My Favorite Easter

This Easter was my favorite Easter to date. (I didn't think I'd be able to top seeing General Conference on Easter two years ago.) We had the wonderful privilege of blessing precious Ethnie Lauren. It was such a wonderful day filled with the spirit, family, laughter, delicious food and love.

Oh, the dress. I have been envisioning Ethnie's blessing dress for quite some time. I spent several hours trying to find something that I liked. I must admit, I'm not a big fan of the waterfall gowns that stretch on for miles and miles. I wanted something elegant and classy with ruffles and lace. Since Mom Tobler had offered to make the dress I knew I could essentially have anything I wanted. I mean honestly, Mom Tobler can create anything. I showed her a picture off of pinterest, helped pick out the fabric and set her free to do as she wanted.

I can't even begin to describe how much I love this dress. It was so much better than the pictures! It was absolutely perfect and I couldn't have been happier!! Thank you so much Mom Tobler!!! (To see more pictures and read about the creative process visit Mom Toblers Blog)

Ethnie looked fabulous in her dress! She wore little pieces from everyone that she loves. The hair bow was from Oma, the dress from Grandma, the shoes from Mama (I just had to make some matching shoes!!), the bracelet from Aunt Janet, and the blanket from Aunt Nancy. She was so precious!

Our family headed to the temple to take some pictures before her blessing. It was so beautiful outside and the grounds looked wonderful!

Proud Mama and Papa. We sure do love our little princess.

I love the temple. It is such a beautiful place to be. I really enjoyed the experience of having our little family on the temple ground for the first time. It really set the mood for the rest of the afternoon.

I love this picture of Chris. He's such a character! I'm really glad he sacrificed so much to come down and visit us!

Oma & Opa

Three Generations.

Uncle Chris.

Jakob, Ethnie and their circle. Uncle Mark, Opa, Ethnie, Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Lorin & Bishop Astle.

Since this is our family journal I am going to include what we managed to write down of Ethnie's baby blessing. As I was sitting down before the service I once again caught a glimpse into eternity as we welcomed our family members with joy. I was filled with the spirit as these brethren took our daughter into the priesthood circle and as her father gave her a blessing. It being Easter you think about the Savior more often and his atoning sacrifice. My heart was especially full of gratitude for him and for the plan of salvation. Through him we are able to return to our Father in Heaven and be with our families forever. I couldn't have picked a better Sunday to bless our baby girl. These are some of the things that Jakob said in her blessing.

We bless you with a knowledge that you are a beautiful daughter of Heavenly Father and the love of the only begotten son and that you will return to live with him again. As you remember this truth you will find it a comfort and strength to you as you navigate through this tremulous world. I bless you with a heart that emulates that of the Saviors and that you will be charitable and kind. We bless you with the courage to stand up for what is right and that you will uplift those around you.We bless you that you will find a worthy companion and be sealed in the House of the Lord for all eternity. We bless you with love, that you will love those around you as your family loves you.

Grandma & Grandpa were also the speakers in Sacrament meeting. They made me cry on several occasions. I have been so incredibly blessed with such a wonderful family on both sides!

The three most important men in her life (and mine too!)

Uncle Lorin & Aunt Nancy (Thank you for coming!!!)

The California crew. Chad, Jessica, Uncle Mark, Aunt Brendalee, Jason & Adam. (Thank you so much for making the trip to come and visit!!)

We then headed over to Grandma & Grandpa's for dinner! It was delicious! I hardly got any of the dutch oven potatoes :). Once again a huge thank you to all of those who traveled and participated in making this such a special Easter for Jakob, Ethnie and I.