One Big Celebration

We started today by our entire family making the trek down to Children's for Alexis to do the ceremonial "ringing of the bell" that is a tradition at the end of chemo. Her oncologist and favorite nurse met us there as well. She rang the bell and then boys immediately went to hug her.

We then all headed out to the park for a day of celebration. We had invited all the doctors, nurses, specialist, OTs, PTs, speech language pathologists, hearing itinerants, teachers, and others who have helped get Alexis to where she is out for a big thank you and celebration. When Alexi was born, we didn't know what life would bring with her. For years, we didn't know if she would walk and then she did. We didn't know if she would talk, and then she did. We didn't know if she had normal IQ, but she did. She has continued to excel and fight through any hardships life threw her way, and if it wasn't for these people next to her, she might not have gotten so far. So, we wanted to thank them. 

We were running a little late to set up, but Alexis's awesome nurse and oncologist took charge and helped set up the party along with a couple of Brian's co-workers who had arranged for drinks and "Bud Girls" to be there helping with the party. Truly amazing what our village is willing to do. That combined with our every amazing families, we got things set up pretty quickly, and we were able to just enjoy the party!

It was a great morning with medical and educational people and then our friends joined in the afternoon to help celebrate. We were at the park from 10-5, and we probably could have stayed longer to keep on celebrating. The turnout was amazing, the kids had a blast, and we were all so joyful. It is a great feeling to think we could be done with this long road.

No more chemo

At 4:20pm today, Alexis took what we hope will be her very last chemo pill. Laura's sister and mom as well as Brian's parents were all there to help us celebrate. A great friend of ours brought balloons and cake as well. You can see by her reaction what a joyous moment it was for us all. The joy on her face to be done with that yucky medicine, to be able to eat when she wants, and to just start hopefully living a normal life. We were all so happy and couldn't get the smiles off our faces!

Apples and Heros

Conner had Apple day at school where they learn about apples...everything from an art project to science experiment to tasting different food made from apples. Mom got to volunteer and do the science experiment including counting the number of seeds in each and seeing if apples would sink or float. Then, Conner got to show me that his picture was on the Habit Heros board for being the one chosen from his class to always listen and follow the rules and those of the 7 healthy habits. He was quite proud! 

No hitting

Brian got tickets for the Cubs/Cards game at the Budweiser rooftop. So, we headed there as a family in our Cubs gear in the hopes none of Brian's co-workers noticed. It was a great game, taking a no hitter into the 8th inning. Alexis, who fell asleep, wasn't quite as excited as her dad and brother who kept inching closer to the field! It was a fun family night!