Beautiful

Last weekend we blessed Miss Annabelle. Her family loves her very much and came from all parts of the country to share in this special weekend with her. Some came from California, Utah, Tennessee and parts of Florida to be here.

My Mom and Grandma Tolsma arrived first on Thursday morning. We spent that first day catching up and snuggling with Annabelle. 

It worked our nicely to have two babysitters while I continued working during the day. Afterward, we headed to my softball game in downtown St. Pete. After the game we walked the pier and enjoyed the wildlife before heading to pick up my sister Jenny from the airport. We tested out my new car's third row seating as we packed in the car! 

Once we were home, we let the two little kiddos get acquainted with one another.

 It started out okay. They seemed to be getting along. And then...

Tucker was so happy that he had a new friend that he kept touching Annabelle and wanting to play with her bow. She was not having that, so we had to separate them.

They played much better separated by two loving grandmothers.

They were a hoot in the car as we strolled around town with two car seats in tow. 

Don't be deceived by this picture though, Tucker actually hated the car and would often cry the whole way to wherever we were going! He always cheered right up once we let him escape is car seat prison. 

It was so fun having family in town and getting to show my Grandma my place and have my sister meet Annabelle for the first time. 

I love this picture of Annabelle and her Great Grandma Tolsma.

Tucker enjoyed the new surroundings as well.

This is what kind of pictures you get when you're having a girls weekend. Poor little Tucker had to put up with all these girls and their craziness. :) 

Below is also one of my favorite pictures because if you know my Grandma well, this is SO her! As long as I've known her she's been rocking the curlers. 

Luckily, she's not on the Internet, otherwise, I'd be getting a phone call about this! 

 No trip to Florida is complete without some time spent at the beach and the pool. 

 We took two strolls at sunset. 

We were a sight toting two little kiddos around.

It was a weekend of firsts, these two played in the sand for the first time.

 And took a dip in the pool for the first time.

 

 I think they enjoyed their first Florida adventures:

 

Figuring it all out.

 Grandma loves her babies.

My water baby and I.

 After all of the fun in the sun, it was time for us to gear up for the big day on Sunday. Robert made it home from his business trip to Virginia and we met up with his family for dinner at Outback. All of the fun restaurants were too packed. :(  We should have given them a try because we still waited an hour at Outback. 

Following dinner, my elves and I went to work setting up the house for the gathering after church.

We cleaned.

We baked. 

 

And we decorated until it was way past our bed time. 

The next morning, April 28, 2013 we all arrived at church in our Sunday best. Robert gave a beautiful father's blessing to Annabelle. 

Things I want to remember about that day:

Her father blessed her with many great things, but a few I remember were:

- That her family loves her
- To always keep the commandments
-She has been blessed with a "fantastic smile" that brings joy to others.
-Always smile toward everyone she meets.
-She's been blessed with a special personality.
-To always choose the right.
-When tough decisions are placed before her, to remember to get down on her knees and pray to ask for help and guidance.
-To have a blessed life full of happiness.

I won't forget all of the support we received from friends. We love our friends that we've made here. They were so kind to take the time to come to church and share in this special day.

Kevin, on the far right sang "I am a Child of God" for the service. It was beautiful.

Robert's family came as well. 

Aunt Kathy from California (not pictured) also made the journey to Florida for the occasion. It was so nice to have the support of family and spend time all together.

Annabelle's great grandparents.

A few of my favorite ladies from my side were also able to be there for this special day -- My mom, sister and nephew Tucker, and Grandma Tolsma.

My mom is so sweet, she took the time to be here for me and helped me out. We've always shared a bond over dresses and now she can continue that tradition with Annabelle. My mom bought her the beautiful dress she wore. It was just what I imagined my little Miss Annabelle wearing on her special day.

Great Grandma Tolsma (below)

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day. It captures just how good of a sport Annabelle was. She's bored to tears here, but was such a trooper as everyone came up and loved on her. I always get a good laugh from the next picture.

Proud grandparents.

Baby love! 

After the blessing we came home for brunch and Annabelle could finally relax. 

While everyone else ate and mingled.

One of my favorite parts from the day (thanks to my mom who relayed a suggestion from my sister-in-law Laura) was when I had everyone decorate a card and write a memory or thought for Annabelle to read later. We went around the room and shared our designs and thoughts. It was a big highlight for me and the spirit really touched me. There was so much love and family unity in the room.  

Don't worry, she wasn't asleep for her whole party. She woke up and enjoyed some chats with her daddy.

Some couch time with her Great Grandpa Gibson.

Showing off dress time.

It was a great weekend spent celebrating the life of this beautiful and sweet baby girl.

After spending a full day being the center of attention, it was time to crash in mom's arms. 

Their trip went fast, but we were so glad so many family members came out to support us. It was a fun weekend hanging out together.

 By the end of the trip, these two were getting along better. Although, I think Annabelle is still skeptical about the whole fun cousin thing.

A big thanks to my sister Jenny for taking such fun photos of our weekend!