Conner's Baby Blessing

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we don't baptize a baby until they are 8 years old, but sometime after they are born we do give them what we call a Baby Blessing. This is when a holder of the priesthood gives them a name and a blessing. These blessing usually involve gifts that they have, future aspirations, etc. 

We are very lucky in that Dustin was able to bless Conner and that SO many family and friends were able to be in the circle with him. Dad's, Grandpa's, Uncles, Great Uncles, Great Grandpa's, cousins, etc. This worked well with Sarah and Ben's wedding so that so many were out here and able to participate, and Dustin's parents flew out specially for the occasion. He was blessed in a little white tux that Dustin's mom made for him and he looked super cute!!  

On a personal note the blessing was extremely special for both Dustin and me. The blessing hit many personal notes for us and we know it will be a strength to him as well as to us as he grows. We were a little worried because mom and dad Hinton's GPS took them the long route to church and if it wasn't for the many announcements and new callings given we would have asked to do the blessing at the end of sacrament meeting so that Dad Hinton could be there!!  We feel extremely blessed that he was able to make it and everyone else. There were 13 total priesthood holders in the circle with Dustin and Conner!! We were also so glad that Sarah and Ben stuck around, postponing their honeymoon so that they could be there for his blessing. Thanks guys!!

Here we are with Dustin's cousin Janna and her family. They had to leave right after so we grabbed a quick picture with them. We sure love them!! 

Afterwards we headed over to Grandma's house for some grub and to spend the evening together. Here is Grandma Shepherd getting ready to chow down!!  We love her fun personality so much!!

Setting up for lunch in the addition, still nicely decorated from the reception.

Conner with Great Grandma Maughan. See his cute outfit!!!

"yes I know everyone is really here for me!"

Sucking on Dad's hand. "Mommy feed me already!"

Chillin with Aunt Jessica!!

Sarah and Ben opening gifts

Watching them open gifts

They must have opened something exciting!!

Nate and Mari performed a puppet show that Mari wrote, produced, and made the puppets for that they performed for their ward Christmas party and on special request brought all the props and performed it for us as well.  We were laughing so hard as they did their own rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas".

The "Four Callings Hen" and muppet

Our friends the Benches who also came!

Conner with Grandma Shepherd

He loves his Aunt Mari!!

The Benches

He was getting really grumpy at this point...Daddy kept passing him around and taking his picture with everyone. Crying for the Birthday boy! We were sure glad Dad was willing to share this special day with Conner too!!

Uncle Nate

Aunt Sarah

Uncle David

Uncle Carter is also his best friend. Carter can get this boy to laugh....well...sometimes.

Uncle Josh what are they doing to me???

Uncle Ben

Ok Great Grandma Shepherd are we done yet???

Catching his breath with Uncle Matt

Uh oh, seriously more?? Great Grandpa Maughan just hold me please!!!

Ah....Great Aunt Linda has the touch...thank you for saving me from that flash!

Oh, but we're still going! Aunt Chelsea

See, I can be happy with Great Uncle Jerry!!

And now I get to be with Aunt Jessica for awhile!

Once we got home he passed out with Aunt Mari on the couch. It is rough being a celebrity!

The next day with Grandma Hinton, maker of the outfit.

There we go! I'm working it, I'm working it!! Love the camera!

Dad Hinton taking pictures too!

Both Grandma and Grandpa Hinton. Thanks so much for coming out! It was so nice to be able to spend a few days with them, playing games and going Birding and walking around Great Falls and just catching up! We sure are glad they came out! And glad Conner got to meet his paternal Grandparents!!

Um...who are you??

It was a wonderful weekend, a great New Years, and start to the new year! It could not have been better! Thank you again everyone for sharing this special time with us!!