Shooter!

I'm happy to report more fun and laughing days with Joseph. He has become obsessed with this little light-up gun that shoots foam discs at us (Thanks, Nana!!). He becomes absolutely delirious with joy while playing this game (we call it shooter). At first, he just wanted to shoot Mimi over and over again, but last night he starting running around the house from her, which was so great to see. Overall, he is acting much more like his goofy self and is so cheerful and energetic again. He even went down the slide at the zoo playground (right after I wrote he hadn't played on a playground yet!). He is off the steroids and is sleeping through the night again and taking a nap. It feels so good to have that normalized again. Those steroids are no picnic, let me tell ya (just take my word--don't try them on your kids).
We went to see the Peabody ducks last night, which was not the leisurely visit we expected. We got there 15 minutes early and the little fountain and red carpet were completely surrounded by eager children and parents. We finally squeezed in and got to see the ducks but then we were told to move back so the ducks could exit...well, of course no-one wanted to move back, Joseph got claustrophic and Holly started throwing herself down on the floor screaming. So, we got out of there with both kids screaming and found an ice cream shop, which made everyone happy again. We were told later that the ducks are not usually such an attraction, but there was a big basketball game on later so everyone came to see the ducks first. So, we're going to try again on a weekday and hope for a calmer visit.
Today we will probably try the museum here, which is amazing and has a real car inside and a fire truck. Holly and Joe both love it. Memphis has some great activities for kids and Jennifer's house is at the most 10 minutes from everything. The museum is 5 minutes as is the zoo.
Joseph is starting to get a rash on his face from the Tarceva (which is one of the side effects). We were actually hoping he would get it b/c it is supposed to mean the drug is being effective. It can be very uncomfortable so they will give us medication to relieve any pain. Right now he doesn't notice it--it just looks like a little acne.
Holly is back with us and Joseph was so excited to see her. She was thrilled to see him but especially the dogs. She is good b/c she reminds me to change their water and give them food. She has a special bond with them. Oh, and I have to mention that Holly has started to remind me to pray for Joseph (she must have gotten into the secret network of children who are banding together to pray). When I put her to bed she will say "Amen?" which means "Let's pray." Then, if I forget to pray for Joseph (see, I'm not such a great parent) she will say, "Pray, Jusha?" (Joseph). Then she says a big "Amen!" afterwards. It is so sweet to see such a little child have faith. Thank you for praying for us and all your encouraging comments. We love reading them all.