Having Sam's family come to Albuquerque in May was such a welcome treat even though our work schedules were busier than ever with deadlines due both weekends. I had a handful of very late nights trying to get my work done, but I loved seeing Sam, Kiley, and their four kiddo's.
There were two big events taking place during this trip. First, Joey's baptism on May 8th! Jessica lead the music; Dorine Kartchner gave the baptismal talk; and I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. We were all honored that Joey requested us for his baptismal program.
When Joey stepped into the baptismal font and looked at the steps leading to the water, he was scared that the water was too deep. He panicked and asked if the water level could be lowered! Sam had to reassure him several times that everything would be okay but Joey refused to go into the water. But after Sam carried Joey in his arms and comforted him, Joey gathered the necessary courage and determination to go in, even though he was still very afraid.
For many months, our sweet Joey had wanted to be baptized and was excited about experiencing the ordinance and making a covenant with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, so we were all worried that the baptism wouldn't happen. I'm so grateful that Joey overcame his fear to allow his dad to "bury" him in the water and get his whole face, head, and body drenched--especially since Joey hates water on his head and face! I was so very proud of Joey for being so brave. I love him with all my heart. I'm happy that he has the gift of the Holy Ghost to help him throughout his mortal life. We ALL need the influence of the Holy Ghost--for comfort, for guidance, for warnings of danger, and most importantly to recognize TRUTH and to receive confirmation of things pertaining to truth.
I was impressed with the bishop of the Kartchner's ward. He's young, from Hawaii, and so upbeat and fun. He gave Joey (and Eli) temple rings and welcomed Joey as the newest member of the Church in his family. It was a special evening with our Albuquerque family in attendance. I loved having Jacob's family and Jessica's family there to love and support Joey!
After the baptism, we met up at the Dunlap home for Dion's Pizza, chef salad, sodas, and cupcakes in their awesome backyard. The cousins had a blast playing, jumping on the trampoline, and enjoying the outdoors. We also celebrated Joey's belated birthday with his cousins.
May 9th: The very next day, Sam and Kiley drove to Los Angeles California to secure a rental home for his 2-year Retinal Surgery Fellowship that would begin later this summer. They took baby Noah with them on their road trip while I babysat Eden and Dorine Kartchner babysat the boys for four days. Eden was an absolute delight!
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May 5th: Jessica and the kids dropped by to see Sam
and his family after they arrived at our house the first night. |
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| Sam with his firstborn son, Joey, before baptizing him |
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| Love these sweet, beautiful boys |
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| Joey with Grandma and Grandpa Hobbs |
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| The many faces of Eli--such a fun-loving, happy kid! |
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| Little Eden Olivia, our "dark-eyed beauty" |
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| Precious cousin, Sofia Dunlap |
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Mike and I took Eden and her brothers to the Park Above in Rio Rancho,
and they really enjoyed their time there--especially the sandbox! |
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Beautiful, but exhausted Kiley with baby Noah at our house.
He's in a rather fussy, always hungry stage! |
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Play time at "Jeep Grandma's" house
I MISS these sweet grandchildren! |
May 20th: We had Jessica and Jacob's family over for a family BBQ. I love it when the cousins can play together or at least spend time with each other. I also love for our children to see each other.
May 22nd: We celebrated Arianna Lodgepole's 15th birthday with a party at our house. Arianna's grandma, Patti Waseta (actually her aunt) is one of my dearest friends. Her sister Jill and Arianna's young aunt were visiting them from Montana and joined us. I got such a kick out of Patti and Jill's fun-loving relationship. They laugh and joke so much together!
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