swim

Monday after California Adventure Land the happy and tired park goers took advantage of the lovely pools at the hotel.  When they first got back and were talking about swimming Phoenix immediately found a bathing suit and started pushing it at anyone who she thought might get her in it.  If there was going to be swimming she was all over that!  

It truly is amazing to me how Phoenix at age eighteen has shown such intellectual growth in the last couple of years.  It is not that common that someone with such a significant disability develops a whole lot of new abilities after thirteen and that's being generous. It is also a huge generalization but from what I have seen and what my experience is that is true.  Not that kids and adults with disabilities don't learn new skills but that to develop ones that are outside of their developmental level really is not that common.  Phoenix's overall functioning level is about twelve to eighteen months.  What she has been demonstrating for the last couple of years is an increased awareness and ability to communicate and also a stronger determination to make decisions.  It is a beautiful thing to watch.  I am so very proud of her.

Phoenix

hot tub spectators