We celebrated the boys’ first birthday on September 20th with some very special family and friends.

 

We enjoyed cupcakes and ice cream, while the twins LOVED some cool whip!

 

We helped them get a taste, and then they dove right in!  In fact, they got seconds, and thirds!

 

We opened presents.  The boys received clothes, toys, diapers, therapy items, and money to purchase more therapy items; all of which we were very thankful for.   The birthday boys were very lucky to have so many great helpers!

 

 

We wanted to include the boys in an activity they enjoy (getting rides in their chairs) and let the kids show off their superhero costumes.  So what better way than a superhero parade!

 

 

 

And wouldn’t you know it, every good superhero parade turns in to a photo shoot!

 

And we had to include Landon and Nolan’s favorite activities; snuggling and smiling!

 

And no party is complete without a cramped, awkward photo with around 30 people on a set of stairs.  (I’m really pulling for this to become a tradition every time we have a get together…you’ve been warned.)

 

It was a celebration befitting of heroes.  Thanks to your participation in the hero challenge, we were also able to display a running slide show of some of the awesome, thoughtful, kind things that have been done this year in Landon and Nolan’s honor.  It was wonderful to see, and wonderful to share.  So THANK YOU for making that possible.  In fact, the ripple effects of that are still rolling in.  I’ll share some of the specifics of that soon.

We were surrounded by many of the very people who have helped us find strength this year.  They’ve traveled hours numerous times to visit, help, cry, and laugh.  They’ve gone through the shock of the diagnosis with us, held our hands, dried our tears, kept our then 2 year old when we had to focus on the newborns and the unknown.  They’ve paced the NICU, rocked our babies, washed our bottles, washed our clothes, and cooked our meals.

We were surrounded in spirit by many more.  Some sent cards and gifts, some from the heart, and others from the pits 🙂 and many more sent encouragement and well wishes.  They’ve shared our burden, lightened our load, and held us up in so many ways.  And one year later, the support crew only grows.  Never faltering.  So we celebrated a super first birthday, and we thank you for a super first year.