Saturday, October 11, 2008

Saturday, October 11, 2008

We had a peaceful night of sleep on friday night. Though Mattie's sleep-wake cycle is very off. By 1am, Peter and I were thoroughly wiped out and literally told Mattie enough was enough and it was time to go to sleep. We all slept in late this morning and had a slow start to the day. Then we got ready and walked to Washington Harbor to meet Peter's family to go on a Potomac River boat ride. Originally the plan for today was to go canoeing, but Mattie told me he did not want to do that today because this frightened him. The irony is Mattie has gone canoeing many times prior to being sick, but I think he is very careful with his body these days, and in his assessment canoeing wasn't safe. So we changed plans and went on a different type of boat ride. Below you will see some pictures from our Potomac River adventure, which took us from Washington, DC to Old Town, Alexandria. We ate in Old Town and walked through a lovely park by the water.

Grandma, Mattie, Sydney, Aunt Lisa, and Will on the Matthew Hayes boat

Nat, Aunt Lisa, Mattie, Sydney, and Will at Old Town, Alexandria, VA

Monkey see, Monkey do! Mattie saw his cousins climbing a fence, and he wasn't going to be left behind. Mattie started to climb, but did not go any higher.

Right: Will, Sydney, and Mattie climbing a statue

Left: Nat, Mattie, Sydney, and Will

After having lunch in Old Town, we headed to the boat which took us back to Washington Harbor, in DC. Mattie thoroughly enjoyed being on the boat today. The water was calm and the weather was ideal. It was glorious to be out in the fresh air and to see the sights and sounds of DC. Once at the dock, we walked back home and the kids had a great time playing outside, with balls and remote control cars. It was at that point, where I had to go lie down, I am now losing my voice, and just need to rest. So Mattie went for a walk around Foggybottom with his family and they stopped at the Albert Einstein famous bronze statue in DC. See the picture below.

Will, Nat, Sydney, Mattie, and Grandma

On the electronic front, we want to thank Lorraine, Susan, Kim, and Karen for the wonderful e-cards and Jacky (thanks for the great bird video) and Allen for your e-mails. Mattie wants to thank his cat friend, Brian Boru for the wonderful VA postcard and spiderman PJs. A cat with great taste! Also Mattie and his cousins enjoyed the Dunkin Donut treats that our resident Jack Russell Terrier, JJ, brought down to our home. Thanks JJ!

Mattie has enjoyed the time with his Boston Family this weekend! We plan on doing something nice with Mattie on sunday as well, and then will of course need to get ready for another week in the hospital. It is funny being out and about and seeing people walking around with their children. I look at these folks and think, wow do you know how lucky you are? You have healthy children who can run, jump, attend school, and lead a normal everyday life. I feel this way on one hand, and but then on the other I look at Mattie, and despite having cancer and being under treatment, he appears to be so full of life, happiness, and energy. How on earth does he do it? I don't have an answer, but I sit in amazement. It is interesting, Dr. Synder and my neighbor, Kathleen, made the same comment to me this weekend. Both told me they know Mattie is 6 and of course acts like a 6 year old at times, but at other times they say he acts wise beyond his years. I have no doubt this year's experience will have an impact on Mattie, not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically.