Blessing Day

We managed to get lucky again: we were able to have both of our families here for Aaron's blessing!

Guess who managed to sneak a trip to Maryland in?

Grandpa Russell!

Here he is looking jet lagged and holding a passed out baby Aaron Russell:

In his car seat, ready to head to the big event: 

Jon gave Aaron a beautiful blessing.  Aaron was quite cooperative--no crying or anything. In the circle were Jon, both of our dads, Bishop Brady, and our good friends Craig Knox and Carlos Olivera. 

All the Bloods and Mikesells who attended the blessing.

Still a decent group, but definitely down from 5 years ago with Seth. Darn those siblings going to college/getting married!

Love this picture.

Really love it.

Our family

And now, the Aaron photo shoot!

All photos taken by my mother in the Mother's Lounge of our chapel.

We do things professionally around here: 

The sockless wonder

(don't worry, we found it)

Handsome little man in his cute outfit

(thanks, Grandma Cathy!)

Eyes are definitely turning blue

Love those cheeks

Mommy and Aaron

After the blessing we said goodbye to the Bloods, then spent the rest of day relaxing: 

A much better picture of Aaron & Grandpa

Catherine was pretty sure Grandpa was there just to see her: 

Somehow, Aaron acquired a giraffe from one of his siblings.

He was thrilled: 

Catherine also discovered a fancy new way to drink her hot cocoa: 

Gratefully, this one has NOT become a tradition.