Tommy's Blessing Day

Tommy was blessed at church on the Fourth of July and life worked out in such a way that just about all of our family could meet together for it.

Other than an aunt and uncle and four cousins, this is Tommy’s family (that would be 38 of us).

It was a nice blessing, done by Kevin, and special testimonies were shared afterward by Kevin and by Grandpa Brent.  Tommy wore the same blessing outfit as his three big brothers.  It is the same outfit Uncle Dan wore when he was blessed 40 years ago.

We had a backyard barbecue after church.  There was a lot of hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and chips as well as a lot of visiting and enjoying the nice breeze and cool shade.

Kevin’s co-worker does photography on the side, so we had him come and take pictures for us.  The littles played nicely together – some soccer, some croquet, some rough and tumbling, some sand-eating …

The photographer tried to get family shots of everyone, but some people opted out.

Here’s Kevin with his family (his younger brother couldn’t make it out for the blessing).

My oldest brother Tim with Kym, Melissa (who came straight from camping to be with us), and Stephanie (who plays a mean hand of cards)

My brother Dan with Cathy, Danny and Cate (notice the coordinating, patriotic colors and that there are no stains or spills on their cuteness)

Kevin’s brother Marc with his wife Cindy and Jacob, Ethan, Grant, Cambrie, and Ella

Kevin’s sister Kristi with her husband Scott and their sons, Daniel, Joseph, and Benjamin

Kevin’s folks and his sister Wendi

Tommy made the rounds, being held by most everyone.  Only a few pictures of that were taken though.  Here he is with Grandpa Brent …

And a few moments with his own momma …

Aunt Cathy made a yummy chocolate cake and cute patriotic cupcakes, so we sang Happy Birthday to Ricky (it was day two of his birthday week, after all, and in his mind, these people weren’t just here for Tommy … they were there for him too).  We used a battery-operated candle.   It doesn’t blow out, but don’t tell Ricky.  He kept puffing until I turned it off.  I’m not sure if Billy was more disturbed by the odd candle or that he wasn’t allowed to try blowing it out too.

It was a most excellent day and we are so fortunate to have so many people in our lives who love our boys!

And let us end the post with a bit of who’s who!  All of these boys are ours, but which one is which and which one is who?