The Smile Train is an organization that repairs cleft lips and palates in children oversees for minimal cost and no overhead. It is amazing to hear the stories of some of these kids with clefts, many of whom are older children. Often they are shunned and not allowed to go to school because of their defects. At the very least they struggle every day just to eat and drink and are ridiculed by others. For a mere $250 an entire life can be transformed! This organization is particularly close to our hearts since O was born with a cleft lip. How grateful I am that we live in a nation and a century where it was possible to have Owen's cleft repaired before he ever knew the difference. How blessed we are. For O's birthday this year, we discussed with Owen the possibility of foregoing gifts and instead raising money to help other babies with "lip owies." His response: "Oh yes! Money for wips (lips)!"
What went on at our train party:
Each kiddo got to decorate their own personalized engineer hat
We consumed a ton of pizza!
We belted out "Happy Birthday dear Owie!" at the top of our lungs. This was my favorite part of the day. Owen just beamed while all his friends sang to him. He was so excited and proud to be the center of attention.
We devoured a yummy train cake
The said cake turned our kids beautiful colors. Mine was blue, like a Smurf.
After playing a couple of fun games, I attempted to snap a picture of all the partiers. Easier said than done with 14 squirmy little ones that would rather be doing anything else! A couple didn't even make it it onto the couch at all!
What a day to remember!
1 comment:
Rachel,
Just wanted to drop you a note...I have been checking your blog for a while...so cool to see your family.
The birthday party sounds so neat...as for Owen being excited to help other kids, wow!!! You are doing a good job with him!
Have a great day.
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