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Karen Scullin reportingThe family of a girl kidnapped by her mentally ill grandmother tonight celebrated the child's second birthday.
It's their way of holding on to hope that Acacia Bishop is still alive.
Police believe Acacia Bishop drowned in the Snake River in Idaho Falls at the hands of her grandmother, Kelly Lodmell. But five months later, on her second birthday, family members in Provo held a birthday party for the little girl because they believe Acacia is still alive.
Tonight at a birthday party for the toddler, friends and family planned a balloon release --one red balloon for every day Acacia has been missing.
Kelly Lodmell told investigators she wanted to kill herself and Acacia when she jumped into the Snake River, but the baby's body was never found.
The baby's parents continue to believe their daughter is alive, and that Lodmell is not telling the truth about what happened. They thought a birthday party would help bring attention to their beliefs.
Adam Bishop/ Acacia's Father: "WE, FEELING THAT SHE'S STILL ALIVE AND OUT THERE, WANTED TO STILL CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY AND BRING EVERYBODY TOGETHER IN HOPES THAT WE CAN SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SOME MISSING KIDS OUT THERE THAT NEVER GET TALKED ABOUT AND GET PUSHED TO THE WAYSIDE. WE REALLY WANTED TO BRING AWARENESS TO THAT."
Bishop says tips and leads are still coming in---possible sightings of the little girl. In fact, they say they got a new lead last night.
They believe Lodmell may actually have turned over their daughter to someone in Idaho who may still have her.
A reward for the youngster's safe return is at $500,000.
