Signs From Above

Kaitlyn's 3rd birthday was not only celebrated here at home, but all over the country! I am amazed and proud of the lives that she has touched and continues to touch. It truly is breathtaking.

Kaitlyn was born in Texas on a hot 104 degree day. Apparently she wanted to recreate the weather here in North Carolina! She was probably giggling in heaven. Hot doesn't even begin to describe it.

The Butterflies

After church on Sunday, we stopped by Kaitlyn's grave to wish her a happy birthday and spend some quiet time with her before the butterfly release. Later that day we released the butterflies- 5 monarchs and 25 painted ladies. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that came out and braved the heat! You all deserve an award. The butterflies also thought the heat was ridiculous!!! Some of them didn't even want to come out!

Untying the Butterfly Carriage

At first it seemed like a bust but then a few of the younger kids picked up the butterflies and were able to hold them and put them in the shade next to the trees. They were so excited to get so up close and personal with the butterflies that I think Kaitlyn would have preferred it that way. A really neat experience for them.

Checking out the butterflies that were moved to the shade

One of the beautiful monarchs

"Just like Kaitlyn, a butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it."

Butterflies around her grave were made by Chip and Makayla

As I was chasing Cole around the cemetery, I spotted a 4-leaf clover! It popped out at me. I was literally in a "fast walk" to get Cole when I just happened to look down. It's crazy. Whenever I try to find them, I never do. Since Kaitlyn has passed away, I have found SO many! I have started a journal with all of the clovers I have found.

4-leaf clover... again!

The entire day was great. We had cake at home and I wasn't upset like I was a few days earlier. I really think that all of the prayers and remembering what a blessing that day is, made it okay.

After the afternoon in the heat, we went home to cool off. I later had to run an errand and got into the SUV. I was about 5 minutes from the house when I heard fluttering! I looked up and there was a painted lady butterfly fluttering in the car! I couldn't believe my eyes! The car had been sitting in the driveway in the 104+ degree heat for a few hours. Also, the butterfly either flew into the car or was stuck on one of us when we got in the car to leave the cemetery.

A Painted Lady hanging out in the back of the SUV

I was so amazed to see this butterfly and truly felt that it was a sign from Kaitlyn. I scooped the butterfly up in my hands and let it fly away. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I feel that it was a little gift for me from my sweet girl.

Here are some other pictures from around the country of friends and family who honored and remembered Kaitlyn's birthday. So awesome. Here are just a few!

Richmond, VA

Fairfax, VA

Tyler, TX

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, OK

Weatherford, TX

Weatherford, TX

Nampa, ID

Weatherford, TX

Kaitlyn's Grandaddy, Granddot, Uncle Chris and Kelley- Fuquay-Varina, NC

Glen Allen, VA

Detroit, MI

Wylder's house in AZ

Roanoke, TX