What You Don't See Is...

 There's a lot that went into these smiles...

WHAT YOU DON'T SEE IS...

Getting up an hour before Tysen to make sure I am ready before him so all of my focus and energy is focused on getting him ready and out the door.

The hour spent getting Tysen showered, the hard negotiation of what he will wear that day, teeth brushed, happy pills (aka thyroid meds) swallowed, and always, always, always a bagel for breakfast. No substitutions. Ever.

The Apple AirTag hidden on his shoelace.

The hour and a half we spent in Dallas traffic to get there on time.

The mini meltdown he had when I wouldn't let him run down the red carpet 2 times, and kicked someone's motorcycle helmet.

Him asking for a wheelchair because his feet hurt from walking.

Tysen refusing to eat any type of food that isn't chicken.

Insisting to go on the haunted house ride.

Getting so scared he got stuck on the ride and had to be lifted and carried out by a very strong (and helpful) man.

The sheer exhaustion on my face the following day. 

BUT, WHAT YOU ALSO DON'T SEE IS...

The million hugs he gave out that morning to all of the Best Buddies and Joni and Friends peeps.

The pride he had bringing cans for the food drive.

The sheer joy he had running down the red carpet, listening to the dozens of people cheer him on at his first time at the State Fair of Texas.

The relief he felt when he realized the ghost didn't "get him" on the haunted house ride.

The pride he felt when he got to the car and had succeeded in visiting the State Fair.

The nap he had in the car on the way home from the whole experience.