Light the Night

This past Saturday, we joined a few thousand other people to Light the Night, an event to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Team Henry raised almost $4,600, and had about 34 people walking. Here is a link to our group photo: link
It was chaotic but good. Henry was in the hospital, so his Chemo Pal, Christina stayed with him while we walked.
Our friends Marcy and Mary. A group shot of all the Ryersons, and one Oshel. We all got lighted balloons, Red for supporters, White for survivors and Yellow for remembrance. It was quite moving to see all the balloons fill a huge hall. Even more moving when we started to walk outside.

Me and Owen. He did so well for staying up way to late in a huge crowd of people. But he really loved all the flashing lights he got!

Lucas, Nick and Robert.

Me and Suzi.

From left to right: Lucas, Bella (Lucas' boss), Bella's husband Darrell, Bob, Christy. Front row Amy. A very happy Beatrix. She had a great ride!

Three generations... And away we go into the night. Owen wanted to "help" hold our poster.

We walked over the steel bridge. You can see the parade of balloons on the bottom tier.

They even had a fireworks display. It was really good. Of course, Owen hated them. I was holding him and he kept saying "go home now? Make them stop mommy" The next day however, he told us how many beautiful colors there were in the fireworks.

Finished!

While Henry couldn't walk with us, and in retrospect we are glad he didn't join (such a huge crowd of germs!), he did get his survivor shirt to show off at the hospital. He is such a loved little man! So many people came out to support him, supported the cause by donating money...

My boys

Here are a couple videos of Henry rocking it. He loves to dance! And now he's starting to sing too! (and by sing I mean babble with the Beastie Boys.)

He also loves the Decemberists, and really any other music with a beat.

Hospital

We spent some more time at the hospital this past week. The first six days were planned chemotherapy. Then we went home for two days, then back with a fever for three more. We missed the place, but are all happy to be home again. Hopefully for a while this time.

Here are some pictures from the hospital. Henry is such a flirt with the nurses, and I think really likes the place! I love the mischievous look! He knows he shouldn't be playing with Lucas' phone.

"What? I'm just playing with my IV tubing..."

Cheeto face, hands, fingers, legs and toes...

A good cup of coffee makes everything better.

Sitting in the recliner, looking at the room service menu.

A pretty picture Lucas took at the Children's Garden.

Ducks

Instead of being in the hospital on Monday, we opted to feed the ducks. I think it was better for all four of us! (and all the ducks)

Henry loved throwing bread at them.

Owen fed one duck again and again. I don't think that one will need to eat for at least a week.

Happy boys.

Owen was a little brave and walked along the bench. (a big step for him!)

It's like he had this planned all along. "if I don't make enough white blood cells, I won't have to go to the hospital, and we can go play." He's a smart little guy.

The park is near the airport... and we all know my boys love looking at airplanes!

From kid to adult

Today, while Owen continued to nap, Henry and I played. We started with the classic, "shorts on your head". He thought it was pretty funny. Such a goofy kid. Then we switched to the always enjoyable, "steal mommy's coffee cup." Which I always enjoy, IF my coffee cup is empty. I took this picture, and I swear you can see Henry's grown up face. He looks like such a little man.

Park

Now that Suzi lives so close, we get to play and play and play... yesterday was an impromtu trip to Rood Bridge Park. An amazing picture of four six kids. Owen talking with the ducks.

Family picture!