Austin's Day 2015

Today marks 4 years from the absolute hardest day of my life, the day Austin started his new mission in Heaven. This little guy completely changed our family and who we are. His life has blessed us over and over again. I miss with so much and I feel so blessed that I got to have him here with me, even if it was only 2 1/2 short years.  Austin was the sweetest child and sometimes I still get surprised that I have a child I don't get to see grow up.  I can't wait to give him a great big hug one day and tell him how much joy he brought us while he was hear, and how big of an impact he made on our family. I love knowing that one day we will get to see each other again and I'll get to have my WHOLE family together forever!

This year was extra special for a couple reasons, first we got to share the day with the Putnams!  They lived right near me throughout Austin's whole life.  I know they love and miss him just as much as I do, so it was special sharing this day with them!

We went over there and did a balloon release, it was really special.  

Lily got really emotional during the balloon release and started to cry, which made me cry.  I love that she still remembers and loves Austin.

They were such best friends. 

Today was also an extra special day, because today Chris went to the temple for the very first time!  I try to go to the temple this day every year, because of the tremendous love and peace I feel there!! We miss our little guy just so incredibly much and am so blessed to know that one day I'll get to see him again!  This all forever be a special day.   

We went to Longhorn for dinner and did baptisms and we really enjoyed it.  Chris was nervous at first because he thought he would have to DO the baptisms, and so he had been trying to re-learn the baptismal prayer all week, but after I told him he'd be the one being baptized he was worry free (well besides the fear of being too heavy lol!)  Chris loved the temple and is excited to go back.  As we were driving home we both said that we felt the spirit the most when we both decided (separately) to say a little prayer in the changing room.  I thought that was a funny coincidence that we both wanted to pray in the dressing rooms, and that that was both of our favorite spiritual moments there.  

While we were at the Atlanta Temple, the Putnam's watched the kids and they did a special art project! The painted canvases for Austin of the balloon release we did earlier!  It was the sweetest surprise!!  I will love these canvases forevermore!  I'm so grateful to have an amazing sister who would do something so neat and thoughtful!!!

 We love and miss this boy so much and even though I feel a little further away from from him each year that passes, I know that that's just one more year closer to seeing him.  I love you Austin!!!