The thing about having a major holiday in the middle of the week is that you can’t relax the following day as things need to get done. Whereas a holiday landing on a Friday calls for rest and relaxation the following day.
My daughter and I had a wonderful 4th of July. After a short family reunion with my dad’s side of the family I took her to Bishop Park’s Bryant Fest here in Bryant, Arkansas. I was extremely grateful that it wasn’t as hot as it was last years unbearable 104 degrees. Although it was a little hot, it was tolerable for both of us to walk around and find things to do.
I was happy to see that Bryant Fest had more to do this year than the last two years combined. It makes finding things to do on the fourth for those of us with kids a lot better. I’m not one for sitting at home and doing nothing when I know there’s fun to be around town, especially on or around holidays such as the 4th of July.
My daughter and I walked around looking at the few carnival rides set up at Bryant Fest. She wanted to go down the slide, but no one was around to assist us. I’m guessing the carnival rides opened later. We ended up in the bouncy houses area where she got in one and jumped for about twenty minutes. She always picks the same one to jump in each year. It is always fun to watch her light up with excitement as she seems to jump endlessly until she’s ready to move on to something else, which happened to be the horses.
Two years ago she just sat on a horse for a few minutes, she was too small to ride by herself and I was too big to ride the horses. Last year she and I rode a bigger horse together, she wouldn’t ride it unless I was riding with her, I didn’t mind, I love horses. This year she wanted to ride by herself. I was ecstatic for her to want to ride by herself and for her to enjoy doing so.
After the pony ride we walked over to the games where I got her a Nemo fish from popping balloons with darts and she won an inflatable dolphin from a simple child’s game; picking up a rubber ducky and looking at the number on the bottom. The dolphin is about as big as she is, but she wanted it. We started to head back to the car, but my daughter cried out to ride the ponies one more time, of course I gave in. I love horses, too!
We didn’t stay to see the firework display, kids on the spectrum don’t like the noise they make and I can understand. Though, we did walk out into the front yard to watch them for a few minutes. The trees seemed to have block most of the view, but what we saw was beautiful even though she wasn’t enjoying it. She was mostly reacting to the popping, fizzes, and crackles coming from our neighbors popping their own fireworks that I decided it was time to go inside and find something on TV to help distract her.
Author Jennifer N. Adams 
Great to see her having fun. my girl wont go anywhere near the jumping castles. Too much unpredictability for her. Doesn’t want anyone touching her and the uneven feeling. i could tell she really loved the horses. always very therapeutic they are. It amazing how much the fireworks freak them out. i found that out about 4 yrs ago during civic holiday. Thought it would be nice not knowing all of this and the minute the first pop went off she just went crazy. I didnt know what was going on until i started reading up on autism. now we dont entertain the idea of fireworks. We watched the 4th of july fireworks on tv and she kinda liked that. good for you to be able to distract her. we have them go off here i give her the headphones to block them out so she could get to sleep.
I always go out and do the festivities, but miss the fireworks part of it. I first learned about her reaction to fireworks a few years ago, so I try to watch them from far away. The park is about three miles from my house, so I watch them for a minute or so in my front yard so it isn’t too loud. It’s the neighbors that have to ruin it though by popping theirs even though they’re not suppose to. My daughter likes the jumping castles only if there’s one or two people in there. I can understand not wanting anyone nearby when they’re jumping and having fun. There were a few bouncy houses that were empty. I’ve learned that my daughter has sensory seeking, doesn’t mind being touched..some of the time. There are a few times where she doesn’t want to be touched, especially if she’s having a meltdown.
We try and get out to some events. Ones with no live music and fireworks. Ya that sensory seeking goes up and down I have found. I admit I keep making the mistake of touching during meltdowns. I try and wait when she asks for big hug after using the sensory ball.
I’m learning as I go, but I’m learning a lot lol! Sometimes it’s upsetting, not because she’s having a meltdown, but because I don’t know how to help. She had two small ones today and I’m still not sure why they occurred.
a we’re always learning as we go it never stops lol what you might want to do is keep a book and write down what happens before the meltdowns occur. That will help you figure what may be triggering them. its been proven that some of this does occur within the gut meaning some foods have a factor in it. i have mental notes of what happens before she has one and it has helped me to figure out. if you any questions anytime just drop me a line and i’ll help you the best i can. have a good day.
I’ll definitely take notes. Thank you so much for your help. What is your email, if I may ask, so that I may drop you a line that way? Have a blessed day!
Your welcome I know it’s tough to deal with on your own.
It is sometimes, but it helps to have other helpful suggestions, such as what you have been offering. 🙂
i’m happy to help anytime.