Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Monday, May 24, 2010

we have moved!

for Deqlans prayer army that still follows this site and relies on getting updates from this site, we have moved to our new blog as our space ran out on this one! so come and visit us at
www.deqlanhigginsblog.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 6, 2010

THIS IS IT

Hi All, got all the glitches sorted out so i am sorry to ask you to move to yet another blog, but this is it, all set up on www.deqlanhigginsblog.blogspot.com

Monday, May 3, 2010

COME AND FOLLOW US

Hi Deqlans prayer army
I cant believe we have reached our limit for the blog -thats right, we only have 1% space lift! Soooo...that means we are starting our second blog at www.deqlanhiggins2.blogspot.com
So please continue to follow our beautiful Deqlans journey, please remain part of his prayer army and please continue to celebrate all he excels in each day!
its still a work in progress, alot i would still like to do, but happy with the start of it!
On the new blog page, you will see a new followers link, please click on follow to follow our new blog !
So see you there! Lots of love!! Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

5 things you can do to help families with Autism

WRITTEN BY LISA FOX

It's hard not to hear about autism in the media these days. With the ongoing controversy surrounding autism and vaccinations, to missing children who have autism, to hearing about a child who has recovered from autism, there are many different angles for news agencies to report on this topic. With 1 in 91 children being affected, the general public has gotten decent at recognizing the signs of autism. But what the general public doesn't know is how to help those individuals and their families who are battling this disorder. So let's turn Autism Awareness Month into Autism Action Month. Here's five things you can do now to help these families:

1. LOOK BEYOND THE LABEL TO SEE THE CHILD. Many times over kids are ostracized, ridiculed or bullied in school and the community because of their differences. If you look beyond the odd behaviors, unusual speech or awkward social skills, you'll notice that our kids are just like any other child. They have their likes and dislikes, they enjoy video games too, and they like to be involved in their communities. Having a child with autism can be isolating for a family if the child has many sensory issues (such as with loud noises or crowded, tight surroundings). Families want to be able to provide their child with a social outlet and sometimes require special accommodations to make it possible. If you are arranging an event for your local community, talk to disability organizations to find ways to include those with special needs. If you are having a birthday party, please invite the child with autism. Talk to the parents regarding any special requirements or ask that the parent stay for the duration of the party in case a situation arises.

2. SHOW COMPASSION RATHER THAN JUDGEMENT. I've heard countless stories of rude stares, harsh comments and unwanted advice regarding parenting skills. Becuase there are no tell-tale physical signs of autism, often the general public can't "see" the disorder and will put the blame on the parents for not raising the child properly. There is still so much we don't know about autism. These parents are doing the best they can given a very difficult situation. Think twice before you pass judgment. That unruly, screaming, tantrumming child in the grocery store or library may have autism.


3. OFFER HELP. If you see a parent struggling in the store, ask if there is anything you can do to help the parent. If you are at the playground and a child is having a meltdown, ask if you can help carry items to the car (if they have any). If you have a neighbor who has a child with autism, offer to help the parent as much as you are comfortable with. For some people that might mean watching the child while the parent runs errands or just playing with the child in the backyard while mom cleans the house. It could be something as simple as offering to run an errand for the parent to ease the burden of tasks. The divorce rate among autism families is reported to be near 80%. More often than not, single moms do not have a support system in place to help provide for respite care. Just recently, the state of Indiana eliminated the respite care program for special needs families, which leaves some families with 100% of the task of taking care of the child and the house. Please offer assistance if you are able.


