Vacations with SPD

Jam is almost 5 years old.

So here we are, vacationing with the grandparents for the next few days, in the cozy quaint Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth, Washington. I have mixed feelings about these kinds of 'vacations'. They're a lot of work and I'm more exhausted by the time we get home than if we hadn't gone anywhere at all.

I know you know what I'm talking about.

The one great thing that comes out of these trips is that Jam kind of becomes a different kid for a few days. With his grandparents as an audience, he acts more brave, energetic, outgoing and independent than he normally does. And he is more willing to try new things, like the meatballs and pot roast at last night's restaurant. Normally, at home, he's not as flexible. I think vacations are a short-term way for him to try on another hat. And it's really nice to watch. I wouldn't begrudge him the opportunity.

The downside, though, is that Jam's much-needed routine gets shot to hell. Our carefully constructed routine so he stays regulated gets thrown right out the window. Towards the last day, he'll be so out of sorts he starts acting whiny and demanding and inflexible. To me, this seems understandable, and moreover, entirely predictable. But nobody wants to listen as to why he might be behaving this way. I guess it's easier to think that he's just choosing to act 'bratty'. It really annoys me. I gave up a long time ago trying to maintain some semblance of routine while vacationing. An uphill battle, all I ever got was, "It's vacation- let him do this" and "Let him do that- he's on vacation!"

That's all great, folks. I just don't want to hear about it when Jam-asaurus Rex makes his appearance. And I promise you- he will be making an appearance...

But, you know, it doesn't end there. It will take Jam three or four days to recover and settle back out to his normal self after we return home. No one else seems to worry about that because, well, the grandparents get to go back home and daddy gets to go back to work. But, sitting here right now, I know what's coming. And again, given the circumstances, it's totally understandable and so entirely predictable.

In the end, though, it doesn't really matter. It's great to watch Jam spending time with his grandparents and swimming in the pool every day and having fun and adventures and being his awesome self. Regardless of what's in store for us next week, today I wouldn't have it any other way.