Busy Week....Wonderful Week!

For many, the week between Christmas and New Years is a time to relax and enjoy the quiet after the big celebration while anticipating the noise of another celebration. In our family, during that week, we just continued to enjoy celebrating!

Monday, we had to say goodbye to Bobby as he had to return to St. George for work. Luckily we got to have Holly and the kids stay. He would be back in time for New Years Eve.

Tuesday we all got up early and headed to the Salt Lake Temple to witness the sealing of little Clara to Paul and Amy. It was an emotional time for everyone. What a blessing to have this darling little girl sealed to Paul and Amy for all eternity. And...because of that.....she is a part of our entire family for all eternity. It would not have happened without a remarkable young woman...Kayli...who was willing to so unselfishly put aside her hopes and dreams for a time so that Clara would have all that she now has. We have all come to love Kayli. She will always be a part of our lives. She and her mother, Debra, along with both sets of grandparents, joined us at the temple to witness the sealing. The temple sealer, Brother Adamson, spent some time with her afterwards and promised her wonderful blessings because of what she had done.

After the sealing we went outside to take pictures. We loved seeing how happy Paul & Amy were with little Clara. They had a professional photographer there taking pictures....so I will just show a few of my feeble attempts.

When we were finished at the temple, we were all invited to Amy's parents' home for the baby blessing and a luncheon. Russ & Cheryl Casebolt opened their home to all of us and fed us both spiritually and physically! We had a few minutes to relax while we waited for Paul, Amy & Clara to return from the temple.

Paul gave Clara a beautiful blessing and we were able to take a picture of all those who participated. (It took a few tries, to get one with Clara with her dress covering her!) How wonderful to have 2 grandfathers and 4 great-grandfathers able to join in this sacred event!

After the blessing we all enjoyed wonderful food and company! Amy's family made lasagna, salad, garlic bread and lots of desserts.

Paul spent a little quiet time with Clara during the meal.



What a wonderful day!

But....it wasn't over yet! Paul, Amy & Clara came to our home to spend a few days with us. Clara was ready to relax and just let her hair down while some of the family played games!

Little Robert was fascinated by Clara. He enjoyed spending time with her over the next several days. He helped with her pacifier, gave hugs, and taught how to play the table and eat Pez.

Clara enjoyed a little piano playing, crawling through the tunnels and time at the table.







Doesn't that face say it all?!?
The perfect ending of a perfect week!