FLYING IN--FAMILY PICTURES---EASTER---PAISLEY'S BLESSING

Megan flew into town Friday night and Todd followed Saturday morning (thanks Carl and Christine for helping us get Todd)  and met us at the photo shoot.  Johnny and Brittney also flew in later Friday night and we were able to pick them up and have a great visit driving back home.  I love to watch the kids all interact with each other when we get together.  Of course, we have FIVE --- STRONG WILLED, BRILLIANT, OPINIONATED, WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL AND HARD WORKING CHILDREN!  

So they always have spirited discussions and interactions with each other.  We stayed up till 1:30 catching up and visiting.  I do love any time we can all be together!

We actually had fun at the family photo shoot!  

Johnny and Brittney---cheerful in yellow

The two wonderful Johns

Megan and Todd with Jocey snickering in the background

Laurel and Brady

Emily and Crew---even though Crew doesn't eat much

All 15 of us scurried around Saturday morning to get ready for the big FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT with our favorite photographer, Jon Williams.  We ended up at Union Station in front of the trains.  I can't wait to see the proofs.  This may be the only time our entire family will be together in 2009.  We actually enjoyed the photo session and then went to Goodwood Barbecue for lunch.  

Just enjoying being together

Brittney, Johnny and Andrew making us laugh (thanks to Andrew for taking the kids to the airport Sunday after church)

Crew loved his Cream Soda

Great Grandma Char giving Colton and Cannon their "Easter egg money"

Crazy Dylan decided he would drink the potion that was put together from all the different left over soda drinks.........for a price...see the money....

We got together for a pre-Easter party at Grandma Char's home Saturday evening.  We didn't have our usual Easter egg hunt due to worries about the weather.  We had a pizza party and midway through the party, some of our group went to the new Hannah Montana movie.  Cannon went with Jocey and he even loved the movie.  Some of us stayed at Grandma's and played May I.  We had a great time.  When we got home we girls all worked long and hard to get the food going for the Sunday blessing dinner.  Cafe Rio sweet pork, Cafe Rio rice, fruit sherbet, strawberries and grapes, and tomatilla dressing.  Others were so sweet to bring other food for the dinner.  It was delicious.  

Paisley is wearing Laurel's blessing dress

"We are a happy family"

4 Generations... Great Grandma Char, Laurel, Paisley and Grandma V

Uncle Johnny and his little niece

 Jocey is such a doting aunt 

Paisley's blessing coincided with Easter Sunday.  What a beautiful day with the weather and with our sacrament meeting.  Brady gave Paisley a very special priesthood blessing with many of Paisley's loving male relatives circling her.  Even Brady's 91 year old grandfather, Grandpa Fisher, drove himself to the church and came to Sunday School with us and then was there to participate in his great-granddaughter's blessing.  All of Brady's brothers, Laurel's brother and brothers-in-law, and Paisley's grandpa's and great uncles were there.  It was very memorable.  I really appreciate everyone sacrificing in so many ways to be together.  As a mother, I can't think of anything that makes me happier than to be with our children and grandchildren.  I will definitely remember this special Easter day.  

Elder Jeffrey Holland gave such an amazing talk for general conference this year.  Elder Holland has given the greatest message for Easter and the Atonement. I know the Savior lives and that He atoned and died that I might live eternally also.  Link to lds.org and you will be able to view portions of his talk with visual images of the Savior.   It is an incredible spiritual experience.  

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhSOdAduc