Emily loved the beach.

She had the cutest little feet and loved to tell others who painted her toenails.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of losing our Emily, we regularly think about where we were and what we were doing a year ago. This time last year, Emily was celebrating Uncle Ron's birthday in her cowgirl outfit and touring the Blueridge Parkway with us. What wonderful memories!

A favorite oldie from days in Oklahoma. It reminds us of Emily's joy!

As the new school year began and as autumn approaches, we think of Emily even more. She loved school. Just to make sure she was going to school the next day, she'd often say, "School tomorrow--bus tomorrow!" We drive by the bus stop every day and think of how much joy she got walking there to pet her two labrador friends before she'd hop on the bus.

Today we saw a beautiful Down syndrome girl with her parents at the store. And we see Sarah Palin's little Down's boy on TV... Each time we're reminded of our Emily. We thank God for her and pray that our culture would see the gift that these little ones are to our world instead of aborting 85% of them before they even get their first chance to breathe. God, forgive our nation.

Abby's & Megan's Memorial Tattoos

Abby's tattoo is the one with the stars. Megan's was designed by her friend Ilana.

Emily's Bird/Squirrel Feeder

This squirrel is eating from the feeder Emily made at school.

This sign we ran across in San Diego reminded us of Emily because "Little Miss Sunshine" was one of her nicknames at school.

Memorial Tattoos

During July 4th week, we made our first family trip back to Florida since Emily's passing there December 30. While there, we got memorial tattoos. Sonja's is on her left foot where she can look at it often when she reclines to read. The butterfly reminds her that Emily now has a transformed body. Sam's is on his shoulder.

Even Thalia Misses Emily!

Emily loved her two cats. This cat, Thalia, gave birth to our other cat, Sugar. Emily often liked to give the genealogy by telling people, "Thalia Mommy -- Sugar Baby." Also in the pic is a Down syndrome doll given to Emily by the faculty of Warner Christian Academy. It was the only doll that she would ever play with regularly. In the background is a Blockbuster promotional display for the movie Shrek. That was one of her favorites. Mitch and Sam got the display for Emily in Orlando while she was in intensive care.

Jiggy & Josey (Emily's Neighborhood Buddies)

These twin neighborhood labs were loyal friends to Emily, escorting her to and from her bus stop every school day. Our neighbors told us that, while Emily was in the hospital those last seven weeks, these dogs stayed on our deck and porch. When we returned home, they were there to greet us. They miss Emily, too.

Tree-Planting Ceremony at Forest Middle School

Emily's class planted a tree on campus in her memory. A plaque was placed at the base of the tree with a nickname on it that one of her teachers had given her.