John & Shannon Hufford: Blessed Day

Not only are we blessed to have Brooklyn in our family - but we were also able to bless her at church. It was a great day and we were lucky to have so many family and friends join us in the special occasion.

We are grateful to have a Daddy who is a worthy priesthood holder and is able to give each of our children a special blessing after they are born. Family and friends (aren't they the same thing really?) came from far and wide to celebrate in her special day. She may not have known what was going on at the time - but luckily she can look back and read this post and see the pictures and will know just how much she was loved by so many.

My side of the family drove from the four corners of Missouri and joined us on Saturday morning for a weekend 'o' fun before the special day. Almost everyone was able to come, except poor Aunt Natalie (who had to work) but luckily she was able to meet Brooklyn later at another family event.

Once everyone arrived we all did what we do best...sit and visit and eat and sit. We also were able to throw in a pool party at the hotel just to spice it up a bit. And lets just say that our family alone most likely took that pool to it's maximum capacity. And 98% of those occupants were children under 8 years old. It was chaotic and fun. These cousins just love getting together and playing. And we adults just love when they do as well. I'm very grateful that my kiddos get to grow up being so close to their cousins on both sides of the family.

Pool time!

Eating dinner with cousins. "The Boy Table"

Eating dinner with cousins. "The Girl Table"

Trying to line up from oldest to youngest - epic fail.

On Sunday, Brooklyn's special day, we arrived at church early and got down to business. I wanted to make sure Brooklyn had a full belly and was spit-up free before I dolled her up in her pretty outfit. We also wanted to make sure we saved 4 rows of pews (4 rows folks!) for the rest of our family members who would be arriving shortly.

Sisters, hanging out together before heading off to church.

Daddy made sure to give me some instructions on how to prep her just so so she would be happy during the blessing. Normally, he's not picky but little Jonas managed to cry through his entire blessing and it was a little difficult to hear or focus. We were hoping Brooklyn didn't follow suit.

The milk coma - I'd say she is prepped and ready to go!

For Brooklyn's reference (and documentation purposes) the following priesthood holders were able to stand in the circle for her blessing (which I think were the exact same for both Addison and Jonas' blessings too.

Daddy
Grandpa Fields
Grandpa Bell
Tom Allred
Mark Hufford
Brad McKasson
Nick Bell
Quentin Bell
Kendall Walker
Kyle LaBrue

It was a big circle! I didn't have the energy to corral them all afterward for a picture so hopefully listing their names for history is just as good.

Daddy gave a great blessing and she did pretty good during it. She did manage to cry a little at the beginning but luckily the combined forces of the bouncing hands was enough to calm her down so we could all hear the special words.

After Sacrament, we were all able to dine on a delicious luncheon at our neighborhood clubhouse and all of the kiddos had some time to get some energy out as well. We were sad to see the fun come to an end but were so grateful for so many who came to support Brooklyn in her special day. She is blessed and we are blessed.