Forever Young

Happy 34th Lans. . . or should I say 33 and holding? You will forever be young Lans. Our memories of you will always be full of your gorgeous healthy smile, your stunning skin, your youthful laugh, beautiful muscular body and an undaunted zest for life.

We had a party for you Sunday at the park by your house with lots of Brown and Smith family members. We sent you notes and confessions of love via balloon. . we just hope you got them in time for your big day today- a few digital copies for you below.

There was lots of laughter and a few tears. . .we long to be with you.

above: your niece Lauren

Grandma and Grandpa Smith

Mom and Sis-in-law Jaimee

Grandpa Greg, your love, and me your sis-in-law

Nephew Aaron

Your number 1 Dad

Jessica, baby Miles and mom

Kindred cousin Jessica shared your birthday . . she and her family made the long drive from Tuscon to celebrate you. You two were so close.

Ben and Jonny

Josh, your daddy's big brother adopted son of nine years. Such a great kid.

The Filharts. .. my sweet cousin who lost her brother just a year before we lost you . . also to cancer. So supportive throughout your treatment and through our loss.

Your earthly angel.

Your nieces Alexis and Elizabeth

Your nephew Dallin

Sis Hillary's cutie Christopher

Aunt Wendy/ photographer. . also came from Tuscon with lots of love.

Ben writing you his personal birthday love note. . .

Your daddy said a few sweet words in your honor before we sent you our notes. .

Sis Hilary and Christopher

Erin and Blaze

Caden, who said, "It was just LUCK that we found Ben." :]

Jessica's handsome oldest son, good looks run in the fam. ..

Happy Birthday Lans. . .I hope parties in heaven are as wonderful as I imagine. I am certain you were surrounded by at least as much family and loved ones as we were on your big day. . miss you always.

Caught blue handed

I got an email from Ben:

"What I woke up to this morning...

Keep the food coloring away from Matthew."

Caught blue-handed.

The first thing I saw in this picture was your beautiful mug smiling from beyond. . . I'm sure you got a kick out of this.

Balloons coming your way birthday girl.. .

Lans- I am sure Bubby and fam are spoiling you up there, but I hope you feel love from the ground up to the heavens tomorrow. In your honor:

Tomorrow [Sunday, March 11th] is the big birthday celebration for our girl Ilana Smith. So former Thunderbird coworkers, friends and family feel free to join us in her honor. We are meeting at the park by her home 15824 W. Calavar Surprise, AZ to enjoy cake and company as we write notes to her and send them up to her attached to balloons. We will meet at 2:00pm. We are not sure how many will be coming, so byob [bring your own balloon]. If you are not able to attend but would like to send a balloon up in her honor- send me a pic, I'd like to make a collage

Shopping with Andrew

My apologies for my horrible quality video. . but hopefully through the haze you will see how FUN it is to shop with Andrew. This baby kills me.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Uhh Ohhhhh. . ..
Mr. Andrew is a movin' mama. At 15 months he is setting his sights higher- about a foot higher ;]. He walks up to about 10 steps. . 10 very cautious, very slow. . very calculated steps. And he beams with pride when he meets his destination.

We were not surprised he was taking his time with walking as Ben too didn't walk until 15 months. Then your mom told me you were 18 month. WOWSA. I was surprised that our energetic Lans waited that long. . .but then I thought about how much you loved people and ADORE your mom and could see you quite content on her hip.

We went over to Jonny's last night and Ben and Erin came with their flood of boys. Mr. Andrew had been playing outside and came in with his cheeks slightly flushed and looked up with your bright big eyes. . . He looks JUST like you Lans. He gets more refined every day too. You always said, "I gotta say, I've got some good lookin' boys." You are right about that one.

Shirtless

"Matthew, where is your shirt baby?"

Matthew, "OH, I lost it."

Thought you'd also enjoy his self inflicted marker tattoos on his arms and legs. Doesn't lack for personality mama.

This little one always has his hands in his mouth Lans. He is very interested in his tongue. They all shared some virus last week and someone asked "how did that happen?" I responded that it might have been when we were at TJ Maxx and Jacob and his tongue followed behind Matthew as he licked one end of the jewelry display case to the other. That might have been it. ;]