Merry Christmas for the Thomas family

This year's Christmas season is one the Thomas family is unileky to forget.


On Christmas Eve, they all received the gift of having the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup trophies in their home, as winners of the "Christmas with the Cups" auction.


The children opened the door expecting guests. What they got was the surprise of a lifetime.


"We are exhilarated," said Michael Thomas, whose winning bid will to benefit Houston's Casa de Esperanza. "Getting to spend Christmas with the MLS Cups is a great way to share the history the Dynamo has made in this city."


The Thomas' will now get to keep both cups until Wednesday, December 26. It is then that they will be returned to the Houston Dynamo.


Since 2001, The Methodist Hospital System has provided partial funding to Casa de Esperanza, which includes comprehensive medical and psychological care to Houston's most vulnerable youth-infants and young children whose lives have been disrupted by abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV and AIDS.


2008 Houston Dynamo season tickets are now on sale. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call the Houston Dynamo offices at 713-276-7500, or log on to www.houstondynamo.com.