Ariana's Blessing Day

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to bless Ariana. For those of you who are not LDS, it is customary (but not required) to give babies a name and a blessing through the power of the priesthood. Men holding the Melchizedek priesthood stand in a circle holding the baby in the middle, and one (usually the father) acts as a mouthpiece for the Lord. He says a prayer and gives the baby a name, then proceeds to give her a blessing from God. It is a very spiritual experience.

Tim and I decided that we wanted Ariana's blessing day to be an intimate experience, so we invited only immediate family and some very close friends. Ariana wore the same dress that I wore when I was blessed 25 1/2 years ago. It was a beautiful day -- both in weather and in spirituality. The only thing that could've make it better was if Tim's parents had been able to be there. But we know that they are doing important work in Tonga and we appreciate their sacrifices to serve the Lord.

Three generations of oldest daughters.

Our cute family!

My beautiful baby girl