The Time has Come For One and All... To Play Ball!

The Ronald McDonald House not only provides you with a place to stay when you need it most, but also makes sure you and your family are never bored. They are always on hand to offer you tickets and present a variety of other options to keep you entertained. And that is exactly what they did when we traveled down to Camden / Philly for the fetal surgery reunion.  After the reunion, all three families piled onto the train and headed out for a Camden Riversharks game.  

Our first adventure was the train ride from the Ronald McDonald House to the stadium.  Who knew riding on the NJ Transit could be so exciting!

Patiently waiting for the train and yet still obeying the rules of staying behind the yellow line. What good listeners!

It is hard to find a bigger sports fan than my man Carter.

Not sure of the train schedule we had to do a little waiting; minus a few incidents they were all pretty patient.

Campbell's Field is probably my favorite minor league stadium that I have been to.  

It has an unbeatable view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline.

Of course it was bring your dog to the park day - and we just so happened to have a little girl that wasn't completely sold on this idea.

(This was my favorite dog of the day!)

After a slight mishap of being left behind - Carter was ready to watch the game.

Two beautiful girls! Two amazing miracles!

 

The game is over... now it's time for some food!

Hope Lives Here...

Seven years ago my nephew was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at my sister's regularly scheduled ultrasound.  That is when I was first introduced to two places that have forever changed me as a person and hold a close place to my heart.  The Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania's Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment radically improved my nephew's quality of life.  The Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey provided a home away from home when my family needed it the most.  It is more than a house, it is a place that turns a family's tragedy into a memorable experience. It is where long lasting friendships are shaped and strong bonds are formed.

Once a year, in June, C.H.O.P. hosts a fetal surgery reunion that allows all of the families and doctor's to get together and celebrate the miracles that have been created.  It is one of the most remarkable gatherings that I have ever had the opportunity to participate in.  It was a weekend filled with fun, memories, hope and a time to reconnect with old friends.

It has been seven years since these three families met at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern NJ. All three families live in different states and are separated by miles, but have always remained close. It was so fun to see them all back together, back where those close friendships originated.  

A little football fun in the backyard between two brothers at the RMH.

The fetal surgery reunion has some of the best face painting that I have ever seen. True artists.

A brief, momentary breakdown - it was quick don't worry. Then it was right back to the fun!

Caught in the act!  YUM!

Here comes the Royal Express - Filled to the brim with cuteness.

There is nothing more pure than the love between mother an child.

Patiently waiting in line 

A little rock climbing?  Yes Please.

Of course it comes with a little apprehension!

Such a miracle that a boy who wasn't supposed to walk on his own is about conquer this wall.

What tough little climbers!

My inspiration when life get's tough... Our proof that miracles do happen!

It is not how big you are, it's how big you play.

It's a great time of year.  Summer is filled with sports of all sorts, and I for one am a big fan.  Our family has always been a soccer family first and foremost, but now with our new additions we are extending to sports of all kinds.  As my nieces and nephews get older, they are becoming more and more involved in sports and I get to enjoy it right along with them!  This past week, I got to watch a couple of gymnastics meets and then I followed it up with a soccer game.  Both sports hold a special place in my heart.  The first because I always wished I was a gymnast and the other I have played my whole life & am in love with it.  However, neither are easy to capture with my camera.  These are some of the better shots of the week.

My favorite Mini O (lympian) waiting for the meet to begin

Up first - Beam.  First in his rotation - must be because his last name starts with a B. Lucky or Unlucky? I'm not sure!

His best event - the bar.  He is crazy strong for his age. And seriously good too.

The Novice Olympian waiting for her turn - and boy did she not disappoint when it was her time!

She got a white ribbon on bars (3rd) - She did fantastic (and maybe even got a little robbed)

 

Patiently waiting for her turn on Beam.

TB rocked it out on the beam - earned herself a red ribbon (2nd highest). She totally stuck her dismount too.

She was determined to get the highest ribbon on floor. And like a true champion, her hard work paid off.  A blue ribbon it was.

Later in the week, we switch gears to soccer - where TB rocked again, even scoring a goal!  So proud!!

Heading towards goal - what a little star she is!  She's got some of that Meagher blood in her!

If I instill anything in her it will be this.  Offense scores goals, but Defense wins games!

I'm a true defender at heart!

Love this one - you can see a hint of a smile on her face

Such focus!

I couldn't resist this... SuperGirl came to watch the game!