Brooklyn's Blessing

 This past weekend we took a trip down to Vegas for the blessing of baby Brooklyn, Chris and Rachel's brand new baby girl.  We got to meet Brooklyn when she was just 3 days old on our way home from Disneyland, and it was so fun to get to see her again! And of course, to visit with the Merkleys and the Omers who live in Vegas, and visit with my dad and lots of the Hansens who came for the blessing.  Since Hallie had Friday off of school, we drove the ten hours down to Vegas on Friday and drove back to Green River after the blessing on Sunday.  The drive was a bit long for this 36-weeks-pregnant momma, but I wasn't as uncomfortable as I had feared I would be.  The kids were fantastic travelers as usual!  Ben was also a great help, sitting in the back and helping the girls when they needed it. We stayed with Denise and Gerry, who were kind enough to put us up for the weekend. 

At a gas station in Beaver, the girls wanted to climb on this giant rocking chair.  Claire wasn't such a big fan once she was actually on it.

The kids played in the backyard just about all day on Saturday. 

Hansen cousins and Merkley cousins alike enjoyed climbing the tree.

Evie wanted me to put her in the tree, but once she was up there, she felt pretty unsteady and wanted to get down.

Claire loved holding baby Brooklyn, who loved being held.  All the girls loved seeing Grandfather, too.

Evie looking at pictures on Daddy's tablet, which she calls his "La-top!"

Evie and Brookie.

Loves.

 Blessing Day: It was a lovely day, about 80 degrees in Las Vegas, and the blessing took place at 9 AM.  Brooklyn was a perfect baby for the whole meeting, except when she was being blessed.  She screamed the whole time.  It was memorable.  Despite her crying, Chris still did a wonderful job and gave her a beautiful blessing.

The girls with Timmy, who they call Little Timmy. He was their best bud for the weekend.

The entire friends and family present at the blessing. 

The immediate Merkleys.  Kendall and Robin also were there with Kim, Katie, and Anna. 

Trying in vain to get all six of the Merkley granchildren to sit still for a granchild picture. 

Grandfather and Baby Will.  He is so chunky and cute!! We only got to see him for a very short time because Tim and Tam didn't arrive until Sunday, and we had to leave right after the blessing. 

This was the best picture we got of the grandkids.  Jake did NOT want to sit still.

Our family.  Please excuse my chipmunk face, I always get it during the last month of pregnancy. 

It was a great trip with good food and good family and good fun! Congratulations to Chris and Rachel!!