Cytrynowicz Happenings: September 2011-Annual Zion Vacation & Autism Speaks Walk

Oscar taking in the beautiful Zion scenery-Labor Day weekend 2011.

There's something about our annual trip to Springdale, Utah/Zion National Park that is so incredibly magical to David and me.

Even a year later, as we look back at these photos, we're both wishing we could be in Zion again for Labor Day weekend this year, but we won't be able to make the trip this year.

The Cytrynowicz Family has a lot going on for the rest of the year, including Otto starting a new school in a few weeks and vacationing in Florida with our families.

Otto at Cafe Oscar-our favorite restaurant in Springdale, Utah.

So difficult to get both boys to cooperate for a photo, but so worth it.

David and the boys relaxing in the pool at the Desert Pearl Inn (Springdale, UT)

Poolside Otto spying a pretty flower.

Otto pointing out the beautiful scenery

Sweet, cuddly Otto

Oscar running around the beautiful grounds at the Desert Pearl

If I remember correctly, the boys were pretending to be airplanes in this picture.

On our way to dinner at Cafe Oscar

Shuttle ride into Zion National Park

Otto is getting very sleepy, but manages to stay awake (for a while).

Oscar picking out his favorite rock formation

The video below was taken on the front lawn of the Zion Lodge (inside the park), where we love
to lounge on the grass under our favorite shady dress and take in all the scenery. David and I affectionately call this video "I love that one!"

We could spend hours just laying on the lawn. Just looking at these pictures relaxes me.

Otto enjoying a Nutter Butter

Later on, Otto passes out during our shuttle ride, so he and I find a nearby bench to nap on, while David and Oscar go exploring.

Lunch at Cafe Soleil--just outside the park.

Oscar and his new friend, Jack.

Ella (Jack's sister), Otto, Oscar & Jack

Walking to dinner with our new friends.

We met Jack, Ella and their mom, Lynn, at the Desert Pearl and quickly hit it off. We decided to have dinner together and then meet up for swimming the next day. Such a nice family and such fun memories with them!

Dinner at Cafe Oscar with Ella and Jack

For Oscar's 4th Birthday, his Aunt Sara (David's sister) sent him a

Admiring the flowers on his way into the mall.

Build-a-Bear gift card, along with a sound box to put inside a Build-a-Bear with a recording of Sara singing "You are My Sunshine."

So, off David and Oscar went to Build-a-Bear in the local mall to select and construct Oscar's very first Build-a-Bear.

David says Oscar immediately gravitated toward a rainbow heart bear. Apparently, the sales associate even tried to steer him to more masculine-looking bears, but rainbow hearts is what Oscar wanted, so that's what he got.

From how David described and photographed the experience, it seems like the Build-a-Bear people have got quite a personalized and profitable business going.

Oscar assisting with adding the stuffing to his bear.

Sewing the stuffing inside Dagy.

It's pretty brilliant the way the whole building experience is automated, yet very hands-on and personal.

David said Oscar was totally into it and was so proud of his bear creation and the coordinating accessories: a bear-sized Hello Kitty robe and Lightning McQueen slippers.

Oh, and the bear's name? His name is "Dagy."

Giving Dagy a bath.

So now, whenever Oscar gives Dagy a squeeze, she sings "You are my Sunshine" in Aunt Sara's voice of course.

Oscar home from "Build-a-Bear" and saying Thank You to Aunt Sara for Dagy. My favorite part is Oscar asking permission to sleep with Dagy and the reasoning for this request.

Here's a random adorable video of Otto at a gymnastics birthday party

repeating "I love you so much" to me.

Cute video of Otto saying "I want tomato." The boy loves to eat.

Our first walk for "Autism Speaks." We proudly walked as members of the ABC'nD Autism Center team.
Otto had only been attending the center for two weeks. To look back on how far Otto's come since this photo was taken is a pretty amazing and gratifying experience. He's a totally different kiddo.


Oscar in the tunnel

Otto in the tunnel

Oscar with Otto's ABA therapist, Emily.

Otto enjoying the bounce house.

Oscar playing in the sensory-friendly moon dough.

Ready to walk. Love how Otto's waving in this picture.

Oscar and Gabe

The Autism Speaks walk was at the Kansas Speedway and Oscar was dying to see some actual race cars in action.

We could hear the cars zooming by, but couldn't see them. Emily's boyfriend (now husband), Gabe, took Oscar over to a display car and without hesitation, put Oscar inside the car.

Then, Gabe put Oscar on top of the car.

Oscar still (a year later) talks about this moment.

I think that's because Gabe is a big kid and knows how to think on Oscar's wavelength.

Don't think I ever would have thought to stand Oscar on top of the car, but I'm so glad Gabe did.

I love this photo.

Right after the walk, we headed on over to Faulkner's Ranch for our friend, Sterling's 4th birthday party.

I don't know how our two boys who haven't even started school yet can have so many friends with so many birthday parties, but I love it.

I remember when going to a friend's birthday party was the highlight of my week and it's wonderful to be able to re-experience this kind of excitement though our boys.

The highlight of the party for Otto was petting "Snowball" a friendly white rabbit.

I think part of his excitement was due to his favorite cartoon "The Wonder Pets." One of the main characters in the cartoon is an obnoxiously funny bunny named "Ollie."