I just returned from a great trip to South Riding, Virginia (thanks S&H! for a great time) and Washington, D.C. The short adventure served three purposes. 1) Meet our nephew (Ryan) 2) Travel with Sam on an airplane (it's been at least 3-4 years since we have tried this) and 3) Meetings and Filming for AutismSpot in D.C. ....oh, and 3a) go to the Georgetown vs Seton Hall game.

The morning of the trip my trusty iPhone delivered me a flight update that was not full of good news. Our plane had mechanical problems and was being grounded. This was not a good sign. Sam had spent days preparing for this very morning and now the unexpected is on top of us. The great team at AA hooked us up with the best scenario possible so that we would arrive before bedtime. Sam handled the cancellation extremely well. He started to tantrum (slightly) but I was able to talk him down and explained that a safe plane is most important. He was completely cool with the idea of safety first. There was just a slight problem with our new arrangement. There were NO seats together. The three of us were would not be sitting together. Sweet! We would all be sitting somewhere far away from the others which meant we were not responsible for one another. Sam would surely find this interesting. Apparently, the fact that you are traveling with a minor who has a disability isn't much concern in these situations. The best advice was given.....see if you can work something out on the plane. Of course, a note was made on our "screen" that we had requested at least two seats together. Ang and I figured that we would happily give a few instructions to Sam's new friends sitting next to him and then we would just go nap. I mean really people....he's just seven years old.

We arrived at the gate to a mass of people all trying to pile into the boarding line. Rule #1 for those of you who don't travel very often. Group 1 comes before Group 4. Yes, First Class and Platinum holders get preferential treatment......they go first. Listen for your Group and stay back away from the line until it is your turn. Little Sam just got crushed by people who couldn't follow directions. This made me start to think......who is it in this situation that has the auditory processing issue? Yes, the Group order might require you to check your 150lbs carry-on because there will be no room in an overhead by the time you board. Don't argue when there is no room for your carry on. No one from the Container Store is going to magically appear and help reorganize the overhead bins full of Group 1's carry on baggage.

I have a pretty good deal of mileage under my belt so I boarded very early. Sam and Angie boarded much later. My wonderful bride quickly negotiated a seat switch and bingo....Ang and Sam are together. Given we were bumped from our earlier flight, I was not in a good situation. At 6ft 2in and 230lbs I am not a big fan of getting bookended by gents bigger than me. Yep, I was tucked in snug between Sweaty Tom and Heavy Breath Harry. Two rows back.......my sweet little guy watched some flicks, listened to some music, and read some books. He never once asked to get up, he never once was loud or yelled out. He even had a very kind man bring him two cookies from first class. They politely accepted and Ang enjoyed one of the cookies while our little GFCF guy passed. Ah.....self control.....we could all learn something from this!

Sam has been on his very best behavior. He loves hanging out in the basement. Piper and Ryan have been of great interest to him and he has really enjoyed being in a new place. His little shadow (Piper) has been a highlight of the entire trip. They talk to each other, play games, and have enjoyed some time at the park. Sam has loved visiting all the sites around D.C. and a real life history lesson is something you simply can't pass up. The meetings and filming were a huge success and I was able to make it back to Dallas for a very important meeting today. Luke and I will pick up Sam and Ang from the airport on Wednesday and then the typical routine will start back up.

What is so amazing about this entire experience is not what you have read.........it's what you haven't read about. There were no major tantrums, no screaming out at the other kids, no crying or kicking. Sure, Sam didn't like getting started back on his home school lessons today while still being in Virginia but can you really blame him......I mean how cool is it to have a basement to hang out in!