4. GET INVOLVED. Get involved with an autism organization of your choice. There are several organizations that represent autism families and all of them could use your help in organizing fundraisers or utilizing any special knowledge you might have (such as legal, financial, education or recreation) to help their cause. The National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana is currently seeking a person to fill the Secretary position. Please contact Lisa Fox at
for more information. You can also get involved by showing your support with by attending fundraising events or organizing a fundraiser for the organization. 5. HELP STOP RESTRAINTS & SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS. Currently there is proposed federal legislation (bill S.2860) that will prevent the use of restraints on students with autism as well as prohibit seclusion of the student who is enrolled in a public school. In 2009, there was an alarming number of students with autism who were tasered, handcuffed, smacked, locked in closets -- and we only heard about the ones who made the headlines. One case of using restraints ended with the student dying. This is not acceptable for the general student population and the special needs student population should be no different. Please visit the National Autism Association's web site (link: http://naa.kintera.org/actioncenter) and fill out the form to contact your Senator to ask them to co-sponsor this bill. Lisa Fox is the President of the National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana, which represents all families affected by autism in Lake and Porter counties. For more information, please visit www.northwestindianaautism.com

KEATON UPDATE

Hello Everyone

All went very well with Keaton today. The ENT got lots of yucky stuff out his sinuses and has mentioned that Keatons adenoids were also very enlarged. He was such a superstar before going in and had as laughing most of the time ( alot due to the pre med to relax him before theatre!). He wasn’t the same happy boy when he woke up though, but had a good rest and then some needed physio, before going home around lunch time. Doctor did some more blood tests as Keatons allergy score is ‘tremendously high’ – should be under 5, Keatons is 69!!!!! He is also going to be off dairy for a while as Doc thinks that is where the allergy is lying. Please continue to pray for Keaton to feel lots better and that he stays healthy and strong, especially in this freezing cold weather, and he has to be 100% ready for the arrival of his baby sister in a few days!

God Bless and thank you for all your prayers
Samm & Family

Sunday, May 2, 2010

PRAYERS FOR KEATON

Hello Deqlans prayer army

Hope you all had a great weekend? Please can we ask you to pray for Keaton tomorrow morning – he will be going into theatre to have his sinuses washed out and antibiotics placed directly into them – please pray with us that the anesthetist does a fantastic job and that the doctor does a perfect wash out, that Keaton is comfortable and happy and that this finally solves the puzzle and that he gets better from the moment he wakes up.

Please pray for Conrad and Megs that they are calm and rested and ready to help Keaton feel better. Please Lord fill them with Your peace and trust

Thank you all, love Samm and family
SACRED HEART OF JESUS WE PLACE OUR TRUST IN THEE ALL FOR THEE OH LORD OH MY JESUS ALL FOR THEE

Saturday, May 1, 2010

ANGEL - DAXTON BLANFORD

Please pray for little Daxton who was called home to his heavenly home last night. Only a few months old, Daxton fought a very hard fight against neuroblastoma. Please pray for this little soul and for his heartbroken family - that Our Lord carries thems and guides them and strengthens them. Rest well beautiful Daxton

ANGEL IMOGEN HOLMES

I was so sad to check my updates this morning to learn that gorgeous Imogen, in Australia, became and angel today. Immie fought neuroblastoma for many many years, but through her fight remained so courageous, so full of life - her smile and beautiful eyes spoke a thousand stories.

Dear Holmes family, we are so very sorry that your beautiful Immie is no longer physically with you but her spirit will most certainly live on in all of you, until you meet again. Our prayers and support sent to you from across the sea, God Bless, Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

Friday, April 30, 2010

SCREENING KIDS FOR AUTISM

As Autism Awareness month draws to an end , i would like to share another clip with you with some of the basic red flags that could be cause for concern.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arWw7dQSy5o&feature=related







I would like to thank you all for your continued support for our precious Deqlan and his conquers autism one day at a time, each day bringing him closer to reaching his full potential, which is to 'INFINITY AND BEYOND!'

Please continue to create awareness, to support and to love all those affected by Autism, i can promise you they are among the most loving, creative, intelligent, caring , giving, delightful people you will ever meet!

