She's a big star...

Tonight Channel 2 news in Houston ran a story about Kevin Kline...and you can even catch a glimpse of our very own Riley-bee. Click here to check it out...Riley shows up around the 1:30 mark, don't blink or you may miss her! It's an amazing story, so go check it out.

Riley, Daddy and I are hanging out at the hotel tonight preparing for her final bone marrow aspirate and spinal tap in the morning. She will then be considered "off treatment"!!

Can.Not.Wait!!!!!

Ah-mazing!

Yesterday, this precious girl received her last intravenous chemo. Unbelievable! They won't technically classify her as "Off Treatment" until after her final bone marrow aspirate and spinal tap, which she will receive next Wednesday...but to us, we're as good as done!! Well, as long as we all survive the next 5 days of steroids.
We had a long, but fun day in clinic yesterday. Riley was able to write a story, with a little help from the author, that will be included in his next publishing...it's titled "Ode to Barbie". It turned out pretty darn cute...I wish I had thought to write it down, but naturally I didn't. She was also interviewed for a part in a documentary being made about Kevin Kline, a radio DJ out of Houston. Kevin started the Snowdrop Foundation, a wonderful organization that raises money for Texas Children's Cancer Center. This Sunday Kevin will begin a 481 mile ultra-marathon...he will be running from Dallas through Austin & San Antonio, ending at the steps of Texas Children's Hospital on January 1st. Yes, in 13 days he will run almost 500 miles...just to raise money for these kids. Ah-mazing! Check out Strides Across Texas if you want to learn more, or maybe even donate to the cause. Riley was even invited to run the last block with Kevin and other cancer cuties on the 1st...although, when Kevin asked her if she wanted to join him - she flat out told him NO. She finally agreed that maybe she would come and walk with him, but she wasn't going to run...like mother like daughter!!

This, my friends, is the woman to whom we owe the world. This is Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, Riley's oncologist...an amazing and intelligent woman with a heart the size of Texas. She cares for all of her patients like they are her own children, and in turn they all look up to her and love her like she is their family. Love, love this woman!!

This is the moment we have long anticipated. This is Riley's final chemo being pushed into her port. It took a whole 10 seconds, but it very well may have been the best 10 seconds of our life. AH-MAZING!!

So, how did we celebrate this monumental occasion?

Why, with mani's and pedi's of course!! A perfect way to end a perfect day!!

The little ladies working the nail salon instantly fell in love with Riley. One of them kept sitting by her and holding her hand, telling her how cute she was. Can't really blame them...I'm a little partial to her myself!!

Jeepers creepers...

...where'd you get those peepers?!

These butterflies are her favorite part

Cutie Pie!!!

We are currently at the clinic in Houston waiting for our turn, and being entertained by a choir of carolers. Fun times!!

Can you believe...

that tomorrow is Riley's very last chemo treatment EVER!!!!!!

We are all very excited and beyond ready for this chapter of our lives to come to an end. But what about Riley, you may be asking...all she is worried about is missing the appointment to pick up her glasses. I don't think she really "gets" that her Journey is coming to an end...sadly, it has just become Life to her. Well, my dear princess...your life is about to become even better!!!!!

Do you floss?

Riley had her first visit to the dentist this week, and they did a great job of enforcing all the teeth brushing rules we have always harped on. For some reason it has a much greater impact coming from someone else. So, now we get to enjoy a lesson in flossing every morning and night from Riley...hopefully a habit that will last forever!

Dewberry Farms

I am way behind on posting pictures from many of our recent outings, but better late than never!
Almost a month ago the kids and I met up with some friends at Dewberry Farms in Waller. This was our second year to meet there, and we always have so much fun...we are already looking forward to next year!! The weather was a little iffy on the day we went, but luckily the rain held off allowing the kids to explore and play.

Riley and Hayden at the top of the Fort

Riley, Addison, and Avery riding the train

Hayden and Avery bouncing on the giant "pillow"

The crew - Avery, Dawson, Riley, Hayden, & Addison

Time for a hayride!!

Hayden driving the Cool Bus!

4 eyes are better than 2!!

Last week it was suggested to me, by Riley's school nurse (also known as Aunt Carol), to make her an eye appointment. Carol does just the basic exam to check their eyes, and Riley did not fare too well...which is no surprise to me being that I am close to legally blind without my contacts or glasses. Yesterday was the big day, and wouldn't you know - Riley needs glasses! According to Josh, she was a little hesitant at first...but once the nurse walked her into the room to pick out her glasses, she quickly changed her mind. She is now the proud owner of her very own pair of pink glasses, complete with butterflies and all. They will take a week or so to come in, but rest assured I will take plenty of pics to share with you all...she really does look adorable in them. She calls them her "reading" glasses, because both Nana and Nani have a pair of "cheaters" that the kids like to wear as reading glasses, but she will need to wear them all the time. Fun times ahead, people...fun times!!
In addition to all of that fun - she then came to get her blood checked, and was finally able to get her flu shots...which she was not too happy about. She received both the seasonal and the H1N1, so I'm sure you can only imagine the drama. Which is funny to me, because the girl can handle the needle stick needed for her blood draws like a seasoned professional...so you would think she would do fine with shots. But, oh no, apparently they are very different in her eyes. Either way, she survived and was even able to pick out a few surprises from our hospital's gift shop. And won't she be surprised when she has to return in a month for the 2nd installment of her H1N1 vaccine...like I said before - Fun times ahead, people!!

Bundle up and stay warm!! Pictures to come soon, I promise!!