Happy 1st Birthday Ryan Daniel

Dearest Ryan,

I can't believe it ... it has been a whole year. Your Mommy and I are still terribly missing you. But for your first birthday we decided to make the most of the day. We started the day by dropping off a case of diapers, a case of wipes, and two containers of formula at the Loves and Fishes food bank. Great new facility which really serves the surrounding community. So hopefully a needy family will get some great use out of those items.

Then it was off to Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment -- definitely a Ryan-Daddy stop. The lawn mower needed new wheels and a general tune up. Well the parts are being ordered and should be here next week. So next weekend it will be time to service the snowthrow and the lawn mower.

Next stop is Cupp and Cupp Nursery. Here Mommy and Daddy decided to get you a hanging plant. Plus we got another butterfly bush. Grampa Sangrey gave us a butterfly bush last year - it did so well that we thought another one would make it all that more wonderful.

Then we went to the cemetery. We did your seasonal change over - from winter silk flowers to the living flowers for the growing season. You had Ms. Jenn stop by before Mommy and Daddy got there. I'm sure she had a touching conversation with you -- probably asked if Ben and you where getting along. I'm sure you are -- he is the one wearing the duck outfit. Mommy and I read you a few books and blew some bubbles. We hope people will stop buy and blow some bubbles.

We have been looking for little signs of Ryan around today -- saw the first dragon fly of the year. That was way cool.

Then it was back home for a quick bite. After lunch we decided to plant the butterfly bush and open the cards people have sent. We did the same thing about this time last year -- we sat and opened cards every night for about 2 weeks straight. A lot of people offered your Mommy and Daddy support -- and they continue to -- last year it was wonderful.

Father Tom from All Saint's Episcopal called and left a wonderful message. We just missed him before he is going off on sabbatical.

Then before Aunt Karla and Uncle Scott comes over for dinner - we went to Kimball's Farm for ICE CREAM. Your mommy and I have decided that we will resist going to Kimball's each year until your birthday. This will be a good tradition.

Your God parents - Ron and Rebecca sent all of us some beautiful yellow roses. They are on the Mother's table.

Dinner tonight will hopefully be Chinese from Bamboo.

Ryan -- we profoundly miss you. Ryan -- we profoundly love you.

Happy Birthday

Mommy and Daddy