Our 4th Small Wonders Walk

Today was one of our favorite days of the year--the Children's Hospital of Illinois NICU Small Wonders Miracle Walk. It is so fun now that the kids are old enough to understand the significance of the day and look forward to it. After getting a bit of breakfast, we headed outside for a massive group photo. Over 500 people pre-registered and there were more walk-ins this morning. I think it's going to be a record year for our 7th annual event.

The 3K walk portion was next. My favorite part about that this year were the informational signs they had along the path.

It really is quite breathtaking viewing such a sea of people, as far as you can see in front of you and the same behind. Knowing that, while each story is unique, we all have a bond that ties us together.

There were so many activities going on once we got back inside the kids had a hard time choosing what to do first!

How about a little bouncy house?

Or maybe some face painting...

We enjoyed a concert by Julie K...

Then we moved on to choosing balloon animals. A kitty on a leash for Sara that she kept kissing. Interestingly, these are the exact same balloons they chose last year. How did they remember and request them specifically by name a year later?!

A monkey on a tree eating bananas for Adam.

A break for lunch and then more bouncy house fun.

They redesigned the t-shirts this year and I think they are fabulous!

For those of you who support us in any way, we couldn't be more grateful. Some of you donated financially, some babysit the kids while we have meetings for the NICU Family Advisory Board we participate in, some pray--all essential pieces to continue to provide support to the hundreds of families that experience the NICU roller coaster ride each year.

It makes me a little emotional looking back on our walks over the years! It's amazing how much they change in a year!

 

See you next year...