God Bless, lots of love
Mark Samm Deqlan Logan
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

WE ARE READY



Wow, am i behind again....
First things first, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OUR VERY SPECIAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS, I PRAY I HAVE REMEMBERED YOU ALL
CONNOR HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ! STAY THE GORGEOUS GUY YOU ARE


IMOGEN - HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY IMMIE! SENDING YOU LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS AND PRAYERS AND SMILES ALL THE WAY FROM SOUTH AFRICA


UNCLE BILL - WE HOPE YOU HAD A STUNNING DAY AND GREAT YEAR AHEAD


JERAN - MY DEAR COUSIN, HOPE THE CELEBRATIONS WHERE AWESOME AND THE YEAR AHEAD IS FANTASTIC!


JELENKA - WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL YEAR AHEAD, MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!


GRAHAM - HOPE IT WAS AN AWESOME DAY ( PROBABALY SPENT ON THE GOLF COURSE HEY?)


SAM - HOPE YOU HAD A LOVELY DAY WITH ALL YOUR LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS DEAR SAM


ALSO A VERY BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO SAM AND DON ON YOUR 10TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, MAY THERE BE MANY MANY MORE!


CONGRATS TO PIERRE AND DESIRE ON YOUR WEDDING, IT WAS SUCH A LOVELY CELEBRATION! WISHING YOU CONGRATS FOR YOUR SECOND WEDDING CELEBRATION IN FRANCE TOMMOROW!

Its with great sorrow, we heard yesterday that CARTER CUMMINGS passed away after fighting such a courageous fight against neuroblastoma. Please pray for this precious soul and his family and friends
As you can see from the pic today, we have our tickets for the FIFA WORLD CUP!!!!!!!! We are so excited and Deqlan was also rather chuffed to come with to the ticketing centre - so exciting - you know whats so sad, its seems like our little family are the only ones that are so excited about it being here - ok, us and Deqlans school Little Leaps. The teachers are in full support with Football friday and next week Friday is Grandparents day. This is when all the grandparents come and watch their grandkids sing some songs they have practised very hard ! Unfortunately its not for parents, which many are so sad about , but thankfully i have found the way to be there - i am hosting a table so will be able to be there, i cant wait , i am so proud , i am thrilled just thinking about Deqlan and his buddies singing together on stage ! Thank You Lord
Deqlan has been eating better since his teeth have been fixed. We even tried new things from an awesome place called O Crumbs . We heard about it loonnnggg ago and Elriza also told us about it, so we eventually decided to make the journey to go and check it out! We are so happy we did - bread, biscuits, cereals, ready made meals, sauces, bread and scone and biscuit mixes - you name it - they have it ALL GLUTEN FREE! Most of the items are also CASIEN SUGAR YEAST AND SOYA FREE - so we came home with a nice selection of things to try. First up was the bread - wow , Deqlan couldnt get enough of it and ate four slices ! Unfortunately his tummy didnt agree and he got sick that night - so smaller amounts definitely better. Yesterday we tried a carrot muffin for little lunch at school and he wouldnt even try it - it took the entire day for him to accidentally put a crumb in his mouth, and then realised, hey this is good, very good and finished the entire muffin. Then we tried spagetthi bolognaise last night- Deqlan was just not having it . He really is against anything new, he wont even try it. After crying for about half an hour , i managed to get a sliver of spagetthi in, and so we carried on for another half an hour and eventually Deqlan was taking entire mouth fulls - he loved it - the food is so delicious you wouldnt know the difference!
He is as cute as a button at the moment , actually he has started saying ' I AM GORGEOUS'
Deqlan also loves telling us about the new Woolies soup add, even adding in "13.95 each" at the end
But the most memorable was waiting in line at Macdonalds , Deqlan looks at us and says' MY NAME IS DEQLAN MACDONALDS' Boy did we laugh!
Deqlan still continues to enjoy school, at the moment, they focusing on colours and shapes, which Deqlan is loving!
We off to Declan Day tommorow , in honor of angel Declan Du Toit - so come along if you feel like a lovely afternoon out with the family and at the same time supporting this amazing cause. All Hands on Dec Friends look after all the warriors and their families in every way they can!
Hi EveryonePlease dont forget about Declan Day tomorrow...Please come and support us, even for just an hour, at our annual Declan Day to be held on Saturday 1 May from 12.30 till 5pm at Chuckleberrys in Linden, corner or Road Number 3 and Rustenberg Road, Victory Park.It is a perfect venue for the kids and we have lots to keep them busy - a jumping castle, face painting, games, a sandpit, swings, trampolines and a jungle gym and slide PLUS we have arranged some lovely ladies to watch them so that you can relax.For the adults, we have great entertainment lined up - bands, a drumming circle, fire dancers, dancing displays, wine tasting, raffles, an auction and lucky draws with awesome prizes like weekends away, and to satisfy your stomachs, food will be on sale and a cash bar with wine, beer and cold drinks available. Bring a picnic blanket and come and enjoy some good music and entertainment in the sun. Winter is a coming and soon the days will be too cold. You will also be supporting a very worthy cause. All Hands on Dec Friends (AHODF) was set up in memory of Declan Du Toit who died from cancer when he was just 8 months old. The charity aims to help families whose children are fighting the cancer monster, by assisting with the payment of medical bills. For more on the charity visit www.allhandsondecfriends.org Please invite your friends and enjoy a family day of fun in the sun while supporting a worthy cause.Thank youAll Hands On Dec Friendswww.allhandsondecfriends.org
Have a lovely weekend everyone
God Bless love Mark Samm Deqlan Logan
SACRED HEART OF JESUS WE PLACE OUR TRUST IN THEE ALL FOR THEE OH LORD, OH MY JESUS ALL FOR THEE

