Forever Family

Friday, 03 October 2008

Our wonderful, sweet, happy day!

Today we were sealed as a family forever.

An eternal bond was created and we are elated!

We specifically chose today for this momentous occassion as it is Brenda's birthday, and Brenda could think of no better gift, than to spend this day surrounded by her family and friends as we all celebrate.

We had this photo taken of Aspen shortly before our big day.

During the ceremony in the temple, Aspen and Claire were both "cherubic" as one of our friends said. Aspen sat there smiling and grinning from ear to ear. She would look all around all everyone that was there. She "talks" alot now, and she makes a sound that sounds like "Hello". She said this several times as she looked around the room and grinning from ear to ear. She squealed in delight and was cute as can be. Then as the ceremony started, she became very quiet and listened and then began her "talking" again once the ceremony concluded. It was almost as if she knew what was happening. Claire was a beautiful big sister, and she was so proud to be there. She played in the children's room with Aspen (and 2 Grandmother's) while we waited for the ceremony to start. She wore her baptism dress and Aspen wore a new Christening dress that Grandma JoAnn bought for her.Here we all are outside the temple with David's mom and her husband and Brenda's parents. You've never seen prouder Grandparents! 3 of Brenda's sisters and one brother were also there, along with one of Claire and Aspen's cousins and about 40 dear friends. Below is a photo of our 2 "cherubic", precious daughters.

After the temple ceremony, we all went next door to the chapel, where we were met by even more friends. There David gave Aspen her name and blessing. He acknowledged both her birth and adoptive parents and about how much she is loved. Aspen was again a perfect little angel and was quiet as a mouse until the blessing was through, then she was back to squealing and cooing and "talking" up a storm. Mostly everything she says sounds like "Hi" and "Da Da".

Then we all spent the rest of the evening together celebrating over dinner. We had a beautiful cake made in honor of Aspen.

The whole cake was gobbled up!

When we got to dinner, by that time, Aspen was so sleepy...so Brenda attached Aspen to her in the snugglie, and Aspen fell fast asleep and slept through the entire 2 hour dinner! People kept trying to take her, but Brenda got to hold her the whole time and Aspen had a great nap! Here are just a few photos from dinner. I'll attach a Smilebox with more photos next week.

ABCD Family at dinner

Brenda and David's parents at dinner:

Next are some photos of Brenda's siblings and friends. In one photo Brenda is talking to a good friend who called from Australia, she called specifically during dinner so she could be part of the celebration somehow.

We have lots more to add, but have run out of time for now. We are getting ready to fly out of town tomorrow. Stay tuned next week for more photos and video!

Love, Aspen, Brenda, Claire and David