2009-2012 Adventures: 2010 Heart Ball Details

Well, what a night it was? All of Stewart's side of the family arrived in time for lunch Saturday so we were able to enjoy a terrific lunch outside in the sunshine! The kids took a great nap and woke up feeling good :-) and ready for the big night ahead. And the evening could not have been better. We were surrounded by so many that we know and love and that have stood beside us through this journey - we were truly blessed! The kids got to the party all dressed up - the mouse ears were perfect for them! I probably should have tightened them up a little bit so they would have stayed on better, but it just slipped my mind! It was no problem!

We got a professional picture taken but Bonner was behaving too well (male photographer, of course, which she cannot handle); however, I can't wait to see how they turn out! Maybe there will be at least one good on in there :-)

We did some bidding on silent auction items and then sat down for dinner. The kids enjoyed eating apples and rolls and were pretty well-behaved. Dinner was followed by a live auction and, by this time (it was around 9 p.m.), the kids were getting a little restless! However, they held out - right after the live auction, they showed the video of the 3 children, Ann Louise, Ian, and Will, and then invited us to the front. Well, the video was great - I can't wait to get our copy so I can watch it again. Of course, it was emotional - I definitely shed a few tears but then Ian took his hands and put them on my cheeks and said, "Mama!" and I knew right then that it was all worth it!! We went to front of everyone and they started taking donations. Now some might feel like your children were being "used and abused", but we knew this going into the evening! And we felt like it was an honor to be able to tell our story in order to raise money in hopes that other children will not suffer ... and that they will experience even greater miracles than we have through innovative research and ongoing education. It was estimated that in those few moments, $18,000 was raised specifically for children! We were proud to be a part of the celebration and thank everyone for their support!

The kids left after that - it was almost 10 p.m. - and we finally settled in to talk to our friends and family and enjoy the band! It was a wonderful evening and one that we will cherish for many years to come!!

Here are some more pictures from the evening! And, PLEASE, send me any that you took. I will make a Shutterfly book highlighting the evening and want to include as many pictures as I can!!