Autistic Surfer Clay Marzo Masters Waves but Struggles on Land

By JOHN DONVAN and CAREN ZUCKER
April 26, 2010 When pro-surfer Clay Marzo rides the waves off Maui's coast, it's hard to imagine that a man so gifted in the water could struggle so much on land.

An autistic boy who struggles on land conquers the waves with his surfboard.
Beyond a few words, Marzo, 20, finds it hard to hold a conversation. Ask him a question, and finding an answer seems to cause him pain. Chat with him for half an hour, and the words never never flow any easier, because Marzo has autism.
He has a milder form known as Asperger's syndrome.Labeled a disability, Asperger's may help to explain why Marzo is so good on a surfboard.
Since he was a little boy, when his difficulty in communicating became evident, Marzo zeroed in on water. He wanted to be near the water, to be in it -- a focus so intense that it was actually obsessive, according to his mother, Jill Marzo. Obsession is part of Asperger's.

Surfing Obsession Leads to Stardom
In the water, "he was comfortable in his skin," said Jill Marzo. "Out of the water, he is not comfortable, even today. In the water, it's like he can breathe."
Marzo spends hours a day in the ocean, year after year. Some Asperger's obsessions, such as fixating on train schedules or "Star Wars" or lightbulbs, can disrupt. But Marzo's water obsession evolved into surfing, where obsession is required to succeed.
Marzo's obsession has made him a star surfer. He's a favorite with surfing magazines, is sponsored by Quicksilver apparel and earns an income that reaches into the six figures.
Surfing Fame Leads to Struggle
But on dry land, says his mom, Marzo's a fish out of water, unable to process easily anything that takes quick thinking. He struggles in getting around, meeting strangers and answering questions. It's too much too fast for his brain to take in, and the attention that accompanies his surfing fame makes for an uncomfortable experience.
"It's got to be more simple," said Marzo. "You know? Simple. Surf and eat and sleep, you know? My three top things."
That might sound simple enough, but it's never simple to live with Asperger's.
For Marzo, though, it just happened to work out: He needed the water, and the sea was there to catch him.

watch the awesome video clip here: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/autistic-surfer-clay-marzo-masters-waves-struggles-land/story?id=10477337&page=1

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

AUTISM AND ITS EFFECTS ON SIBLINGS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

Autism and its effects on siblings, family members and the community
April 25, 2010 10:03 PM
By Pamela Gross Downing/Special to The Herald
"Tommy" walked down the aisle at his favorite store, Target.

