Dream night at the zoo

June got off to a roaring start for us too.  No rest for the weary, you know.  Lizzy  (and her family) was invited to Dream Night at the zoo.  We were invited by the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, but many other area children's hospitals participate also.  It is a free night at the zoo for chronically or critically ill children and their families.  In some ways we were a bit surprised to be invited.  Her condition has improved so much we sometimes forget she was once critically ill and that her Chiari and Syringohydromyelia is something that may need to be monitored her whole life.


 It was wonderful to go.  I think seeing other children who were sicker that she is now (children with cancer shirts or no hair, children in wheelchairs, children with other disabilities) made Lizzy feel grateful.  We were all grateful that we have made it through the most difficult part, grateful that things are pretty good now.  I think she also feels sometimes sad about the things she can't do; it made her happy that we had this fun night, all free, because of her, too.  They fed us and had free crafts and face painting and free train rides.  It was really fun.  They also let all of the kids pick a free souvenir at the end of the evening.  We loved it!  Too bad Greg and Adam missed out on the fun.  Greg was with the older scouts on their High Adventure.  Adam was babysitting for a great family that has only boys.

Here are the kids at homed with their seal souvenirs.  Notice the face paint on Liz and Ben.  What a great night!