Diploma, GREAT STRIDES, and birthday cake - what do they have in common? Leah Mary and the month of May!

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May was a BIG month for Leah!  To kick off the month, Leah was featured in an article about cystic fibrosis in the Herald-News newspaper!  We were surprised, but very excited, when the paper contacted us for an interview.  One of our Leah's Front Line walkers had contacted the author as she was raising support towards her Great Strides efforts, meanwhile, the author's son was just talking with her about another family whose boy has cystic fibrosis.  All that to say... next thing you know, we were given the amazing opportunity to be featured in the newspaper to help raise more awareness for cystic fibrosis!  If you haven't gotten the chance to read the article, you can read it here.

Preschool Graduation

Next up... our baby graduated preschool!!  They have a complete graduation ceremony with the kids singing songs and walking across the stage to receive their dipolma.  As you can see, the kids are all decked out in their graduation gowns and caps.  It is very cute!  

We continue to be so thankful for the healthy school year Leah had.  Praise God!  We are so pleased with Leah's preschool experience.  She had a great year of learning and getting ready for kindergarten.  She enjoyed all the fun activities and playing with her friends at school.  And she especially loved her teachers~Miss Connie & Coach Jesse! They were fantastic!  Thanks for a great year!

GREAT STRIDES - Taking steps to cure Cystic Fibrosis

The very next day was the Great Strides walk!!  This was our team's third year walking in Great Strides.  It is truly an honor to have so many people come out and walk with us or volunteer to help at the walk.  Even though the weather was a bit chilly and we had a little rain, we had an amazing time because it is the people supporting us that makes this day so special for us!  A big THANKS to all who who walked with us, volunteered at the walk, and/or donated to support our efforts.  Your support is so so so appreciated.  We are so thankful to have people stand by us as we fight this disease!  Together, we are making a difference!    

One of Phil's students brought a bunny for Leah to play with at the walk.  How fun is that?!  The bunny was a big hit with the kids.  Let's just say that the bunny got LOTS of love that day.  All the kids were given very cool "Blow Away Cystic Fibrosis" Great Strides frisbees, which were put to use right away.  The kids also enjoyed seeing Spikes (the Joliet Slammers mascot)  make an appearance at the picnic.

Birthday Girl

The following week, we celebrated Leah's birthday.  She was so excited about her birthday and turning 5 years old.  Her birthday wish list included: A bird that flies around and lands on your arm, a puppy (a REAL one), balloons, a webkinz, a ball, and a computer!  She cracks me up!  She couldn't wait for her birthday party with streamers, balloons, and cake (she wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting & sprinkles).  

You know what is awesome about a five year old... even the little things are incredibly exciting and special!!  On her birthday, Hannah was blowing up some balloons and came up with the idea to surprise Leah with some decorations.  She would take Leah outside to play so Bekah & I could put up streamers.   Then, both Hannah & Bekah hid and jumped out shouting surprise when Leah came in.  Leah was surprised... and I think she really liked her surprise!

After all the anticipation of her chocolate cake with chocolate frosting... she didn't even eat a bite.  Granted she did just open up a ducky that swims in the water, which captured her full attention.  The simple things in life that can bring much joy!  

May was a busy month and we are ready for summer break!  It is officially started as Hannah & Bekah finished up school on Friday!  Bring on the FUN!