Sea Life

Recently the opened an aquarium called Sea Life at the mall that's about 10 minutes from my house. This made me really excited because Caiden has loved fish forever, but besides the fish tank at the grocery store, he really has had little experience with them. I of course bought the family pass right away because as long as we go 3 times, we more than paid for it.
We went for the first time on a weekday, around lunch time because I knew it wouldn't be very busy (weekends are still always sold out).

Caiden instantly put down his Ipad upon entering, and was very excited. Jake was naming and counting all different fish. They have most of the fish separated into different tanks. This is a great place for kids, most of the tanks are perfect for their size, there are different tanks you can climb under and the kids can get up close (like in the video below.)

 They do have a touch pool where kids can touch starfish and crabs, but neither boy was too interested in that this time, they were just so excited to see what would be next. They really loved the shark and sting rays, there is a small hall behind the tank where you can climb closer to them. They also have a big walk through tank, which had sharks and stingrays swimming overhead.

Jake was taunting the sharks to come and get him, and that is Caiden's happy expression lol. The boys had a great time, and I'm sure we will be back more than enough times to make out season pass a great value.

Autism tips-
Make sure you have tickets BEFORE going, it's still very busy and no one wants to have to tell their ASD kid that its sold out.
Strollers are allowed, but there's so much to do outside of one, if your child can I'd let them walk (Or leash!)
I'd use the bathroom first, there are bathrooms but you may have to walk out of the exhibit.
Try and go on a weekday, especially if your child has an issue with crowds or lines. They only allow 50 in per half hour, but they also do not limit your time at all. It's not that it doesn't get really over crowded.  

Valentines Day

My son Caiden has Autism, hence the name of the blog. He has on obsession with Christmas, he watches Christmas movies all year round, one of his calming things is Christmas carols. Since Christmas has another 309 days until it is finally back, I thought giving him Valentines day presents would be a fun idea.

This box was actually Jake's my 3 year old "neuro typical" son box, Caidens was about the same but his shirt was Minions, his movie was despicable me 2 (found on amazon for 10 dollars, the blu ray and digits copy version) they also received some books, sticker and a mystery bag sponge bob. (another obsession of Caiden's? Youtube videos of people opening kinder eggs! I had no idea this was a thing, and they of course are illegal in the USA. so he has to settle on mystery bags/boxes.)

We also did a "Chocolate Explosion" Recipe found here and I have to say, we had so much chocolaty fun. Caiden did not want to touch it though, so he just watched while Jake wanted us to keep going. Reminds me  I need to buy more vinegar.

We also did a rose scented sensory bin Rose Scented Rice Recipie that was filled with little clear hearts, glow sticks, and other things I picked up at the dollar store. This is still Jake's favorite part of everything. He plays with it for a few hours every day, and it smells wonderful!