Samuel's Blessing

Well, this weekend has been a busy but joyful one. Yesterday, as the day before, we were working hard trying to achieve a few things around the house and garden as well as clear up a bit and prepare food for extra people being here today. We got a lot done before our Mums and my Dad arrived, but were very grateful for the extra help to do some jobs that would have taken so long on our own. It was fantastic to see the children LOVING helping out with everyone around - a happy work party. They saw what fun it can be even just doing jobs together (partly because you're doing it together) possibly for the first time. It was exhausting for all of the adults a least, but felt great.

Today it was lovely first of all to get to church in plenty of time - that has only happened on rare occasions since being here. I think the difference was that the children were eager to be there. We had no objections to getting dressed, or helping out, or leaving the house - amazing! Just Michael and I doing our normal silly trick of taking it in turns popping back into the house for one more thing we forgot about, before we could finally leave. Our parents were laughing at us too this morning - it does get more ridiculous when we've driven down the road a bit before remembering something important though! Luckily none of that today. :o)



It was really lovely to have Granma, Gramps, Nanny, David, Rachael, Edan, Elijah, Tom and also my auntie Carol (Dad's sister) there at church with us today for Samuel's blessing. It was a wonderful blessing, and a great sacrament meeting too. It was also great to see other family members enjoying some cuddles with Samuel through church. Even when he's not with me though I can still hear his little noises that he seems to make all the time whether awake or asleep. He's a calm baby, but not exactly quiet. Those noises are beautiful! I went to the young women class alone today as Samuel was enjoying other cuddles while he slept.



Carol went to visit a friend after sacrament meeting was over and we'd detained her a little for a picture, but came back to our house later on. It was great to enjoy having here there with us and talking about various things through the afternoon. The cousins enjoyed playing together, admittedly with a few more balls than would normally appear on a Sunday afternoon. :o) Sarah and Edan seemed especially giggly and playful. It was lovely seeing them all together. The food was yummy too - thanks to Michael and our Mums.




Peter trying to teach Carol how to play catch.




Dad, Tom, Michael and David all helped to bless Samuel today.

All gathered to watch Tom leave on his motorbike.











Sister and brother (looking quite a bit like their parents as we remember them!)

All of the cousins.






We thoroughly enjoyed the company and the beautiful feeling that was around today, and hope that everyone else did too - thank you all for making the effort!