It was all smiles Saturday as one family came together to release balloons in the air. For Jamie McDonald, the balloon release was a way to celebrate his children's survival. 

"Today, I wanted to gather together to put balloons up in the air in celebration [of] my kids being with me and give thanks and gratitude to God," said Mcdonald. 

A year ago, McDonald was pulling his kids in a wagon on this same sidewalk of Lyell Avenue in Gates. A distracted driver went off the road and hit the wagon, pinning the two under the car. At the time of the accident, McDonald's daughter, Liliana, was two years old and Luke was 10-months-old. Both kids were severely injured, but they both survived.  

"My son still has a couple more surgeries down the line. Lilly, my daughter, she doesn't need any more surgeries as I know as of right now, but it's getting better day-by-day," said Mcdonald. 

The family is forever thankful the children survived the accident. 

"God performed, the awesome miracle of all. I could have lost my kids that day, something tragic could've happened. I could be mourning today, but instead, I'm rejoicing because my kids are with me," said Mcdonald. 

The driver, Letoya Palmo, pleaded guilty back in January to assault and reckless endangerment.