Blessed day

The first weekend in November, we blessed Joseph at church.  I had asked my mom to make his blessing outfit and even though it was slightly large (it was so tiny!) on him, it looked perfect!  

The entire day was a whirlwind of changing diapers, nursing, helping the other two kids and braving three hours of church.  But Joseph remained happy through the entire event.

This little guy is such a sweet baby.  He has a gentle heart and he seems so peaceful.  The night before his blessing, we had a special family dinner at my in-laws house to celebrate.  Life got moving too fast and we didn't take any pictures which is really too bad but it truly was a great evening. 

The blessing was beautifully given by Kjetil.  We had family around us and I am yet again reminded how grateful I am for the Priesthood.  This would end up being the last spiritual event that Kjetil's farfar would participate in before passing away.  I regret not taking a picture together after the blessing but I am so grateful he was able to be there to participate. 

Some of the highlights from his blessing include:

Choice and righteousness spirit

Eager boy who will develop quickly

Great love for siblings (those who are here and those coming)

Special place in family, will bring family together in a special way

Ability to influence those around you, others will be drawn to you

Spiritual gifts that will help in service in the church

Look to the Prophets that carry the same name as you

Look to Farfar (Annstein) as an example in your life

This particular Sunday was also the last day that my parents were here in Norway.  We had a lovely dinner together and then my in-laws stopped by to say their goodbyes.  We tried to take some pictures but by this point in the evening, the kids were waaaaaaaay past done and I dare say we were too!

This is my circus and here are my monkeys...

Hipp, hipp, hurra!

Try it again...

That is the best we could do.  We tried a few with just Kjetil and the kids. 

 It had a similar result.

Annstein got into the hurrahs and apparently the shadows on that side of the room are really bad in the evening!  Oi, oi, oi...

The kids with the Olsen grandparents

And last but not least was a few pictures with the Forsyth grandparents.  

(The grandpas sure know how to get those kids excited about picture taking!)

Is that a decent picture?!?  

How did we get the stars to align for that one?!

A few more tender pictures of little Joseph 

(or lille Annstein as Oldefar liked to call him)

My two beautiful boys...

Oh, and my sister-in-law Jess made a beautiful white cap to go along with Joseph's blessing outfit.  It was the perfect touch!  We used it when he was blessed but forgot all about it when I was taking pictures.  Needless to say, he was adorable in it!

All in all, it was a great day filled with the Spirit.  I am so grateful for worthy Priesthood holders.  I am thankful my dad was here to participate.  I am thankful Joseph's Oldefar was there for such an important event.  And most of all, I am grateful for that adorable little boy who has joined our family.