"Chief For a Day" worked out to be a great day for our family Thursday 8/28.  It started with a police escort from our front door by the Kirkland Police.  Two SUV vehicles and 2 motorcycle cops!  We caravanned to the motorcade meeting place in Kent, WA.  We then made our way from Kent to Burien to the actual location of the event, NW Police Academy.  The motorcade was a site to see with motorcycle cops from all over the city paving the way for the 14 "Chief's" being transported by limousine!  Rock star status!  Paul was able to ride with Joe in the limo along with some other siblings, because after all, he deserves the royal treatment too!!

Once at the event the "Chief's" were sworn in at a ceremony and escorted by two Academy trainee's for the entire day shadowing them through the chaos and excitement.  Joe had quite the audience watching him be sworn in; Mom & Dad, Kristi & Julia, Erika, Kai & Makana, Amanda, Luke & Lola!  There was a great lunch and a presentation of the "present" table.  It was literally like Christmas.  (I have to mention again - what to do with this child when reality sets in - like real soon here.  I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it all, but it's a real head game to be getting gifts year round for a 5 year old! ) Outside activities included a bounce house, helicopter demonstration, pony rides, free reign to explore the assault vehicles and the SWAT cars, a rifle demonstration, ability to operate bomb robots (the officers were quite amazed with Paul & Joe's ability to operate the controller - go X-BOX!), an attack police dog that bit and jumped on a "bad guy" in a stunt suit but only by the command of the "Chief's" as ordered by the police dog's commanders (got that on video).  It was a crazy "all about the kids day".  How special that we were nominated by friends and neighbors in the community.  He was honored in the local Kirkland Courier Newspaper for his role the event and even had his face shown on Channel 4!  What a day to be Joe!

The weekend was followed up by a stay at Yiayia and Papa's with a trip to the dollar store and of course as usual lots of special requests to their "short order cook" Papa, along with the day with Non and PT exploring all around the yard.

The boys started school at Sacred Heart School on Tuesday.  So adorable in their uniforms!  Both of their teachers are a fabulous fit for them.  Joe's teacher is committed to keeping Joe healthy and always has a watchful eye on him.  We feel very safe with Joe moving up and on into Kindergarten.  We are praying Joe and Paul have a great and healthy year at school.  Joe caught Paul's cold, but for now its minor with minimal sniffles and seems to be fighting his way through it on his own.  He has energy and no fever so Dr.'s say business as usual.  His numbers were elevated enough on Wed. 8/27 - (37.5 Hematocrit, 258 Platlets, 3.8 WBC and 1138 ANC) to restart oral chemos Mecaptopurine and Methotrexate at a lesser dosage and no chemo Sat.-Sun.

As if the start of Kindergarten wasn't exciting enough, soccer starts next Friday, practice and games all on Friday night for five weeks.  They start with a minimal commitment for the 5-6 year olds - so works perfect for us!

Look forward to updating everyone after our 9/10 appointment and a school report!