A Birthday and A Blessing

Its been a while since I posted, so I am going to start at the most recent events and go back from there.  Yesterday we blessed our sweet baby girl!  It was a fabulous day.  Having so many family members gathered together to celebrate with us was wonderful.  Sacrament meeting was a very special experience.  Aliyah was perfectly content through it all, and I was grateful to not have the stress of a fussy baby.  As all the men walked toward the front to take part in the blessing, I was so touched by what that represented.  We have strong Priesthood holders throughout our immediate and extended family and it was so neat to think of that power supporting and blessing the network of our families.  The image of so many (it was a big circle) great men holding up this tiny baby girl and demonstrating their love for her and the gospel really had a strong effect on me.  Following the blessing, many wonderful testimonies were born, including my Grandpa Hatch's.  He bore his testimony at Kaleb's blessing and I was grateful to be able to hear from him again.  He is a good man who has lived a good life.  If it weren't for his dedication to the gospel through many trials, when it would have been much easier to cut himself off from the church, its very possible I would not be where I am today.  I love him and my Grandma and I am grateful for both of them. 

After sacrament meeting we gathered at my parents' house and had delicious Chinese Sundays and an incredible array of desserts.  Somehow I ended up doing hardly anything to prepare for and provide the meal, and although it was awesome to not have that stress, I felt really bad that the stress landed on others!  It was a really fun gathering, and I really appreciated everyone that came to support us.  Aliyah is such a special little girl, and it was neat to have a day just for her.  There is something about her little spirit that is so good for me.  She calms and soothes my heart and nerves.  I truly feel that Heavenly Father knew I needed her at this time.  I call her my "Happy Pill" because she just adds so much joy to my life. 

On Saturday, June 4th, we had the awesome opportunity to go to West Yellowstone and watch Sarah perform in the Playmill production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  The play was so awesome!  We laughed so hard throughout the entire show, and the vocal talent was so great.  Sarah did a fantastic job as Dan and an Egyptian.  I am so impressed with her perseverence and confidence in achieving her dream of being a "Playmill Player."  It was such a fun day to be together as a family.  I have missed my sisters so much and I really needed the uplifting sister time.

On Friday, May 27th, we celebrated Kaleb's birthday!  He turned 2 that day and I just have to say he is the cutest little boy in the world.  He is so delightful and brings so much fun and energy to our home.  For Kaleb's birthday we gathered in the Birch Upper Lounge and just had cake and opened presents.  It was really simple, but I think everyone had fun.  I know Kaleb did!  He got completely spoiled.  Grammy and Grandpa gave him a tricycle and Coach and Nonna gave him a basketball hoop.  Grandma and Ron gave him an awesome bubble set, Shariane and Juj and the kids gave him a really cool set of cars and a track for them.  Sam and Emi gave him his own dish set, with a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, and fork.  We gave him sunglasses, a Dodgers hat, an ABC foam puzzle, a children's Book of Mormon, some clothes, and I think that's all.  He was so delighted with everything and has had so much fun ever since.

 There is so much more I could post right now, but I'll leave it at this for now.  We are loving life as a family of 4 and we're looking forward to a fun summer! (That is if the weather ever allows us to have a summer)