Spring Break in Minnesota

kids 2

People who follow me make a lot of assumptions about our family and these boys.

It’s interesting, funny, even upsetting to read them.

People assume that Cooper, and ultimately autism, is a hardship.

People assume the younger two are neglected because they see Cooper get attention in a 4 minute video.

I could go on and on. We are on a spring break two night vacation. Because flying isn’t an option for us we went to northern Minnesota.

The day before we left it was 65 degrees. The day we arrived it was snowing.

Minnesota is confused. These boys are not.

They are swimming, doing cannon balls, splashing mom relentlessly, and throwing snowballs.

Cooper is doing amazing. Going anywhere outside of our home used to feel impossible. But years of hard work and practicing everything is paying off. He’s ten now. And honestly, our easiest most of the time. Everyday is the best day of his life and he’s just so happy to be doing whatever we are doing.

And Sawyer, he is my helper. My humor. My buddy. He talks about old cars and tells fishing stories. Lies I tell you. All lies. He’s going to change the world. I can feel it. He’s my emotional one too. Oh so tender. And I work very hard to keep that part about him. Because he got it from me. Empathy is such a beautiful trait.

And that little one. Watch out for him. He will charm you in an instant and sneak around like a velociraptor and snatch your wallet and spray paint your car. I kid. Maybe. I’ve never met a kid like him. He’s unbelievably smart and made this family whole. He keeps both his dad and I on our toes constantly. The word feral comes to mind. But he also notices every single time I am sad about something. That’s pretty amazing for two years old.

I just had to brag on these boys and our family for a minute. We don’t do a lot for a lot of reasons. We are homebodies. So this is pretty brave for us. And these three have been amazing on our mini vacation. I’m proud of each of them. Happy spring break from a cold Minnesota!

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Avatar photo

Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Share this post: