Annual Brenners' Oncology Picnic

This past Saturday was our annual picnic for the staff and families on our floor. This is the first year we were able to attend and we were really looking forward to seeing everyone.  The picnic was held at Camp Carefree- a local summer camp for kids with specific health conditions and their siblings.  The day turned out to be cold and rainy. Unfortunately spring around here seems to have two choices 50 or 80- Saturday was 50. So the picnic was moved indoors.

Evie, Julia, and most of the other kids hit the art table first.  Ms. Betsey has lots of fun activities for them- a 3D bunny craft, balancing butterflies, and hopping woodpeckers. So much fun! 

After a yummy lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, pork loin and wonderful side dishes, it was time for games.  There were four teams of kids- one each for Ms. Betsey, Nurse Karen, Nurse Nancy, and Dr. Wofford. They had 5 minutes to wrap and decorate them the best they could. 

So funny to see their enthusiasm and creativity.  Their expressions were priceless! Vinny's laugh was a riot.

Somehow everyone ended up with their faces wrapped.  Julia didn't know what to think of Nurse Karen's new look...

The finished products....

Then we headed over to the stables and indoor arena.  After our trip to the horse farm last week, Julia was thrilled to be back in the barn so soon.  She jumped right in petting, feeding, and hugging them all. Then it was time to ride.  She was so excited.  They let them stay on as long as they wanted.  I think she could have been up there all day!

Thanking Winston for her ride. I love this face!!

After horseback riding we were in for a wonderful treat.  Haley took the stage and serenaded us all with her angelic voice.  I love hearing this girl sing! You can hear her, too.  Come on out on May 14th from 1-5pm at Bicentennial Park in Asheboro for the first annual Make-A-Wish Fun Festival fundraiser ($10/person, open to the public).

Outside, the kids were braving the cold for some bubbles, juggling, and drawing fun.  Vinny's faces make my day :)

Inside the fun continued at the ChildLife table with Ms. Stacy.  Julia made a Find It jar...

At the other end of the table the kids got to make their own therapy dolls. Lilly's included lots of bling of course...

Julia loved making her doll.  She gave her a dress, a face, earrings, and pigtails. She gave her a button cecostomy on her abdomen for flushes. When Ms. Stacy asked her what her name was, she said "Lucy" just like Ms. Stacy's medical therapy doll.

As soon as we got home, Julia got our her supplies to flush Lucy.  It has been wonderful therapy for her already.

We walked around the camp some before it was time to go home.  Julia liked talking to all the animals at the petting zoo.  The llamas were very intrigued.

Despite a dreary, cold day we had a wonderful time with our Brenners' family.  It is such a treat to have a day filled with nothing but fun to relax and enjoy the bonds we all share.  Rain or shine, there is always joy to be uncovered.

As we drove home, Julia said over and over it was one of the best days she had ever had- her favorite activities and some of her favorite people all in one place :) We are so blessed to have each other!