Amazing Family and Friends and Baby Showers

A few weeks ago, some friends put on two baby showers for Heather: one for her friends and colleagues at the elementary school where she works, and the other for all of our friends from our church. These showers were really wonderful and really made us feel so grateful for all the wonderful people that God has put in our lives. We have made some incredible friends living in Virginia for the past two and half years, and we truly feel blessed to be part of such an incredible community.

A few months before the showers, Rochelle -- one of Heather's closest friends, who lives in Boston -- emailed me saying that she wanted to surprise Heather and come down for the shower. So we kept it secret from Heather, and I'm so glad that Rochelle wanted to. When Rochelle and her husband Jeremy walked in the door on Friday night, Heather started screaming she was so excited. We love those two and were so glad they came down and visited. Nine hours is definitely too far apart.

My sister Alyson also came up from Richmond for the baby shower. And it was a sacrifice for her, too, since she came up with her 4-month old infant Griffey who cried the entire 3 plus hour drive! Thanks so much for coming, Pookie! We loved having you here, even if it was for only a short visit.

So our friends from church put on an awesome shower for Heather. Lots of people came and there was tons of food and games. We've really felt very close to this ward, so it was really wonderful for Heather to have so many people come that she feels so close to and respects so much.

Nichole (below) planned, organized, and hosted the whole event, with some help from others. She did an amazing job! Thanks, Nichole!

A lot of other people helped as well, so THANK YOU EVERYONE for making it such a special event for my wife! Here are some fun pics from the shower.

Even one of Heather's closest friends growing up, Priscilla, was there vicariously through a humungous package sent from Nebraska, which was full of all sorts of great things. My favorite was the bouncing pink donkey in a tutu. Thanks, Priss! We miss you!

One of Heather's closest friends from school, Kimmee, co-hosted a shower for Heather as well. Unfortunately, her baby son got sick and so she wasn't even able to be there for the shower, but she did a fantastic job! You're incredible, Kimmee! Thanks.

Here's Heather with her kindergarten team! They were also very involved in putting on this shower, even complete with party favors and chocolate covered strawberries (one of Heather's absolute favorites!) She is really going to miss teaching those adorable kids with her friends.

One of her coworkers is also due around the same time as Heather, and so the shower was a joint shower. Below is a pic of the two glowing ladies!

The Sunday following these showers, Meagan and Chris invited us to Wendy's baby blessing. It was a wonderful meeting, and that Wendy is simply adorable. We like living close to those two!