Elli's Blessing ... Part Dos

Alyson and Nate were kind enough to take a lot of pictures while they were here for Elli's blessing. Their pics turned out so great that we had to post some of them. So here are so more pics of Elliana's blessing.

Elli was not entirely a happy girl the day of her blessing. She fussed and cried through parts of her blessing and most of afterwards, but she did get happier, as you will see in the pics below. This pic, tho, is one of my favorites. She definitely inherited her mom's pouty look!

This one is Heather's favorite. She thinks that Elli looks like a china doll made of porcelain.

I love these pics of my hot baby momma and sweat pea! These are definitely going on my desk at work once we get them printed off.

Florida Vacation

So my family (this is Heather) planned a family get together in Florida this year and everybody except for Cheri and her family were able to come. Todd was only able to stay for the first weekend because of work but I was glad he got to come at all. It was such a fun time just to hang out on the beach. It was really hot at times (it was apparently one of Florida's hottest weeks all summer), but that just made us all get in the water more --- even Elli actually really enjoyed being in the water. She loved the gentle waves, and didn't even get upset if a little water got on her face. She would only get fussy when I took her out.

The kids had fun building big sandpits! Dave was a great sport letting Natalie bury him and throw sand on him. Zack also loved playing with Uncle Dave. He even was attached to him as they played sea horse in the water.



By the end of each day, Natalie always had a huge pile of sand in her swimsuit bottoms. So funny to see that saggin bottom.

Here is Elliana playing with her Aunt Jenny. It was great to have mom and dad and jenny to help me on the plane ride home.

The first part of the week we went to the Everglades. We had a great time going on fan boats, seeing big alligators, and mimicing the natives.

Elliana especially enjoyed spending a lot of quality time with her cousins who she loved. Ashley, Zack, and Natalie loved holding and talking to Elli and she always lit up when they were around.

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It was a great vacation. I can't wait to see everyone again at Christmas!

Elli's Baby Blessing

Last Sunday, we were blessed to have so much family be able to join us for Elli's baby blessing. For those who don't know, in the LDS Church, after a child is born, a father who holds the priesthood has the opportunity to give the baby a blessing in a prayer asking God to protect and bless the child with strength and faith and other attributes as the Lord sees fit. It is a truly wonderful and spiritual event, and one that we have really anticipated.

Heather's parents and sister Jenny along with my parents, Alyson and Nate, and Tys and Diana and kids were all able to make it. I know it wasn't easy arranging schedules to make it happen, but thank you to everyone who could come; it made the event even more special.

As a first-time dad, it was a pretty special feeling to take my daughter in my arms and give her a blessing. She is such a sweet little girl, and I feel blessed that I had the chance to use my faith and priesthood to offer her a little extra strength and protection as she grows up.

Here are a few pics from the day. I also want to note that Chris, Meagan, and Wendy came to the blessing, as well. We didn't get any pics of them since they had to leave right after sacrament meeting, but we were grateful that they came, too.

You probably noticed in the pics above that Elli is starting to smile a lot more, although sadly she was not quite as smily right after church. Heather and I are loving this! We love to hold her and smile at her, and she is definitely responding with some big smiles for us.

Here are a few more pics of Elliana smiling while sitting in her favorite swing with the blanket that her Great Grandmother Betty made for her. Thanks, Grandmother Betty!