Christmas Happenings!

We have kept pretty busy the past couple of weeks thanks to HopeKids! Last Tuesday, we were able to see the final dress rehearsal of the "Nutcracker." Mountain West Ballet invited HopeKids to this special event. Our kids were a little confused about the production, so during the intermission, Cory looked up the story on his phone. Both he and I saw the ballet when we were kids and had forgotten all the ins and outs of the story. The kids enjoyed the 2nd half much more knowing the story. And now they recognize the music on the radio!

(Tim with one of the princesses after the show!)

Then, Saturday morning, we saw the movie, "Arthur Christmas" with HopeKids. It is a great movie and a must see during the holidays! Each family had the opportunity to enter one of two drawings. Tim put our ticket in the raffle for a collectible Christmas moose from Build-a-Bear and we actually one of two! It was also fun to visit with other families who have a child or children fighting a life-threatening condition. There is so much strength, hope and love from everyone there!

(A new Christmas favorite!)

And finally, last night we attended a Christmas party at Rio Tinto stadium! Again, this was a HopeKids event, and it did not disappoint. The kids got to decorate cookies, ice-cream cone trees and goodie bags. There was also food, drinks and games, as well as a visit from a Real soccer player and Santa Claus! And of course, visiting with other families and sharing stories. It was great to see the children you don't get to meet at the hospital because of isolation issues or just not being there at the same time. It makes one smile to see how well kids are doing knowing what they have been through.

(Kelli, Abby, Katie, Mak, Mik and Tim with Real soccer player, Chris Wingert! They all got an autographed photo made out to them and a bag of goodies.)

I just can't say enough about HopeKids. This organization is amazing! I love their mission statement:

"Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives. HopeKids provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine."