Another first

On Owen's first day of school, he got another first: first stitches. Officially not AT school, but on the same day.  Lucas and the boys were at a park, while I was stuck in ACLS. I called to check in, and Lucas asked where to take Owen for stitches. I, of course thought he was joking until I heard Owen crying in the background. I was able to sneak out early, and met them at urgent care right before the stitch. Owen was so brave, Lucas was so calm, and Henry... well, I think he was just thankful it wasn't him in the doctor's seat this time. Owen officially got one stitch and two steri-strips. The doctor said most of the chin was left at the park, hence, unstitchable. 

 He also took a nice bite of his tongue. A little tough to see, but it's on Owen's right. The best part of biting your tongue and needing stitches: ice cream for dinner!

First day of school

The boys had their first day of school this week. Owen started 4 year old preschool (Monday/Wednesday/Friday). Henry started a one day a week school at early intervention.

 

This is on Owen's first day.

And today was Henry's first day.

 

They both really enjoyed it!

Then and Now

From August of last year, to September of this year, two trips to Multnomah Falls. What a year.

 

Brothers Now:

Brothers then:

 Same view, same boy.

Multnomah Falls

On Sunday, after our firetruck adventures, we went to Multnomah Falls with Kathy (family from New York)

It was a perfect day. We started at a waterfall just west of Multnomah Falls.

 Owen was quite the gentleman holding Kathy's hand.

 Firetrucks, waterfalls, we saw a BIG train, AND ice cream... it may have been Henry's perfect day.

Firetrucks

On Sunday, the children's cancer association invited us to spend the morning with a fire station near our house. Five families joined, and were welcomed by many firemen, firetrucks and fire hoses. Really, this was a perfect morning for both Henry and Owen. (Lucas and I had fun too). While we were waiting for other families to arrive, we were shown the "sport court". A racquetball court at the fire station. They threw out 20 balls, and the kids ran and played. For a few minutes, they almost forgot what the main goal of the day was.

 

 FIRETRUCKS! We had almost free reign of all the trucks, including an ambulance. Henry loved to sit in the captain's seat. This fire station shops at our local Fred Meyer's. We see the truck often, and will regularly walk around the truck and/or say hi to the firemen. When Captain Walker saw us, he recognized us, and asked why we were there. We told him about Henry, he was so kind and nice. He even offered to maybe make an appearance at Henry's end of chemo party!

 After touring the fire station, we were walked to the fire practice parking lot. We got to spray hoses and RIDE IN THE TRUCK!!

 The boys even got to use the blow horn and turn on the sirens.

 Henry LOVED spraying water, he would have done it all day.

 

 

 What a perfect morning.

Cousin Trey

On Monday, we celebrated Trey's adoption. After the party, we took Trey back to our place for an overnighter. (Jill and Doug both had to work, and Trey didn't start school until Wednesday.) So, we played. Both of my boys are in love with him. On Tuesday, we went to the zoo, and almost every picture had Henry staring at Trey.

 

 Owen and Trey. Trey was a monkey, Owen was studying the look, and now does it all the time.

 Polar bear cave. Amazing three faces looking at me.

 Big Bears!

 Who's that behind the lion?

 Look, a mongoose!

I had a great time with all three boys.

Impromptu Beach Trip

On Friday, we took an impromptu trip to Cannon Beach. We were getting ready for Owen's swimming lesson when Lucas called me to an "emergency meeting" behind the van. He said "let's go to the beach". I said "YES!!" I quickly ran inside to grab toys and changes of clothes and off we went. Henry was fully crazed on steroids, but the beach is one place that he loves to play. Well, we all love to play there, so it was a win-win-win-win. Plus, the beach is only an hour away, so an easy place to get to, and back.

 

 Henry was happy with digging.

 Owen was more into water play.

 Occasionally the two would mingle.

 Post beach hot chocolate.