Yesterday, we were so fortunate to have our first party at St. Francis.  We celebrated with about 20 kids and three birthday children. Thanks to Hailey and Caroline, two wonderful young girls who helped organize the games. You were so great with the kids. We started off with game of caterpillar, where the kids made a train and had to keep balloons in between them without dropping them.  This was so much fun and proved to be quite a challenge at times. Next, we had musical chairs, which was fun for parents and kids. We ended with freeze dance and a couple of rounds of duck duck goose. Our birthday boys thoroughly enjoyed this, and were caught in the moment chasing each other.

The 7 year old birthday boys loved their GI Joe toys, paper airplane makers, army guys, pajamas, as well as books. Thanks to Debby Case for the perfect pillows homemade for each of our birthday kids.  They hugged them and smiled.  Each birthday child also got their very own birthday cake! We sang happy birthday and they blew out the candles, meticulously licking the frosting from each candle as they took them off. Everyone enjoyed a variety of cake and ice cream.  Our one year old birthday girl absolutely loved her cake! She had more on her face than in her mouth. It was so adorable.  What a great moment.  Lastly, every child received a goody bag full of fun.

Thank you to Staci Creighton, Erica Anderson, Amy & Harvey Taylor, and Donna Ralls for your donations and time.  

A Very Special Thank You:  This party was sponsored by Tim and Sunday Kamppi, Ned and Joanna Kjeldgaard, and Mary Kamppi, in memory of Rodney Kamppi and Shane Guist. Their memory lives on and keeps giving. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this party, and especially thank you for your big hearts.

Please check out our Facebook page for some great photos of this party.  Seeing the smiles on the children is a great reminder of why we do this and what life is all about.

We started the new year off with a great party. First off, the kids divided in two teams and were off like rockets on the scavenger hunt.  This seems to be one of the top favorites among the kids!  Lots of excitement, energy and running around.  At the end, they all found their goody bags full of surprises!  Thanks again to Shawnette Scott who never fails to come through with goodies for the children! 

Next, we played bingo, which was fun for the whole family.  Lots of kiddos will be enjoying their McDonald's bucks after getting a 'Bingo.'  We had three birthday children, a 13 year old boy, 11 and 15 year old girls!  Each birthday child received a new pillow and homemade pillow case. Thank you to Debby Case for your great talents and big heart. The children loved them.

Our boy enjoyed his cologne, gloves, new wallet, game, book and gift card. Our 11 year old girl loved her friendship bracelet kit, book, game, and gift card.  Our 15 year old was away playing sports, but in our hearts.  We celebrated with 20 kids and their families. We closed with cupcakes, juice and a group photo. Can't wait til next month.  Check out the great pictures.  Thanks to Jen Ragan and Melissa Hardin for the yummy cupcakes, and Amy Taylor and Erica Anderson for donations. Also, a big thank you to our new volunteers Tina Powell and Erin Audley for their donations and time! We are so thankful for all of you and your big hearts.