Special Sunday

On the 7th a horde of family emerged from the various wilds of Oregon to join us for a very special Sunday. In the morning several people showed up at the house to do anything that needed to be done (was the ox in the mire? Always!) while Michael and I were upstairs preparing ourselves and a half-dozen other people for church. Later we filled at least a quarter of the chapel with Allens and Mikkelsens alone. It was impressive and the support was touching. Michael blessed our baby Audrey with Grandpa Mikkelsen and all her uncles. It was a tender moment. I don't think I'll ever tire of hearing baby blessings. (I had to throw in this one of her fussing. She's so cute when she cries--like a little froggy.)

Afterwards we all came home to enjoy the superior company (if I do say so myself) and to eat a picnic taco salad lunch and pre-celebrate Isaac's baptism. Thank you, all my sisters, for doing EVERYTHING! In the evening, we headed back to the church to participate in the climactic event. It was a wonderful service. Talks were insightful and interesting for everyone (Dad, we've had several references to the dog who obeyed his master. They listened! Nick, the light still works...) and the music was beautiful. Isaac seemed to take quite seriously, at least his version of serious, the promises he was making. I was happy that he had such a rich experience.

Friends and family filled the Primary room.

Grandpa and Auntie Rivka are always hits!

The Mikkelsen girls, and Scarlett. The aunts (including Auntie Alison and Annalea who are not shown here) sang a song for Isaac about baptism.

We were able to take a rare family picture of the entire Mikkelsen family to send to the missing brothers Pietr and Adam who are in Taiwan on missions.

All in all it was a beautiful day. We love our extended family. We are grateful every time we are with them that we could be so blessed with those associations, both on the Allen and Mikkelsen sides. They are wonderful examples of how to be good and live happy lives.

And, our first complete Allen family photo (soon to be replaced by one with a more svelte, less post-partum mother, hopefully. Give me a few months!).Most of all we're thankful for our little family, the various personalities and strong little people that have been sent to our home. It is an overwhelming responsibility sometimes, but we are confident that we're not alone in this pursuit of real happiness and righteousness.