Family Gathering in VA- baby blessings

It's amazing that two beautiful little babies could prompt such a sweet gathering.

Saturday, July 5 through Sunday, July 6

We pulled ourselves together, and drove down to Dan and Julee's in VA.  We stopped at a roadside BBQ smoker joint and had a different kind of pulled pork.  Wayne's stands up to it, but this was a different kind of delicious....had a great zing-a-ling.

We forgot the girls' bathing suits, so when we were in UT I ran to Wal-Mart to pick up one for each girl.  They only had something that looked like a tankini in Grace's size, but it ended up more bikini-ish.  Grace wasn't pleased, so on our way to VA, we stopped at Target and found a cute one-piece.  I only include this because I love that our girls choose modesty at a young age.  We teach them to not think twice about or judge what another person wears, but to pay attention to how they feel and be true.

We got to Dan and Julee's and started out with hours of pool fun while Dan, Wayne, and Joe (Julee's dad) worked at the grill.  What a spread!  Julee's baked beans were to die for.  Dan's ribs and the Brower chicken was to die for.  Mari's gazpacho was to die for- I love the way she makes it- chunky/salsa-like.  It all was SOOO yummy, and we were all deliriously full by evening.

Dan set the lawn on fire with his fireworks display.  What a hoot!  The kids had a ball with the sparklers and then we scooted off to our hotel for a good night's rest.

Sunday, July 6 ~ JOY

We met back at Dan and Julee's for the blessings of Ceseley Jane and Desmond James....both beautiful, sweet babies.   Ceseley is a strong string bean with a smile that brightens up a room, and Des is a peaceful, chunky cherub.  The blessings were beautiful and fitting.  I caught a look of pure joy on my dad's face as he observed two of his sons exercising their priesthood respectfully and honorably.

Afterward I asked if he was in awe watching his family grow and progress like this, and he acknowledged it was so.  While we were at Adam and Mari's my brother, Ben & his wife, Amanda welcomed their 3rd son, baby William, and this a.m., grandbaby #27 on our side of the family was born, Claire Kimberly.  Including the grandbabies from Ilene's children I believe there are 51.  So, the posterity grows and I'm sure as time passes it will always be joyous to witness and know beautiful occasions such as baby blessings, successes, progression (including repentance), covenants made and kept, prayer, FHE, and love shared.  I could see the look of "cherishing the moment" on my dad's face following Ceseley's and Des' blessings.  I think I'm doing a bit more cherishing of each and every good thing as well.  All are in a sense miracles and evidence of God's existence.

Following the blessings, we once again enjoyed an amazing buffet.  The banana bars were a hit.  Check out the link.  The blog is one of my favorites.   After brunch, the cameras were busy, and after a little Wii time, it was time to go.  I'm feeling the after effects of an intense game of Wii tennis with Wayne.  I can't get my rematch soon enough:)

Aside from I-91 being closed in CT for a few miles due to an accident and our drive taking 2 hours longer because of that and a couple other slow spots, the drive from VA, through MD, DE, NJ, PA, NY, CT and to our MA home was not bad.  How's that for a positive spin on a brutal drive?  We were all glad to get in our own beds and sink our heads into our pillows.  We are so very thankful for our safe travels and the many cherished memories made.  The Minivan that Could passed 200,000 miles heading east somewhere in Iowa.  We're hoping for another 50K.  

And that's how our family traveled through 17 states

(+ Wash. DC) in 12 days in the summer of 2008.

The End.