Happy 9th Birthday!

 Today we celebrated Candace's 9th Birthday!  

It was also Sweathearts dance for Shaylin.
She and her date came and joined us in our annual balloon launch.

 I love how good of friends our kids are.

Heading to the "launch pad" at Ann Morrison Park.

Ethan and Mom playing a little hide-n-seek before the launch.

We love that the kids have an enjoyable time and happy memories 

each year as we celebrate her birthday.

Happy 8th Birthday to our little Angel!

Today is our angel daughter Candace's 8th birthday.  The dress she would have worn for her baptism hangs empty next to her first white dress.  We picked her name because of it's meaning: flowing white, pure.  How fitting to be reminded of this today on her 8th birthday.  This mama's heart can't help but ache a little at the different earthly milestones missed, but I also rejoice knowing that she is already perfect and waiting patiently for our family to be reunited again one day.  I'm so very grateful for temple covenants and eternal families.  I know I'll hold my little girl again.  Happy Birthday my sweet daughter!  

Candace's 8th Birthday Balloon Launch

A Bonus Visit

 We went back to Oregon to visit family and friends 

and were able to spend a little time at Candace's grave.  

There is such a peaceful feeling when our family is 

gathered together there.

 I had to get a picture with all 5 of my children 

in it, even if it's just a picture of Candace. =)

As we were getting ready to leave, Hailey was 

having a hard time.  I was standing back a bit

 and noticed Zach put his arm around her and 

comfort her.  It was such a sweet moment to capture.

Candace's 7th Birthday

 Filled the balloons with our letters for Candace,

  and we're ready to launch the balloons. 

 3....2....1

Back at home ready to celebrate with cake and presents.

Grandpa Carroll was able to visit Candace's grave 

and sent us this picture.  It brings so much peace 

to us to see her grave getting visited on her birthday.  

Thank you!

Candace's 6th Birthday

 We found a beatiful park to launch Candace's balloons this year.

 Ethan was attempting to launch his balloon early and 

couldn't figure out why it wasn't floating up.  

When we took this picture he had just discovered 

Jon's foot thwarting his plan.  =)

 Ready, set, go!

 I always love the moments after as we watch the balloons 

float out of sight and all stand in silence 

remembering our sweet little angel.

 Then we came home and enjoyed a birthday cake.

 The kids each got shirts this year as their present.  

A little early for St. Patrick's Day, but more 

about the message of being "Extra Lucky" 

to have an angel for a sister.

 We had some very thoughtful friends bring us this beautiful pink 

bouquet of cake pops to celebrate Candace's birthday.

 I also had this sweet picture taken and sent to me, reminding me that my friends are still watching over her resting place and carrying on the tradition of adding a little something to her grave on her birthday.  It brings this mama such peace to know that her grave was visited on her birthday.  Thank you!!!

Our 2nd Visit in 2012

 We were lucky enough to get to visit Oregon twice 

this year.  Besides seeing family and friends, we look 

forward to bringing our family back to Candace's grave.

We missed Ethan being in this picture.  

He was fast asleep in the car during this visit.