Joe has done absolutely great since our last report.  The weekend of 6/27-28 was finally fantastic weather.  We had friends over to enjoy the sunshine and swim.   

As we welcomed the end of "Delayed Intensification", we had to deliver on one of the many promises we've made Joe through his tears during the last 8 months.  This one was to have a celebration with his friends at "Pump it Up" an inflatable jump facility.  We had an"Army Party" Tuesday 7/1 complete with Army cupcakes and decor.  The party was a huge success.  At the end he motioned to me to begin & gather everyone to sing "Happy Birthday to Jo Jo".  We had some confused people, but everyone went right along with it!  A special thanks to all those involved in participating Joe's 2nd-5th Birthday party.

Joe had a great appointment Wednesday 7/2.  His numbers climbed in several places ANC L505, Hematocrit L29.8, Platelets 251 and WBC L2.7.  We need his ANC to take a hike up to 750  this week to be ready to start Maintenance.  Maintenance will entail quarterly spinal sedation chemo treatments, once monthly IV Vincristine chemo treatments, several daily oral chemo's and biweekly blood tests.  This translates to hopefully staying away from the hospital but twice a month for three years, and lots of pills.  We can handle it.  

Dr. Thompson was none too impressed with his "African Tan".  He does get quite dark when he steps outside regardless of the block mother uses.  We've been using 50 SPF for the kids, but in and out of the pool and changing clothes could probably call for some additional applications. The Dr. mentioned patients on chemo definitely have sun sensitivity even if they don't burn, we don't need any additional problems caused by over exposure to the sun.  Look for Joe to begin fading back to olive before too long.

Thursday 7/3 marked a special day.  We were asked to take a tour of the Kirkland Police station.  We met all the officers, got behind the scenes tour of the station, and all the equipment.  The boys were extremely impressed.  They have a picture of Joe on the bulletin board at the station!  People were genuinely pleased to meet both Joe and Paul.  We went to dinner later that night in Kirkland and saw some of the officers, Dad was rather impressed with the amount of high fives Joe and Paul received from those that protect.  Pretty cool!

4th of July Paul and Joe were asked to ride in the Kirkland Parade with the Kirkland Police department.  They had a float but they opted to ride in the squad car.  We got some great pictures that we hope to post of that.  Many friends and family greeted Paul and Joe along the sidewalks of Kirkland.  Definitely a day to remember.  It didn't stop there however.  We went to PT and Non's with Yiayia and Papa, and several cousins and friends and had a BBQ and of course lots of daytime fireworks.  We came home to house full of friends and family.  There were at one point 21 little heads below the age of 8 bobbing in the pool.  We all couldn't of been more pleased to see the kids having a great night.  The evening fireworks show ended the night exactly how we felt, with an exclamation point!

We have a slow week as dad is fishing in Alaska with PT and work friends.  Beginning Maintenance hopefully on Wednesday 7/9, so we can be off to our mother of promises - Legoland on Friday for the weekend.

Ahhhh, then it's back to reality.  Someone has some catching up to do if he plans to join his Sacred Heart Kindergarten class.  He'll be hitting the books for the rest of the summer, but don't worry it's not more than an hour or so 3-4 days a week, still plenty of time for fun!

Many thanks for all the prayers you've sent our way, we couldn't of come this far without them!

Much Love

Ang