Birthday Boys and a "Happy Ween"

Today is Keith and Cole's 4th Birthday. Keith is in the hospital today and tomorrow for his 5th round of chemo. Brent and I were dreading spending the boys' birthday in the hospital but we have been so busy and have been partying so hard over the last 2 weeks that we honestly haven't had time to be sad about it. And Keith and Cole have had so much fun, they don't seem bothered one bit. I think if they were much older, it could be problematic, but 4 years old is a great age.

We partied first in Yakima with both sets of grandparents, Great-Grandpa and Grandma Hague, Snick and Evie, my cousin Tara and her husband Peter and close family friends, Patti and Dave. It was a big party and the boys made a haul. They are very loved little guys.

In addition to the party, there was lots of fun to be had in Yakima.

Then it was back to the real world including Physical Therapy for Keith. He was fitted for his new braces last week which allow him to wear shoes. They are causing a little bit of discomfort but we're hoping to work that out with the PT and orthotist this afternoon. (Keith is sleeping through pre-chemo hydration right now.)

 Here's Keith doing a little home PT. Brent built an incredible "bridge" out of PVC pipe and then decorated it with Superhero stickers. Keith is pretty good at walking on it without help. Ally's way of "helping" generally causes him to fall. So we try to get him using it when the Human Hurricane is in another room.

We had another birthday bash at home with Eckhardt's on Sunday.

 Jenny and Katie are working hard to convince Cole and Keith to get on the Beiber Fever Bandwagon. So far, Cole is holding strong to his father's indoctrination and saying, "Justin 'Beaver' is a wimpy kid." Brent encouraged Cole and Keith to use the JB action figures as target practice for their Superhero action figures. Awesome.

 Keith and Cole got some costumes to add to their dress-up bin. Perk to having your bday the day after Halloween.

 Debbie doing a little home P.T. while Keith throws magnetic Superhero darts.



From birthday parties to Halloween, it's all about the Superheroes at our house. We decided we could all benefit from some extra Super Powers this year. If we believe we're Super, we can be Super, right? At least that's what we're telling ourselves. Regardless, we created a memorable Halloween.

Wolverine, WonderWoman, The Incredible Hulk, Supergirl and Thor the Mighty pause for a Photo Op before taking on the world.

WonderWoman, Hulk and Thor the Mighty. Thor seemed happier than these pictures seem to illustrate...

Supergirl and Wolverine in a little pre-trick-or-treat work out.

Supergirl saying one of two things: "Happy Ween!" or  "Next house?"

Wolverine and Supergirl taking it to the Trick-or-Treat streets of Tigard.

Thor and Wolverine taking a break from being Super.

Funny story about Keith, I mean, Thor. I told him I was going to go make my hair look like Wonder Woman and he said, "Okay, Mom. And then I have to get my hair to look like Thor."  That kid cracks me up. Love him to pieces. Someday, he might have flowing blonde hair, but not likely. At least he has a nicely shaped head no matter what his hair ends up looking like down the road.

Hulk and Wonder Woman taking a breather from all their life-saving duties.

Hulk and Thor putting on their fighting faces.

Grandma Smart and Thor/Keith the Mighty.

Thor and his best girl, Katie.



Wolverine and his partner against crime, Batgirl.




Batgirl and Wonder Woman teaming up to fight some crime. (My sister Syd made me this sweet cape.)



Wolverine going above and beyond to help out a fellow Marvel man.

The Incredible Hulk pausing to gain some strength from the Mighty Thor.





Wonder Woman drawing on her super-strength to get Supergirl and Wolverine to safety after a hard-fought candy-battle. Hulk had to snap a picture before Supergirl and Wolverine were dropped on the sidewalk.

Funny story: Cole, I mean, Wolverine, was watching Brent get on his green paint and said, "Dad, I can't wait until I'm a dad and then I get to be Hulk." Yes, Cole, someday you will be as incredible as your Dad.

The Incredible Hulk receiving some super strength from his Supergirl.

Wonder Woman reminding herself that she's still super-crazy about Supergirl even if she has a super iron-will.

Supergirl enjoying the spoils of plunder.

The kids LOVED that our whole family were Superheroes this year. It remained the topic of 90% of Keith and Cole's conversations. Things still are not easy for Keith. He threw up before our church Halloween party, he threw up in the car on the way to the party and he threw up twice at the party. Yet, he still wants to participate and enjoy the moment. He didn't complain as we maneuvered his stroller up and down front steps for trick-or-treating and he struggled to get up to each front door. He loved getting candy even though he didn't eat more than about 3 bites. For Keith, it's just about being a kid. We love how he doesn't dwell on what he cannot do. He just lives for the things he can do. He inspires us every day. When I was tempted to be sad about how he and Cole were spending their 4th birthday, I just looked over at him in his hospital bed, chatting away about fighting the bad guys, completely oblivious to what he could have been doing and was simply enjoying what he was doing at the moment. I guess that's why he's Keith the Mighty. Love. That. Kid.

Cole, too, is remarkable in how he handles Keith's absence of presence and absence of playmate ability. He is always helping Keith, encouraging Keith and retrieving things for Keith willingly. You can often here him say, "Good job, buddy." or "You can do it, Keithy." He didn't complain that he didn't see Brent or play with Keith today. The first thing he asked me when I got home from the hospital tonight alone was, "Is Keith home, Mom?" He asked where Keith and Dad were and he was sad. But he just said, "I miss Keith and Dad," and then told me about his day with Grandma and Ally.
Cole was meant to come to Earth with Keith. It is no accident that they are here together. Just like Keith has been asked to withstand cancer and cancer treatment and the affects it will have on his future, Cole has been called to be there with Keith in every way. A lot is placed on his shoulders as Keith's twin brother. We can see Cole shouldering his responsibilities well already. Love. That. Kid. Too.