Changes...

Well, we've been trying to make the very most out of the precious few "summer" moments remaining this year... the slight chill in the evening air is both exciting + a little bittersweet. Football games, pots of chili, and cozy sweaters are fast approaching; but while Fall is certainly looming on the horizon, we're still loving the joys of summer in every way!

Racing outside with our neighbors...

Late night light saber battles at Meijer...

(I was really pretty sure they were going to not-so-politely ask us to leave! haha!)

Pony rides...yeeeeehaaawwww...

Tire swings...

And, of course, MORE ice cream...

Mmm.

Treatments have been going well, too. We have good days and less-good days, but we praise God that He is taking such good care of Samuel (and all of us - it's incredible to believe that despite everything none of us have really been sick for almost a year now! mostly bc being sick for ANY of us is simply an unacceptable challenge in the whole setup of things). Samuel's body was not recovering as quickly in between treatments, but he is feeling pretty great, playing + eating well, so we're grateful he hasn't (and will not) need any intervention on that front. The build up of drugs in his system was just prolonging recovery time; however, we're doing everything we can + trust Samuel's body will respond well for the remaining 6 or so months of chemo. Regardless of ups + downs in the physical, FUN is still + always the order of the day!

Trinity helping Daddy put EMLA (lidocaine cream) on Samuel's port before we head out...

Getting his arm "squeezed"...

Learning how to blow bubbles with Genna :)

Tearing up the exam room...

(well, actually this photo is FAR less incriminating than what happens most days, lol)

Samuel catching a couple minutes of cartoons...note Trinity hogging all of Genna's attention in the background - adorable how she has decided the fun + treats at Hem/Onc simply MUST be designed for her :)

Daddy "educating" some boys about video games - he's so cool...

Wrapping up with Nurse Eileen...

(that's Dad putting on ESPN again, btw - note frowny Samuel face, lol) ;)

We're more than halfway through!

We are officially a couple weeks past the halfway mark in Samuel's treatment plan. Today was smooth sailing except for a bit of unhappy times during access + de-access. Thankfully, Daddy was there to help sooth the nerves, and Mom did her best to calm Samuel for the removal.

 Getting accessed

Trinity found her favorite magnetic doll toy as usual

Lots of love...but you'll notice of course the "boys" still fighting over channel control

Wrapping up with giggles

Both of them are mesmerized by this colored "lava lamp" glass block thing...it seems to have that affect on all of us at clinic, the nurses + I were drawn in, too :)

Sand Fun!

Our very own, doctor-approved, sandbox! Nothing better. 

Baking Professionals

Mmm...homemade chocolate chip cookies...always a good time :)

Great helpers!

Sort of Pool Day

Only few pics today because we found out very shortly after getting in the water that something had gone wrong overnight, and there was no chlorine in the pool! Very sadly, had to get out and go home until another day :( At least it was fun while it lasted!

This is What Happens When...

...Toddlers take over with the photography. We seriously are just goofballs 90% of the time :)

School Days Continued...

This time Samuel + Trinity were under the capable, no nonsense hand of Mawmaw for school time. Practicing writing letters + some spelling. See how serious she looks? hehe. We don't mess with Mawmaw :)

Monday with Mawmaw :)

Last week was Mawmaw's first hands-on treatment day, and we surely made the most of it! Everything went very well for Samuel - and the rest of us :) We absolutely love having our friends + family with us, it makes it all so much more fun!

Mommy gets kisses for treats :) 

Just before getting Samuel's port "accessed" (ie, sticking the needle/IV in his chest)

Drawing blood for weekly labs...you can see Samuel's attention is unwavering on the cartoons (GENIUS idea for the TV's attached to the chairs! haha)

Not really sure...apparently this was a comfortable way to watch

Snacks and puzzles with Mawmaw in the main clinic area

Trinity + the coolest girl in the world, Genna (a volunteer who plays w/ the kids at the clinic..THANK GOD!)

Everyone hanging out together while Samuel gets Zofram

If it's not one weird face it's another :)

Trinity being chased around by our little friend, Joshua, a childhood leukemia survivor (who has a serious case of crush for Miss Trin)

All in all, a wonderful day...lots of smiles, hugs, kisses, and grandma time.

Another Good Monday...

Playdoh with Daddy

Playdoh spaghetti :) 

Daddy trying to watch ESPN, while Samuel tries to change the channel :)

Fun wall toys

Getting treatment - All went great!

Ice Cream!

Well, Mom ran + they ate ice cream :)

Mmm...happiness