He spotted what he was after, a small toy elephant. Tommy loves elephants. He turned to his parents and his sister "Jenny".

"Do you see the elephant, mom?" His sister groaned; she knew what was about to happen. Her brother not only loved to talk about elephants, he was fixated on them. He knew everything about them.

Tommy took a deep breath and said, "Did you know that there are two types of elephants, Jenny? There is the African elephant and there is the Indian elephant." Tommy continued with his one-sided conversation.

"The African elephant is almost hairless. Their ears are very big and look like fans. The African elephant has two little fingers on the tip of its trunk. They really aren’t fingers, though. They just look like them. Indian elephants only have one finger.

"Jenny," the boy said, "guess what?" He was getting more excited. "Jenny, Jenny, did you know that elephants are herbivores. That means …"

Tommy’s parents and his sister had always been very proud of him. He was a gifted child diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. His family understood that meant that Tommy was on the autism spectrum. He would have to face many of the same challenges that other children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had to go through.

Tommy’s constant fixation had become difficult for Jenny to deal with, especially since he was now 18 years old. As a sibling, Jenny was going through her own challenges of having a brother with ASD.

Having a brother or sister with autism face can create challenges within the family. Constant communication about the issues facing siblings of ASD children is extremely important. For example, 6-year-old "Jack" often would hit his sisters and brothers. The siblings were afraid to challenge Jack because they thought he couldn’t help himself.

If a behavior is unacceptable for the siblings, it is unacceptable for Jack, too. In Jack’s case, an individual behavior plan was set in place for him. The family learned to have open discussions on questions they had, not just about Jack but autism in general.

When children are very young, begin talking with them about a brother or sister who has autism.

Ideally, a family will be open and discuss what to expect as the ASD child grows older. When friends come over to play, consider including them and their parents in discussions about autism. Never be afraid to talk to friends and families about what autism spectrum disorders are and their impact on your specific child and family.

Sadly, even today, it is not uncommon for parents of children with autism to sometimes have other family members, including medical professionals, blame them for the child’s diagnosis.

This misinformation only emphasizes the need to educate and explain what autism is to everyone in our community, beginning with those in our own home.

Playtime is an important time for siblings to be with their own friends. There will be times when it is appropriate for the child with autism to be included in playtimes, especially when the siblings are younger.

"Annie," just 5, is extremely close to her brother "Eli." When her friends come over, she has chosen to include her brother in their play. Her friends have learned to accept Eli into their activities. This has helped him learn how to interact more appropriately with his peers.

In Annie’s case, her parents and Eli’s teacher have worked with her to help Annie feel confident about her own abilities and her brother’s.

However, it also is important that brothers and sisters of special children have their own time, not only with friends, but with their parents as well. This may not always be easy or even possible. Yet, with assistance from friends and family, a special time for the siblings and their parents can be built into a weekly schedule.

Brothers and sisters also provide wonderful role models for language development and social peer growth. As the children grow older, a variety of different issues will occur.

Today, there are many websites, such as http://austimspeaks.org, to help siblings and families with questions on a variety of situations.


Pamela Gross Downing, a special education teacher, can be contacted at downpamg@aol.com.

