Another welcomed escape...

Hello! We are in the van on our last leg of our Canadian journey and I am risking the data overage to update.  I have missed writing and need to try and focus on getting organized and making it a priority.  
We have completed our "vacationpalooza" as John likes to call it on an island off Sioux Narrows, Ontario in Canada. We were invited by our best friends parents whom we love dearly. After spending a week with our 4 and their 4 grandchildren AND Bill,Melissa , John and myself , they may never be the same. The island is solar and generator powered. No TV. No Wifi. One outhouse (double seater as you can see by these crazy fools)

  and a composting toilet inside the cabin that is genius in my opinion.#butIneverhadtocleanitout Lots of card and game playing. Some arguing and squabbling but LOTS of laughter(see above...ahem). It was an amazing experience that I am honestly still trying to absorb.
At one point a week ago Friday, when as expected, I am frantically trying to get packed and ready for this trip, I truly contemplated the reality show Naked and Afraid might be onto something. Unpredictable weather, as far North than we have ever been, a laundry facility that consisted of some soap, a rock and a lake made packing for 6 a bit stressful. We were fine on clothing and are coming back with bags of dirty laundry and in need of some serious behind the ears scrubbing but happy. In packing, I forgot my camera charger but thought my backup battery would hold me for the week. I made it one day with my regular battery and my backup was dead. Very upsetting to say the least as you all know how I LOVE my camera. I made do with our phone cameras and Mr. R used his and I know that he has many fantastic pictures for me.
The kids spent their days starting with Mr. R making pancakes, bacon or sausage, putting on life jackets (a rule anytime you left the deck of the cabin for Margo, Henry and Ben, or for everyone out exploring in the evenings) and out on the island exploring. Swimming, fishing off the docks, catching more fish, frogs and crayfish than I could ever count, playing some extremely heated games of BS, hearts and crazy 8s. Everyday also consisted of  Mr. R and or Bill taking a boat(s) out with a group of kids (and John) fishing for Pike, Walleye or Muskie. We ended up with a couple of  fresh from the boat fish dinners and some very proud kids.
 I am so thankful not only to have this experience as a family, but to again have one with our best friends. To see a part of  the country that God made so breathtakingly beautiful has been such an incredible blessing.

To say we hit the ground running this week is an understatement. We are actually racing home now to try and make Ellie's championship basketball game at St. Gerts. Tomorrow I have my first official scan since the start of the clinical trial and go see Dr. M in Indy Wednesday for blood work and results. I feel tired but good and really can't complain about any side effects I am having as they are a million times more tolerable than any other chemo. I have been on. Unfortunately, this also comes with a huge amount of second guessing of the what ifs. Cancer surely keeps your mind constantly playing the what next game.
The girls have already started basketball and now we shall add soccer for 4- even Margo although she says she will play but will NOT kick the ball. School begins this Wednesday! I just can't believe it. Oh the many things needing to be completed between now and then. Please pass the paper bag for me to breathe into! John rightfully is not looking forward to returning to work and is also coaching Sarah's soccer and assisting with her basketball. Yes, I know it is crazy but again I refuse to not give our children the "out" they need and use to let out their worries and frustrations. Those fields and courts are essential for them.
Well, since starting this post, we have- made 2 emergency tinkle stops for Henry, (one with many tears, yelling and frustration all around) traveled many miles (some in rain, now in sun) with me only slamming on my invisible brake a handful of times and have inhaled Arby's with a 3 Tums chaser.
We are so thankful God has provided us with safe travels this far and have about 3 more hours before we see home sweet home. If only John would quit chomping and cracking his gum... :)

Life is good.

Smooches, Kate