Special Day: Katelyn's Baptism and Elizabeth's Blessing

We had a special day the Saturday, August 1st.

 

Katelyn had the chance to be baptized August 1st and we were able to bless Elizabeth at the same time.  It was a neat day for Mike and I, and our sweet girls. How we love them!  I like the space between Katelyn and Elizabeth--to dream about what Elizabeth is going to become by the time she is 8, and to remember back to how Katelyn was as a baby.  What sweet daughters we have been blessed with. It was a fun day to celebrate them!

  

 It was different for us, but we decided to bless Elizabeth at Katelyn's baptism. Normally we prefer to have the blessing happen in church on Sunday, but circumstances were such that we changed our minds, ha!  It was nice to have the family that had to travel be able to attend both.  I'm thankful to my Dad for letting us use his Institute building to have a little gathering afterwards as there is ZERO room here in our apartment.

A quick note about Miss Elizabeth's name.  Her middle name, Suzanne, is after my Aunt Suzanne. 

You will have a hard time finding someone more selfless, covenant, giving, kind, sincere and thoughtful. She's always the first to get to work and won't leave until the job is done,   She signs up for the yucky jobs and never complains. She cares and remembers to ask, makes you feel important and loved, and goes about doing countless quiet acts of service and obedience.  What a woman she is (and her whole family, really!).  Love her.  I hope my own little Suzanne will learn and keep similar traits.

Catching Up--

Whoa! A lot has happened in the last 7 weeks.  Holy, freakin', smokes.

A family of six.

We made it home from the the hospital and got right to work recovering and prepping for our move.  I'm super glad we didn't move before we had Elizabeth, but man...moving only a few weeks after was probably not the brightest idea either! Ha!  Elizabeth, however, is the bright spot in all the crazy. What a sweet baby she is, and oh, how we love her.  She's a great sleeper, puts up with constant 'love' from her siblings, tolerates all the hair accessories we put on her, and is a calming snuggle when I need it most.  Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent her at this time.

Coming home from the hospital--Katelyn got to come and help. 

 A family of SEVEN!

 A huge shout out to everyone who helped us move. Jillisa and my Mom who spent the weeks leading up to our move helping me pack and clean.  Jennifer, who never stopped working all weekend even though it was her vacation. Mike, who took extra days off work cuz I was buried under stuff to get done and it just wasn't going to happen.  My Dad, who showed up after several very long days at work to help us at the end when everyone else had just pooped out.  And our family, friends, and neighbors who came, on a weeknight (some of you came 3 weeknights in a row!), during dinner and bedtime, to help us move and pack and unpack--and put everything 2 floors up!  And, all on the hottest day of the year.  You guys are all the best!

 Last family picture--the kids look good...Mom and Dad look wiped out. And blast that sun! Oh well! :)

We made it. We got in. It was totally and completely overwhelming--and that is saying something cuz it takes a lot to ruffle my feathers.  Going from a big house to a TINY apartment is not for the faint of heart and we have definitely done some creative maneuvering to get us and all of our "essential" items in here. (#firstworldproblems) But we've done it.  And it is even starting to feel a bit like home, and for that I am grateful! :)

 

We tried a new ward once, then had our plan blow up (see previous post) and so tried a new ward again.  The first week was a bit rough, but this last week was much better and we are feeling good.  They say the church is true wherever you go--and for that we are so grateful!

We are loving our swimming pool and have been there just about 6 days a week since we've moved in.  On the colder days we have even had it all to ourselves. :)  Seriously, who wants to come and join us for a swim--anytime!  We would love to have you join us!

We are looking forward to Katelyn's baptism and Elizabeth's blessing...as well as birthday week (or month!), my little brother coming home from his mission, an awesome trip to Mount Rushmore, and house hunting. 

 Pictures from our photo shoots for baptism and blessing announcements.

 I cannot believe that summer is over halfway done and come 5 weeks we will have a 3rd and 1st grader!  My poor Lukey is going to be so bored without his brother around!