AN INSPIRATIONAL STORY

TAKEN FROM 5 MINUTES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Mother of Quadruplets, one with autism, tells her story.
Posted: 23 Apr 2010 06:00 AM PDT
I have made some of the greatest friends because of Matthew, and I have learned a lot from them. Robin Hausman Morris is one of those friends and she has a most unusual perspective, so unusual that I've been trying to convince her to write a book.
Robin started her career as an actress in daytime soaps, commercials and off Broadway plays.
Life works in mysterious ways.
Her "Oscars" – Sabrina, Jesse, Tyler and Paul – were delivered in 1987 when she and her husband Danny became the proud parents of quadruplets. Her personal drama was soon to begin. A multiple birth was easy. Premature infants were a snap. But nothing could have prepared her for the struggle and journey that faced her.
"Autism entered my world without permission and stole my peace. Conceivably, the tenaciousness I once pursued as an actor was my shield, as I left no stone unturned to help our son."
She and her husband Danny were pioneers back then, traveling throughout the country and Canada to investigate interventions. Robin became an "ordained expert" from the schools of hands-on autism and hard knocks.
This is her story.
****
It was December 1987. Our quadruplets were six months old. We were on a routine visit to the pediatrician and Paul's skin was tinged with gray.
Suddenly he was gone.
I screamed for help and amidst the frenzy of mouth to mouth and shocking with paddles, there was silence. Someone brought me his clothes and as I held the tiny blue stretchy to my heart, I was paralyzed by the number three.
But Paulie, defied the odds. A doctor came in and said: â€Å“Well, he is certainly a fighter, we had to sedate him to get him breathing again".
Little did I know that our struggle would just begin.
If I had a dollar for every person who said "I don't know how you do it…", I could probably fund all of Autism Speaks. Paul's autism is a way of life. It is my career. It is my passion. It is my pain. It is my armor. It is my love. It is for my baby boy who fought so hard to live.
When our children were born, play groups were rare for us. I always felt as if I was looking into the candy store from the outside. Appointments with therapists and doctors across the country were our play dates. Saving Paul was my mission and I knew in my heart, as he thrived, so would our family.
Perhaps I sacrificed myself along the way, because people who don't know me well, are hard pressed to figure who Robin is. I am not a warrior and I do care if I am regarded as "tough".
Nevertheless, when I review the last 22 years with Paul, my role as mother was often transformed into therapist, behaviorist, and rule maker. I had to simulate what the professionals taught me, day after day, year after year. Although I held Paulie to the highest standard, in the end, I was always his protector.
Autism is a chameleon. Paul's strengths were only confounded by his weaknesses and I always tried to build on the first, while encouraging the latter. However, it was I that dealt with his tears of absent play dates, it was I that fought for mainstreaming, it was I that confronted the high school senior who mimicked him at play practice. Without Danny, Sabrina, Jesse and Tyler's help, I would have crumbled.
Robin and Paul
So what has all of this got to do with now? Suddenly it is 2010. It is not only about Paul. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. The battle will not end until the perils of autism are faced. Research is vital, and awareness is paramount. My prayer is that the community will embrace those with autism while pursuing a cure.
Paul is blessed with his family: Sabrina's feisty spirit, Jesse's embracing humor, Tyler's tender heart and Danny's unconditional adoring love. Will our devotion be enough to cushion his falls and insulate him for the future? No. We need your help to make that difference.Laura

Thursday, April 22, 2010

OUR HOLIDAY !

the breathtaking view from our unit, its truly beautiful - the photos dont really do it justice!
Our gorgeous, gorgeous Deqlan Ross

the sun setting against the mountains and cosmos flowers

i actually said to my mom when we were taking these photos that i am sure this is the way God intended the entire world to look - untouched, unspoilt, just perfect
there were so many new horses at saddle and trout this time, lots of babies, to precious to see!
Deqlan Loved this picture of the bunny, reminded him of his favorite progamme Hopla!

how grown up does Deqlan look here!

Enjoying sitting on the bales of hay for the horses
the horse stables
checking Nanna's glasses out
Deqlan doing a bit of abseiling at the junction, he loved it! we were keeping a careful eye, the wall was very high!

Mom and Dee enjoying creme soda made in the midlands, we love drinking it here in gauteng cause it reminds us so much of the midlands, we can pretend we back there whilst drinking it!

