Y'all, we did it. 

We actually made it to Legoland and successfully spent the day there. And Zeke STAYED HYDRATED. I could cry typing this, but let me start from the beginning. 

A dear friend of mine reached out and asked if we wanted to meet her and her family at Legoland. They live across the state and we have not seen them in probably 6 years. She is one of my dearest, closest friends and my heart was hoping we could make this work. This friend is also a friend who is very thrifty and sent me a link to where I could get an INCREDIBLE deal on Legoland tickets because we are homeschoolers. This was a relief, b/c as you know, we try to be very wise and careful with our finances, because you never know what is coming. 

But after conversation, prayer and looking over our budget, we decided we could swing it. We are able to use the educational scholarships we have for Zeke and Zane to cover their portion, so we only had to deal with our portion. And, as you know, I have been praying and wresting a LOT about giving Zane opportunities. It feels like we miss out on a lot of things b/c of our circumstances, so Jon and I really had a desire to make this happen. 

It was a GREAT day. We did get to spend time with our sweet friends, and it was so nourishing to all of us. Before we went, I had Zane pick 2 things he REALLY wanted to do. We agreed that if he was able to do those things, he would be content with whatever else happened that day. 

Not only was the day beautiful, but there were several indoor and shady areas where we could rest, hydrate and watch the activity. Zeke really like the red schoolhouse and building on the wall. He also had an amazing time on the carousal. Zane's number one activity was the driving school - and he got to do this TWICE! Walking through miniland was really fun as well and Zeke did not get fussy AT ALL. When I say it was a blessing, it feels like I am not describing it well. It was more than we could ask for - God truly gifted us this day as a family. We have a FUN memory together. With NO sour spots. 

One thing that was kinda tricky - but not a sour spot, just something we are going to have to plan for until Zeke can go on the potty - is that we had to lay him on the icky bathroom floor. We had planned ahead of time b/c God brought an interesting article across my path a couple of weeks ago about this very thing! So we took a big beach towel so Zeke would have somewhere clean to lay. I still felt back for him though. :(

Friends, this day brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. Jon and I pivoted together when we needed to, Zane and Zeke made memories together and just enjoyed being kids, and I was showered with blessings when I got to spend some time with my dear friend. We even went on a ride together! 

I can't express appropriately how much my heart needed this adventure. I have been struggling for several weeks now with the hard things, the daily struggles, the missing out, the not be invited to places, feeling invisible, worrying about Zane not having a good childhood, Zeke's health, constant advocating...and on and on I could go. But on THAT day, we just got to be a family. A family who was having fun. 

And I have to give a big shout out to Legoland for being so awesome with special needs.