Gavin's Blessing Day

At the tail end of the family's visit and Thanksgiving Break, we had Gavin's Blessing.  It was special having so many family members there from both sides.

A family picture before heading to the church.

It is still hard to get a good one of everyone at the same time.

Unfortunately I have a feeling this will always be the case!

I sure do love my precious family.

Looking good in their Sunday best.

A few more.

Gavin is such a huge part of our family already.

One BIG happy family.

Mckay and I, with our sweet little boy.

Gavin has been such a blessing and has brought such a sweet spirit into our home.

Love them.

Gavin is just taking it all in.

Gavin is wearing the same blessing that my mom helped make for Payton when he was blessed, then later Taylor would wear this on his blessing day, followed now by little Gavin.  It sure is one special outfit and brings back fond memories each time I dress another one of our precious baby boys in it.

My parents with Gavin.

I sure miss living close and having them watch my kids grow up.  I know they miss it too!

My side of the clan that was able to make it.

Thanks for coming for such a special weekend!

It was sure fun cramming this lovely group into our home!

I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

And another.

Looking good!

Now for the dreaded goodbyes...sadly I don't think it will ever get any easier saying goodbye when we part.  I guess that is what happens when one person gets watery eyes and the rest follow along.  We just love each other so much, it is hard not living closer.  My family had to get on the road and had a long day of driving ahead, so they left after Sacrament meeting while we stayed for the remaining meetings.

Sweet little McKenzie.

Handsome Payton!

Now for the Swensen side of the family.

Did I mention that I am so blessed with the wonderful family in my life?  This side of the family is no exception!!

A bit blurry, but the kids were being silly.

What a wonderful day!

Silly kids!

I love that my kids have so many cousins/best friends on both sides of the family.

Sweet little wide-eyed Gavin.

Here is the special blessing outfit.

These shoes were also passed down.

Looking so Heavenly.

Gavin is such a sweetheart!  We love him to pieces.

He really is such a good little guy!

Look at that hair!

A true Keepsake to treasure.

While Family Was in Montana

While my family was still in town, we had a fun filled weekend.  Although it seemed to fly by.  As we went into the weekend the weather took a turn and it was super chilly with snow.

These guys spent one morning hunting, and got a ton!

So my dad made sure to get some snuggle time in with Gavin.

Us ladies had a little open house with Erin's new clothing line Charlotte Mynt.  It was fun trying on clothing and visiting with the ladies!

How convenient, shopping at home.

Then after the open house, we headed over to Swensen's for some time all together and a little fun in the snow.  The kids loved sledding down the little hill and being pulled behind the 4-wheeler.

It was freezing cold outside so the kids weren't able to stay out there as long as they would have normally wanted to.  We also played a few games with both sides of the family.

Payton, Kason, and Ashlee holding on tight!

Back at our house we ended up exchanging Christmas a little early since we won't see each other again until later on next year.  Sad, I know, this makes it even harder to say goodbye.

Taylor and Gavin watching the BSU game with the guys, while the ladies did a little crafting.

Taylor opening his present from Grandma and Grandpa.

What is it???

A Chima Lego set he has been wanting!

He was thrilled!

Payton opening one of his presents...

A spoon and fork mess kit.  He is loving outdoor gadgets these days and was so happy!

Pretty cool.

Ha, look at Taylor's face.

Payton also got a pair of camo hunting pants.  It was LOVE at first sight!!

So he had to put them on.

It made for one happy kid.

Gavin got a cute athletic set.

Bielle's turn to open.

She loves crafting and was thrilled to get this kit, complete with kid friendly scissors to learn how to properly cut.  She loved it so much, we had to make the crown right then and there!

McKenzie was eager to open her gifts.

She got some nice lotion from Avon, her hands tend to get super dry during the winter.

And...

A fleece pull-over!

She had her heart set on this after seeing them in the Black Friday Adds.

Big smiles.

She was so happy.

It was even better that Ashlee also got a matching one!

Brielle getting her CRAFT on.

Taylor getting ready for the big game.

Part of the group relaxing.

Brielle was begging me to help her make her new craft crown.

It was instant fun!

Lots of fun with a full house!

Gavin was soaking it all in.

Max and Dean

This little guy was sure having fun all weekend with his big cousins!

Brielle checking our her new present.

Payton looking good in his new pants.

They are a bit big but will hopefully fit him for the next few years.

Gavin by his outfit.

Taylor is ready to put his Legos together.

Payton likes his new gadget.

Sweet little Brielle.

Kenzie girl.

This picture is funny.  Kenzie is so happy and Ashlee (who didn't know there was one for her as well) was bummed!

Yeah!

Brielle, hard at work on her new crown.

She was pleased with the finished product.

It was a great weekend!

Mckay and I, Mom and Dad, and Dean and Cynthia also opened our presents to each other since we had them this year.