"But I wanted to be at his birthday party!"

Those are the sweet simple words that my 3 year old Ava said this morning after I said, "Do you know who's birthday is today, Ethan's" It instantly brought tears to my eyes and Dave's. It was so sweet and innocent. She misses him so much, we all do. Today would have been my Ethan's 5th birthday. It's been less than 2 months since our Ethan went to heaven, but I must say this is one of the toughest days yet. You never think about planning a birthday without your child.....one should never have to, but we never know what life has in store for us so that is why it is so important to cherrish each and everyday. I want to share a photo today of our family that we had taken. It is a beautiful picture that captures all of us so well. Ethan got to see this picture as it arrived on Thursday, June 11, the day before Ethan died. He really liked it and Dave had it up on the wall that very day! I was pregnant in that picture with our baby so this will definitely be a picture that we will treasure forever!

To celebrate today we are going to release balloons in Ethan's honor. Ava loves to send up balloons with a message to her brother. This is going to be a hard day for her too. It's so hard for her to understand why her best friend and brother had to leave her so soon. She was a great little sister and is going to be a great big sister in the coming months.

Hope all of you go and hug your little ones. Ethan loved his hugs and especially his kisses. I can picture him right now coming up to me with his puckered up lips wanting a kiss.....whether it be supper time, bath time, "potty" time, bedtime, whatever the occasion Ethan was always ready for a kiss from his Mama. I love him so much and miss him more than words can say!

Here's a link to one of the best videos ever! Heros have always been cowboys!