Eating some fries and watching a dvd all tucked up warm next to Grandpa

Deqlan and I on the beach - i think if we could build a little house right on the beach that would be awesome, even if we lived like robinson crusoe, as long as we at the beach, our most favorite place in the world - Deqlan spent about 3 hours running up and down the beach in and out the sea - we were only 1 day in Durban, hopefully next time we can stay a whoollee lot longer at the sea
how i treasure these moments of bliss, in the sea with my boy
Deqlan LOVED the feel of the dry sand to!
We got to see Marks Dad and step mom while we were in Durban for the day, they were really taken at how well Deqlan is doing! This was such a cool place, Moyo, right on the beach, an african style restaurant, with african music to, it was so awesome, could have stayed there the entire day!
How gorgeous is this photo of Mark and Deqlan?
Cheryl, Oupa Chris and Deqlan

The World Cup soccer stadium from the beach - i think this is the most spectacular out of all our stadiums - mark will be going to watch the brazil vs portugal game here - can you imagine how awesome thats going to be!
my beautiful, beautiful Gambit

Gambit, how majestic and beautiful he continues to be

Deqlan was an absolute star watching the dolphin show - it was the first time he ever sat through the entire show!!! the previous 3 times were very overwhelming for him - i was so thrilled!
part of the show , tells the story of Shaka - well, Deqlan thought this was the best thing ever and kept on saying "shaka' and laughing and getting so excited each time his picture came up! He continued saying Shaka for many days after

One of my most favorite places in the world is ushaka watching my dolphins, and to be there with Deqlan on my lap enjoying them as much as i do, couldnt help have tears of joy and gratefulness

my amazing mom sat infront of us so she could capture deqlans face - thanks mom you did an awesome job - i love this photo!

Deqlan LOVED this display -a spinning wheel, full of colours and creatures of the sea- if we could have taken it home , we wouldve!
Deqlan LOVED this giant size mumble!

Wow! Imagine having this in your lounge at home?

what a joy to watch Deqlan having such a great time - you shouldve seen the size of the great white sharks behind him, massive but stunningly beautiful
Nanna and Grandpa enjoying the fish!

a magnificent sting ray - deqlan also started saying MANTA RAY - he loves them to!

This turtle was massive!

I think we should move into this aquarium - the peace and happiness and beauty is just breathtaking

Deqlan and Dada saying the colours of all the fish

Deqlan loved the Nemo display - for the first time ever he paid attention to each window he stopped at instead of just running around , he was interested in the fish and other creatures!
Our view on a beautiful morning in the midlands
We went for lunch at Lords of the Manor, the hotel we had my 30th at - such a special place in all our hearts and Deqlan was such a superstar sitting at the table! Its so nice to go back there, they always remember us - Deqlan even ran to the room where Mom and Dee stayed for my 30th! He remembered exactly where it was!

Dada and Deqlan

Deqlan seems to love The Lords of the Manor as much as I do!

Grandpa and Deqlan waiting to be called to our table
1,2,3, cheese! Deqlan still loves me taking self portraits of us!
Whose this guy Mama?

Its a fine day for a guiness with Dada! Juice for you my boy!

Lovely photo of Mom and Dee

Deqlan and his Nanna
we couldnt get Deqlan out this puddle of mud, he loved the squishy mud in his toes, fingers, hair, everywhere! I love it when he gets so dirty!


peek a boo!

should i , shouldnt i???

Deqlan singing for us ' THE PENGUIN BOP"

I LOVE YOU GRANDPA

Walking around the lake


I SEE A HORSE!

3, 2,1, BLASTOFF!

HIGHER HIGHER , AGAIN AGAIN DADA

LOVE YOU DADA


Deqlan loved the gate at the main entrance and we spent a good half an hour here, opening and closing !
My boys ( staight after i took this pic, Deqlan through his juice bottle into the lake, it took Mark a good 20 minutes to get it out!!)

Photobucket