We were thrilled and blessed to celebrate a very special 2nd birthday!

We decided to Glow All Out with the kids table!  I wasn’t sure how it would photograph, but it was a lot of fun in person, and turned out pretty cute in pictures too!

Our two year old guests of honor were sporting some pretty funky light up gear.  N was particularly full of smiles in the dark room, while L perked up later on in the party.  Both birthday boys were great sports!

We started by singing This Little Light of Mine with some glow wands.  This was of course the quietest the kids were all day – so the video is mostly just my voice.  You’ll not see that here.  Nonetheless, it looked neat!

Once the kiddos had full tummies, (or were too busy to sit still) we played a game. Glow in the dark ring toss!

Then, as cake and cupcakes were being plated, we had our second annual parade.  Big brother leads the charge, and loving cousins help push Landon and Nolan around the loop.

Of course we had to overdose on sugar, so we had ice cream cake, sunshine cupcakes, and neon cupcakes to choose from.

Everyone joined in the singing, and big brother took over candle duty.

We even let the boys sneak a taste of cool whip for their treat.  Nolan decided on a cat nap, but Landon took advantage of the rare treat!

Next we opened presents.

They were blessed with some new clothes, toys, and money for supplies.  But I think this card says it all.

As I opened cards and gifts from family and friends, both present, and hours away, it was moving to think about all of the support and love these boys have.  They are adored by their brother, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the list goes on and on.  That list includes strangers, who have never met them, but pray for them daily.  While opening presents, we played a slide show of many of the hero challenge contributions, including a tally of $4,300 raised to help with our designated charitable items.  I wanted to say thank you in a way that was even a fraction of what is deserved, but instead I squeaked out a quiet “we appreciate you”, then fought off tears in the empty dining room while a brother in law provided a quiet hug.

It has been one heck of a year.  Since their last birthday, there have been 9 hospitalizations, several other ER visits, and infinite changes.  We don’t know what the next year will bring, but I hope and pray it brings a 3rd birthday party.  Every day is a blessing, and every birthday is a milestone.  Honestly though – that’s true for everyone, not just my family.  So I hope that whoever you are, no matter your story – you recognize that life is precious.  And you let your light shine, always, making the world a brighter place for all.