Blessing and Baptism Day

A major incentive for my parents to visit was our decision to bless Owen and baptize Zachary while they were here.

We got a few pictures before the big day, since there is a law that when you dress your babe in white, they will blow out their diaper and the outfit will not be white any longer.

The best part of the pictures were the giggles behind the camera.  Yeah, Brady and I laughed plenty, but it was Zachary and Kate who got the most delight out of cross-eyed Owen and old man Owen.

Giggle, giggle, giggle.

Handsome Zachary!  Zac invited his two "brothers" to his baptism.  His bestie, David, had not been to a baptismal service before.  His mom texted a response to the invitation to attend by telling me that David was "very excited" about the baptism.  We've invited them to attend several parties at our ward over the last year.  According to David's interpretation of Zac's invitation, there would be another party but without decorations like at our ward Trunk or Treat.  There would, however, be a DUNKING MACHINE!  It was the hardest I've laughed in months.

Kate couldn't stand that Zac got to hold Owen while standing up.  She was adamant to have a turn.  The 8 seconds it took to grab a quick shot of her holding Owen were the most stressful of my life since Owen's birth.

The morning of Zac's baptism and Owen's blessing arrived!  Happy Day!

We were nervous that Zac might feel a little misplaced to share his big day with Owen, but he couldn't have been more thrilled to have his baby brother share the spotlight.

We all participated in the service.  Brady blessed and baptized.  Mom played the piano for the service.  Kate gave a sweet prayer even though she was scared.  I spoke on the Holy Ghost.  Dad spoke on Baptism.  The program had a picture of a dad with red hair.  The service was full, and I couldn't believe how many people from our ward turned out to support our family and Zachary, including his "brothers" from school.  It was a super sweet experience.  The best moment, however, was after he was baptized.  Zachary turned to Brady and said, "Dad, that was so cool.  I've been waiting for this day for my whole life."  It was clearly a meaningful event for him.

After serving refreshments and coming home, we were all pretty pooped.

Brady snapped one last shot of the day--me holding my sweet, 3.5 week old baby.  I look worn out, but happy, which is a perfect reflection of how I felt.

p.s.  Owen looks hungry and tired.  A perfect reflection of how he felt.