Happy Birthday, Asa!

Today is Asa's birthday.  Obviously he isn't here to celebrate it with us, but I thought it might be fun for Marley if we had a little birthday party him.  She was a little bit confused about the fact that he wasn't going to be here and asked me how it was going to be his birthday without him. 

But I tried to explain it, and it ended up all working out alright.  She understood that it is his birthday where he is and here.  So, the party was a go.  She even chose to wear his favorite dress today, just because it was his birthday!

I let her pick out special cupcakes that he would like.  I don't know if she factored his choice into her decision, but she did get really excited about the ones she chose!

Marley also wanted to have Daddy's favorite pizza for lunch: chicken and pesto.  Followed (immediately!) by cupcakes!

 It was a little sad to do it all without him.  I had been planning to do this for over a month, because I really wanted us to be thinking about him and I wanted Marley to have something special to look forward to.  But we all still missed him.  Marley would say things like, "If Daddy was here he would love this!" Or, "Can Daddy hear us singing Happy Buthday?"

But I am still glad we did it.  It was really nice to think about him and celebrate his birthday, because birthdays are important!  If he were here this weekend, we would be leaving for a camping trip this weekend.  That was always our favorite thing to do for our birthdays (mine is in 4 days).

2006 at Ratcliff:

 2007 at Ratcliff:

2008 with his Dad (Marley was only a few months old):

 2009 at Ratcliff, right before Asa left for Basic Training:

 2010, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, a few weeks before our birthdays:

We didn't see each other for our birthdays last year or this year, so next year we are going on a big camping trip!  It will be amazing!

Asa, you make me the happiest girl in the world and I am so happy we have so many wonderful memories to hold us together during this year apart.  You deserve an amazing birthday, so next year will be our best birthday celebration yet.  Camping, geocaching, fishing, fire building, and hot cocoa by the fire.  All your favorites. All three of your girls miss you like you crazy!  I cannot wait until we get to make more memories together as a family of four! 

Check out Vivi, about to head for that cupcake!