Liza's Birthday

Nov. 27th is Liza's birthday. She would have been 22. This is the first birthday she's had since she passed away. Fortunately it landed on a Sunday and our talks in church were beautiful and inspiring about Gratitude and I felt so grateful all day long for the 21 years we had with Liza and the amazing last week we had with her at Christmas in 2010.

The Koskis, Crawfords, and Wilsons all met at her gravesite that afternoon to pay our respects, sing her happy birthday and just enjoy that special spirit we feel when we are near her resting place.

Lucy is holding a special pillow they made for Liza. The other side has a clear plastic pocket on it and the kids each wrote Liza a little note and tucked it inside. 

My handsome father loves all 9 of his children, especially his baby.

Maryjane and Claire. Mj is wearing her "Liza necklace" that we were all given before Liza's funeral last year. Thanks Sister P!

We bought Liza some new flowers. These hydrangeas remind us of our Oregon home. We think Liza will love them!

 All our tokens of love for our special girl.

I couldn't resist taking some pic's in these two palm trees that grow like this right by Liza's place.

Chloe and Lucy walked through the cemetery looking at Liza's neighbor's headstones.

Olivia got this great action shot of Claire being crazy and the rest of us watching.

We know that our little lost sheep is with The Good Shepherd and are comforted by this beautiful image that is right next to her.

Rustin showing Peter how to wrestle!

Our beautiful mother!

Cute Livvy posing in the V-trees. 

Trying to get a smooch from the adorable Luke!

Tess loves you Liza!!!

We had a big lasagna dinner (in honor of our "Lasagna Butt") and dad just had to try on Claire's flower!

We invited Liza's friends, Greyson and Cj, to eat dinner with us. It made it so much more special to have these guys there. Olivia is loving it!

Not only did my mother make the cake with the "22" out of pomegranate seeds, but she brought back the Rollersaurus that Tess had made (and mom had frozen) on her own birthday cake earlier that year!

Then things got exciting...

Greyson started some great "Pie-in-the-face" action with Claire...

... and Olivia lured him outside (with the help of the other kids) and attacked him as he went through the door. PERFECT SHOT!

She had to really jump up to reach his face. No hard feelings here. It was hilarious!!!

Happy Birthday Liza. Wish you were here!