This Friday morning we woke up early with the three oldest kids and left for the Autism research study.  After we left I worried about my youngest daughter waking up in a place other than home and without either parent.

The drive into downtown Houston was interesting and a little stressful.  The same could be said for the research study.  I was very impressed with the environment of the hospital and found myself wishing that I worked their.  I found myself wishing that I worked anywhere.

The kids and us loved seeing the interesting buildings and scenery on the drive and looking out the windows. The best thing was making discoveries together like being able to see the refineries far away on the horizon in the morning light.

At noon I began to lose my endurance and to bicker with the kids and my wife.  I tried to catch myself and replace my thinking.

We returned to my in-laws house around 2 or 3.  It turns out that my youngest daughter never even missed us, she had a great time with her grandmother from the minute she woke up.

In the evening the boys and I went to an Astros baseball game with my father-in-law.  We all had a great time although my youngest son, the autistic one kept me very busy correcting his restlessness.  A guy next to me started a conversation with me.  I had the attitude that I usually do which is that people don't want to be bothered and don't want to know you.  The guy was a very friendly older guy and looked familiar, almost possibly like a public figure.  I realized that I don't allow myself to go out on a limb for the sake of neighborly friendship.   I should do so regardless of the outcome.  I thought perhaps this is a way to give forward.

The game was great and the fireworks were awesome.  We had a wonderful experience together and all agreed, it was the best day ever!

Thanks be to God.