we're taking a good old family vacation together instead. We'll miss seeing our support group friends because we love them all. But this summer we've decided to load up our family wagon and head to Yellowstone National Park. We're not making an extended stay, but I think even a little time for family bonding will be nice. We've realized that while 1p36 Deletion Syndrome is a part of our lives, it doesn't define our lives. There's plenty of room in life to do what we love and we can have fun pretty much like any other family. So before the school bell tolls again, we'll be wildlife spotting, hiking, watching the thermal features and having some much-needed family fun together.

Now I've just got to find a way to carry both Whitney and Avery down Uncle Tom's Trail. Hmm, on second thought, maybe we'll skip that one this time around. Gotta save something for next trip, after all.