Claire's blessing!

We blessed Claire in Utah while we were there for Marissa's wedding. It was a wonderful end to a VERY VERY busy week. Claire and I flew into Utah on September 5th and as soon as we got there it was go go go! My dad left his car in a parking lot for us to pick up when we landed, so after I made my way with baby, bags and so much stuff we got in the car and drove to Kamas where I met my sister-in-law at some of her Dad's famous and amazing pizza. We got in the car again and drove to the upper Uintas's to a place called Lake Lyman. I had a family reunion there with my family where we stayed at a girls camp. It has a large lodge where everyone hangs out and a bunch of littler cabins with a bunch of bunks in them. Everyone was so nice to Claire and I. They set up our bed with an air mattress and a big warm sleeping bag. They took our huge bags up there. (we had to pack for camping, wedding, blessing and who knew what else so yes they were big and NOT full of shoes, like usual!) It was nice and cold for us warm weather girls up there so luckily we got to cuddle all night long in our sleeping bag! The first night our air mattress deflated :( so we didn't get much sleep. That combined with the hour I got the night before we left made for very tired girls!! There were fun activities and good stories around the campfire as usual! My Grandpa and Grandma told stories about their lives, it is something all of their kids and grand kids cherish.

Finally Monday came and we got back in the car and drove to Smithfield to my parents house where we were able to catch up on some much needed sleep and spend time with my Mom and Dad! Claire and I got to go play with her cousin Jonathan and with my amazing sister went to her night class! (what an ambitious woman! She is amazing!)

We were only in Cache Valley two fast days then it was down to Salt Lake to Pick up Curt from the Airport! Claire and I first went to Curt's grandma's house because everyone was anxious to meet Claire. They are just so awesome! I was SO SO SO happy to have Curt come to Utah! It had been a really tough week so far and we were really missing him. Time away from him always makes me so grateful for him. He is so helpful and is always there for me and our little family!

The next day was an exciting one! I had been so looking forward to it!! We went to Cafe Rio!! Ha Ha that's actually not was I was looking forward that day we spent in the Temple! Some very amazing things happened that day! First Marissa received her endowments and the whole Martin family was in the temple together! After we spent a short time in the Celestial room we went to a little sealing room where Sue was sealed to her parents. She had waited until all here children could be there together! Chris and Marissa were proxy for her parents! It was one of the most spiritually powerful moments I can ever remember having! The knowledge of the eternities and the covenant of Eternal families was even more ingrained in my heart and spirit! It was a wonderful day! It was also the longest I had been away from Claire so I was so excited to go see her again! Curt's wonderful cousin Stacy watched her while we were there! THANK YOU STACY!! That night was the wedding dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory!

The next day was another exciting day! Chris and Marissa's wedding day!! It was a perfect day! It was beautiful outside and the temple wasn't too busy because it was a Friday so that was nice! The wedding ceremony was wonderful! It was so nice to hear the word of the marriage covenant again! It is always so nice to remember exactly what is said! After pictures we went to the reception center and took even more pictures!! It was a really beautiful reception center! It was a fun evening of meeting new people and visiting with family and friends! It was a long day!! Marissa's dress was amazing on her, she looked so beautiful!! We are so happy for them and excited that Chris is in the family!

The next day was yet another exciting and VERY special day! Claire's blessing day!! Thanks to my brother Keith, who arranged his in-laws home for us, we had a perfect place to hold the blessing. It was such a special day and there were so many things that made it that way! Claire was blessed with here cousin Jonathan. I was so happy to be able to bless my baby on the same day as my sister!! I just love her so much and was so happy that we could share that special day! Also Claire was blessed in the very same dress I was blessed in which was hand made by my grandmother! She was also blessed with the very special blessing blanket Curt's grandma made especially for the day! She also wore a blessing day bracelet that Sue gave her. Her aunt Rylie and uncle Chris also gave her an adorable little neclace to wear but in the rush of things I totally forgot to put it on her but she wears it all the time now! It was just a wonderful day in all aspects! I was so touched with with wonderful blessing Curt gave to our little girl! I was so proud of him that he is worthy and has the spirit with him. He is a strong leader and priesthood holder for our family and I couldn't have been more happy that day!

That afternoon we went back to Salt Lake for a baby shower for my sister-in-law Rylie and their little girl Arista! It was fun to be with some women and chat! Also I am just so excited for that little baby girl to come!! It has been a hard year for them and I just want them to know that we love them and are always praying for them!

Finally that night we got to relax and play games and the next day was the day we got to come home! I have never been more excited to get on a plane in my life!! I was so happy to be coming home!!! Claire did awesome on the plane both ways! At the end of the flight the woman sitting just in front of me stood up when she did she said "oh there was a baby sitting behind me!" Claire didn't even make a peep!!!

Sorry for the long story, it was a long week!! Here are the pics!!