The S Family lives right down the street from us... and currently we (for the next few days anyhow!!) have six daughters between us, pretty close in ages - grey hair anyone, haha. In the very near future they'll be welcoming a sweet little boy to their home and we couldn't be more excited for them. <3

I know how it can be to round up the kids and husband for a photoshoot so I thought what a perfect way to capture the miracle of pregnancy  and let your kiddos run wild than a paint session. This is win win. It's full of fun and paint and you're supporting one of my most favorite "campaigns."

For six years now - each new school year I've helped one of my dear friends collect brand new crayons items for the heart warriors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in honor of her son Lucas. Lucas was only 17 days old when passed away from complications due to a congenital heart defect (CHD). 

The "Love for Lucas" Crayola donations benefit the CHOP Child Life team who are helping kids and their families fighting CHD issues. In a recent conversation between a Child Life Specialist and Lucas' Mom, she was told, "... the donations were used at Halloween for patients allowed to trick-or-treat on the Cardiac floor. I was told the color wonder books were used as Christmas presents for the heart kids spending Christmas in their hospital rooms. The paint and paper was used at this years CHOP Summer Camp because there were so many packs to spread around! The modeling clay has now turned into a full family activity to enjoy when visiting their Heart Heroes. But, what hit me the hardest was what was said at the end of the email: " ...your Lucas is everywhere in this hospital, and we all know his name."

A few years ago I held a paint session for Gina, Ben and their rainbow baby. At the end of the session.. a breeze came out of no where knocking their canvas over.. and in that moment Gina told me it was the first time she felt like her whole family.. both her babies were together. Since that day I knew I had to keep the paint fight sessions going. 

If you aren't in Northern Virginia but still want to donate a crayola item in honor of Lucas please use the link below. They'll be hand delivered by Gina and her family the weekend of Lucas' 8th Birthday in October <3

Crayola Donation - Love for Lucas

... To the S family.. thank you for being such great sports and supporting "Love for Lucas!" - Slide Show below. 

Song : My Little Girl - Tim McGraw