Back to school! Music to my ears.....

School is finally back in session and it has been a glorious two weeks so far. The school district had moved both the boys to an elementary school out of our boundaries, (yet closer to our home) for the support services available there. I was pleased that they were actually concerned that the boys would not get the aides and services they needed if they went to the elementary school we are in the boundaries for.
The only problem with this, was that we had to write a letter to the superintendent to get him to approve a boundary exception for Aly. Thankfully, since the school district made the changes for the boys and while we agree with them, we did not ask for those and that alone helped Aly's exception get approved. So all three of the older kids are all going to the same school. I transport them every day, like I am used to anyway, and they have been busy making new friends.

The support staff at the school is absolutely fantastic! They actually listened to us, and for the first time in 3 years- Chan started school in his general education classroom instead of a behavior disorder room. It is amazing that we had such a hard time getting his old school to listen to us- absolutely NO problems and we're two weeks in. Shocker! Maybe we actually know what we are talking about. Autism spectrum disorders are NOT a behavior disorder! Finally- a place we can make some progress.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting back to routine and my house has never been a happier place. Order, and a routine- this must be a record!

Noosh started preschool for the third year this year. I feel bad for the little guy. He still has two more years to go before he even starts Kindergarten. He's either going to be the smartest kindergartener or sick and tired of school before it even starts for most. He is enjoying the fact that he gets to ride a bus home, and I enjoy the fact that he can't figure out the carseat belt even more! My mornings are productive and life seems to be settling down.

The weather has changed drastically here. We're getting cold! last night was 40 degrees. A stark difference from the 90's and high humidity we've been enjoying. No more wearing shorts until October, summer clothes are going to get packed in the next couple of weeks and out come the jackets and long sleeves.

Still missing all of my Iowa friends and my family in the Northwest. **longdistancehugs**