Abbey's Halloween School Adventure

Abbey's class usually walks to St. Luke's each year to trick or treat.  Her teacher had been worried that Abbey would struggle as they have a hard time getting her to leave her classroom, so we decided I would meet them there.  It through Abbey off because she knew it was a school day and things weren't going as usual.  By the time I got her there in a rain storm at ten am, it had been cancelled due to weather.  So we went over to her class where they informed me we were going to Bishop Commons, right next door.  Abbey was struggling and I didn't know what to do.  She calmed down enough for me to decide we'd try it, but I walked her over first to give her less time to panic.  She did struggle a bit in the foyer but once I showed her that she could get candy, it made her brave!  She trick or treated pretty well up and down the hall, only yelling once when an older man patted her on the head.  I was impressed, actually.  She even said trick or treat!  Look how well she did!

But when it came time to go in the party room, forget it.  It was crowded and some of the residents had masks on.  So we sat on the floor outside, watching.  She got her cookie and relaxed, a cute little Alice. I was so proud of her.  We walked back and she had a little meltdown when I left, but ended up having a good day.  I had been so worried for her...I hate that her anxiety keeps her out of some things but this was a decent milestone for Miss Abbey...

...especially considering the week before, Tammy had come to babysit Adam and Ellie so both Todd and I could take her to her Open House and it was rough.  It confused her that we went to school at night and we made her walk through each room to play the scavenger hunt.  She was upset the whole time, but since they couldn't get her out of the room without a meltdown during the day, we thought it should be pushed.  I think we were right.  She is getting more and comfortable and last week, she just walked in and said BYE! and didn't cry at all.  I felt proud of her.