The last three days have been packed with all of the last bits of fun we could squeeze in for Rock.

Monday was spent on creative projects. Rock made each of us a tie dye shirt with only a little help from all of us. He and I also made our second cake of the month, this time a watermelon style cake inspired by one he saw in the 4-H display at the fair. Rock, Kai, Evan and I also took a very soggy rain walk/run, splashing each other in puddles as we giggled and danced on the sidewalks. I ended the night attending a RYLA Board meeting as a representative of the DEI committee.

Tuesday was Transit Tuesday. Due to a lack of cars and an inexplicably audacity level, we decided to take public transit all the way to and around Denver for our exploration of the city and parks. We joined Kai for lunch and Rock even got a new stuffed animal for his patience that day. Evan, Kai, and I also managed to have a meeting with a potential housemate while Rock enjoyed his headphones and tablet time in the corner.

Rock’s last full Colorado day was jam packed. We started the morning at the Lee Martinez Park and Farm. We checked out the Rotary Farm Museum on the property while visiting chickens, cows, pigs, and more. Rock loved getting to pet and see all the animals before we headed off to our next adventure. We headed to Fairgrounds Park and got to swim in the river. Rock even faced some fears and did a jump into the river (or really into my arms) right off the landing. It’s been amazing to see him try new things and become braver every day. Even the grasshopper landing on him today only warranted a little annoyance instead of the meltdown that would have happened just a few days ago. Though all of us were already starting to get tired out, the day was nowhere near done. We headed to a family friend’s house to get Rock’s hair done up before he does home. We ended the night finishing our watermelon cake and watching the last of the Lilo and Stitch movies.

Though Rock’s visit came unexpectedly and disrupted some other plans, we are so happy with how everything has gone. This month was truly special. Despite the unique challenges it also brought us, neither Evan or I would change anything about how August has gone.