Roadtrip Experiment Day 3

Today was actually harder than either of the days in the car.  Alex was very oppositional.  Lots of verbal protests and complaining, which in turn means he doesn't earn privileges, which makes him more irritable.

I took the boys swimming this morning and he wouldn't leave Nathan alone.  So I gave him a time out and he would not settle.  Eventually I had to call swimming short and bring both boys back up to the hotel room.  Which ended up putting everyone in a rough mood.

We decided to have an interlude before trying to go to the aquarium so that we could regain a good mood.

We went to Target and picked up some new clothes for the boys (Nathan needed pants and Alex needed some under things).  We also got some toys and a plug in LED lamp for the hotel bathroom.  (The light and the fan are linked, so Alex can't tolerate having the light on.)

Then we had some lunch at Subway before heading to the aquarium.  The plan worked and the kids were in a good mood.  We saw the giant exhibit with the whale sharks and manta rays, and the arctic exhibit with otters and beluga whales.  We also saw a dolphin show.  It was a great experience.

After the aquarium, we went back to the hotel for some quiet time before supper at the Cheesecake Factory (apparently not just a fake restaurant for the Big Bang).  We're a little worried about Alex.  He didn't eat much lunch or dinner and he's usually got a big appetite.  But it's a new environment and new food.  We know he'll eat the breakfast at the hotel so we'll make sure it's a sustaining one.  It might also help that he had a successful toileting, which might make him more comfortable.

Then it was back to the hotel for some TV before bed.  Hopefully tomorrow starts out a little smoother.