Major Break Through!

As many of you know, Braxton is TERRIFIED of fireworks. Even the word fireworks sends him into hysterics. For the past 3 or 4 years we have had to miss the Dalton's annual 3rd of July party in their cul-de-sac. Last year we parked, walked 2 blocks to the house and someone started a huge roll of black cats. Both of my kids went into panic mode. Hands on ears, screaming, shaking their heads. We promptly put them back in the wagon and walked back to the car to go home and sit in our basement. Chad loves the 4th! He loves fireworks so I always feel so bad that we miss them.

This year we decided to try a little "tough love". Braxton doesn't really know why he is afraid of fireworks. At first we thought it was the sound, but he loves airplanes and fire trucks so it wasn't the sound. We have tried to talk to him, to reason with him (as much as you can reason with a 5 year old!) and even bribe him. (last year I bought him his own MP3 player for the party so he couldn't hear the noise.)
After going to Grandma's house yesterday, we decided to go to Denton and get some quiet fireworks. We thought we could take the week and ease him into those. We bought some snaps, smoke balls, snakes, sparklers, and parachutes. I know the parachutes make noise, but those are for when he is more comfortable. *cross your fingers*

Later in the afternoon we were outside cleaning cars and I hear Braxton start screaming "I want to go inside!" and "I hate this!". Chad had brought out the snaps. We convinced Braxton to listen to one. It wasn't too bad. Then Chad threw another one, and it was OK. Chad showed him that they don't hurt at all! Finally, Braxton wanted to try one. He LOVED IT! By the end of the afternoon he had gone through 4 boxes of them. The whole time he would throw them and say "BOOM!" or "Watch out below!" It was such a welcome site! We tried the snakes and he loved them! He isn't so sure about the smoke balls, they smell funny!

Hopefully this will be the beginning of a fun 4th of July, but we will see! He is still asking to watch movies at Grandma's that night. That will be OK too, as long as we can stay at the party! Stay tuned to find out how he does.