Andee's 1st Birthday

I can't believe it's been 1 year since we lost our little girl. It feels like it was just yesterday. It was a pretty hard day and J.D. nor I slept the night leading into her birthday. All the memories rushed back in and I was throwing up the whole morning. 

Dawson told us that Andee wanted a cake and we could pretend to get her presents. We also decided to take balloons to the cemetery. When I told Dawson about the balloons he was so excited! He said, "Mom! I can draw a picture for Andee on the balloon and then Heavenly Father will catch it and give it to her!" 

It brought tears to our eyes, but I would like to believe that that's what would happen. 

Before heading up to the cemetery, I took a picture of the sun setting on this beautiful November 7th day.

Everyone had a balloon and those that didn't get to draw on the balloon whispered their messages to Andee.

 And here they go on their way to Heaven!

 Right after, my mom and Jori with her kids came up. We saved balloons for them so they could tell Andee Happy Birthday too. It was so special for everyone and meant so much to J.D. and I.

 Here's Mckynlee and Jori letting go of their balloons

Mckynlee is pretty close with Andee. You ask her, "Where's Andee?" and she will grin and point up. It's the most amazing thing. She has done that on her own since she could understand words. 

That night we went swimming at the hotel and blew out Andee's candles. Dawson and Carson had so much fun blowing out the candle together and then swimming. I loved watching how excited they were for the cake. 

The day was also filled with so much love and support from friends and family. We had friends calling and texting letting us know they remembered Andee M'lee. It really gets us choked up to know and feel love from so many people. It meant the world to us to know how many people remembered her. Thank you to everyone and we know Andee misses all of you.