How to Celebrate an Angel's Birthday

Leah's 1st birthday had been on our minds long before it arrived... just how exactly would we celebrate?

What was the "right" way to celebrate? Would it feel right? Would we cry all day? Or would it really be a joyous occasion?

After much planning and deliberation... Leah's "party" went off without a hitch!

And it felt "just right!"

We picked out the best cards we could find.... They don't make 1st birthday cards that say "We wish more than anything that you were here!"
( I think I might have an idea now of how to help bereaved parents...hmmm.)

This one was just too cute! - From Bryce

We blew up some balloons.

Daddy and Brycie got her some flowers.

We made cupcakes!

And kept an eye on them until they were ready!

Set the table for a party!

Yes, he loves running around in his undies! lol

Got all of Leah's "friends" ready...

We read some new favorites:

Heaven: God's Special Place for Me

Thank You, Angels

Heaven is for Real (Children's Version)

I'm a Big Brother

We asked Bryce where we should go to lunch to celebrate Leah's birthday.

He picked his favorite place: Chuck E. Cheese!

We had pizza, played games, danced with Chuck E. (Bryce told him: "It's my Leah's birthday today!", and he even shared his tickets to buy Leah a present.

We visited the cemetery.

Bryce gave Leah her cupcake and we all sang "Happy Birthday."

Then, it was naptime.

We watched "Horton Hears a Who" because by now you all now know...

"A person's a person, no matter how small!"

Our special, surprise had arrived earlier in the morning.

Mommy had been waiting all day!

While we were napping, our surprises were outside warming up:)

We purchased just 4 butteflies this year for our family of 4.

They sent 8.

To our surprise - all 8 were magical and wonderful... and spent lots of time with us!

Loving Leah's tree.

Getting to know Baby Bunny.

Hanging out with Bryce.

Saying "Hello" to Mommy.

We were so happy that Bryce enjoyed the butteflies a liitle more this year!
(Last year, he wasn't quite so sure.)

We released balloons into the heavens!



And topped off an amazing, beautiful day with delicious cupcakes made with love!

It was a very special day, filled with love, butterflies, 

and remembering all of the beautiful memories that we made a year ago.

A perfect way to celebrate our girl.

But of course, I can't not say it...

It would have been so much better if she were here.

We hope you enjoyed your special day, Leah. We love you and miss you like crazy! We know you are enjoying all of the glory and goodness of God's love in Heaven! Happy Birthday baby girl:)

(We were overwhelmed with the amount of phone calls, text messages, cards, and Facebook posts that we received yesterday. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. We felt peace and know that both the Lord and Leah were present with us!)