Cannon's party guests

 I didn't know until two days before the party that my sister Camille, with her youngest three kids, and my brother, Greg would be coming to the party.  I sent a text to Camille telling her I missed her and was excited to see her in three weeks when I go to Utah for spring break.  She called me and couldn't keep the secret any longer that she would see me in two days for the party.  It's a good thing she told me because I got really emotional and don't know if I could've maintained composure at the party.  I'm so blessed to have such love and support.  I am thankful for the sacrifice they made to celebrate with us.  I tried to get pictures of everyone at the party but wasn't able to with everything I was trying to keep up with, but I am so overwhelmed with the love we felt and the spirit of joy we feel of being able to celebrate Cannon.

 This is Amy, whom I've had the honor of meeting through the Children's Village in Yakima.  We've met even more specifically through a support group for moms with special needs children.  She has been such a support and friend.  Eli is her son and he has Cerebral Palsy.  He will be 8 soon.  He usually goes to bed very early and I was not expecting him to be at the party. When I saw Amy walk up with Eli on her shoulder, I could feel the tears in my eyes.  It was such a loving gesture from another mom that knows how important moments like this are.  

To the Moon and Back

The Weaver's have been as close to us as family and we are so thankful for their friendship.  We are so grateful they let us have Cannon's celebration in their yard as to allow us to have as many people that wanted to come.  Our yard is so small, we tried it last year and it just didn't work out as well as hoped.  Derek is Cannon's doctor, and a leader in our church,  and on top of that we are thankful that we also get the honor of being his friend, and knowing the whole Weaver family, on a personal level.  Brittany has helped me through many trials and loved me in spite of me.  She has taught me that it is okay that we have different talents (and many the same), but we can grow from each other's strengths.   Our children love and fight as cousins would.   It was a joy to have this special day celebrated at their home.  

Of course the party wouldn't be complete without touches of copper. 

We gave each family a little glass jar of "Star Dust".

This is the picture that is framed on the table.  We just happened to go to the Museum of flight in Seattle last week and saw this astronaut cut out.  Too perfect!

We had a slide show playing during the party.  It is amazing to see the things this little hero has been through, the lives he has touched, and the blessings we have received over these last three years.

We even hung a moon in the trees and three stars in honor of each year.

On Cannon's first birthday, my sweet friends from Florida named three stars after each one of my children.   We displayed the star chart and registry up for everyone to see the coordinates within the Orion constellation where you can see the little star named "Cannon".  

Brittany had written this super cute "Happy Birthday" sign on their chalkboard. 

This is a close up picture of the framed picture on the wall.  Ethan was mortified that I made him do this and then hung it for all to see.  I couldn't help myself- it fit with the birthday theme perfectly. 

This is the original picture.

As the lanterns started glowing one by one, the whole yard was beautiful as I saw families and faces that I love and we know love Cannon.  Thank you everyone for making Cannon's birthday as perfect as could be.  Here's to another beautiful year!!!!