I have no words for how amazing this day was.
It reminded me of Aimi Lark's blessing day in the way that I felt so unprepared, but that it was perfect. I do wish we had taken pictures on Aimi Lark's day, but we've learned with age and Jake was super camera man and took over the big camera all day. I am so grateful for him. He knows what I want and need and makes sure and takes care of it for me. Leila Jin wore the dress that her sisters anc cousin Ada wore. My Mom added shoes and a blanket so now she has her own special pieces. The dress has antiqued with age, but it's such a treasure to me. Jake gave her the most beautiful blessing of seeking for truth in her life. I am so glad that I get to be her Mama.
After church everyone came back to our house for burrito bar. Who doesn't want to play with "cousins" and hold a cute baby and eat yummy food in a loud house with perfect fall weather!?
Huntzinger family: Jake's mission buddy (they've known each other almost half their lives) and we lived with them when we evacuated from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Robinson family: My cousin Kayla. Our grandparents are brother and sister (Ivan her, Carolyn me) and Kayla lived with us when she was going to college in Utah when she got ready to marry Josh. Before that she hung out with Jake's sister Audrey, did her laundry at our house, and was a perfect babysitter and addition to all things Shillig.
Keeton family: Kenny is Jake's best childhood friend. He and Marlyse started dating right around the same time we did so it's been such a close relationship. I am so grateful for friends like them, they are like family. Marlyse and I walked together almost daily in Provo when our babies were little.
Jarrell family: My cousin Marcus (Kayla's brother) and his wife Miranda. They brought the most amazing cake that Miranda made for the special day!
Thanks to my Mama (and sister Delaney) for manning the seasoning and chopping and so much more. That chicken I would've served as is went further and tasted better thanks to her.
Bring on the SURPRISE PARTY! Everyone even brought gifts!
Then comes the late night hangout part. We all settle in while the kids play and the adults talk.
Shillig 4s, Shillig 5s, Keetons, and Robinsons all go way back to our Provo days.
Grandpa took over cards and Grammie went to bed. I have amazing in-laws and I am so happy they are always so supportive of being around when things happen. My father in law even planted fruit trees while he was here!
The kids end up on electronics after the sun goes down while the parents chat away. What a generation they live in. The balance has to constantly be worked on between digital and reality.
This day was such a whirlwind I was not prepared for.
I should have dry cleaned her dress.
I shouldn't have planned for a church meeting for Aimi Lark (beehive president) before church.
I should have known Mali Su's church dresses were all too small.
I should have got myself ready first thing instead of waiting til the last minute to put on my dress (that later proved hard to nurse in).
I should have given people better directions so most of them didn't end up at a sprinkler store in Fort Worth (thanks google vs apple maps on phones).
I should have done a great many things, but with the help of so many hands it truly did all come together.
Everyone seemed okay with the chaos and noise and long line for food.
I am grateful for the many circles of friends and family that I run in.
Our families, our childhood, our church, the military, etc.
We have a great circle!
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