a new baby and a blessing

Brett's sister, Amanda, had her baby on Wednesday (August 12). She's a beautiful, tiny baby and they named her Elayna. (I think that's how they spell it.)
Amanda looks so great! This picture was taken on Friday, 2 days after the baby was born.
Ethan wasn't too interested in Elayna. I think it was because her eyes were always shut; he couldn't tell she was a little baby. This picture looks like he is looking at her, but he was just trying to get her blanket in his mouth. hee hee.
Grandpa Don and Grandma Laurie came by Amanda's while we were there. I don't have many pictures of them with Ethan. These are a couple nice ones.

Jackie, Joel, and Blythe are here visiting. We've been spending time in parks playing tennis (and laying on blankets).


We blessed Ethan on Sunday evening. It was very nice. Below is Brett's sister, Christine, and his Grandparents. Nanie is holding Amanda's new baby (notice the full head of hair on Elayna!).
My dad and Brett chatting.
Here is Amanda and Clark with their new Elayna. I can't believe that Amanda came to the blessing. I don't think I showered for several weeks after giving birth, let alone dress up and go out! She's a wonder woman.
Brett's grandpa was telling us about how he used to come to this chapel when he was a young man.
They look so much alike.
Johnathan and Colette, the most photogenic children in the world.
But Ethan is the most beautiful!


I really like this picture of Belle. She's getting to be so big! Normally for photos, she does a super-cheesy-awkward smile, but I think for this one she was caught with brownie in her mouth, so she looks more natural. She's a beautiful girl.
Joel came to the blessing and stood in the circle as Ethan's godfather. Brett kept insisting that we had to do a Christening for Ethan, so that he could have a godfather. But I told him we could just say that Joel was the godfather without any ceremony and it would be just as effective.

I love the happy look on Brett's face and the slightly uncomfortable look on Joel's face. hee hee.
Ryan and Megan came to the blessing as well. And Erin came and took all the beautiful pictures for us, but didn't get one of herself. Megan and Erin both looked beautiful and slender. Humph.Our fat faced family!
And sweet Andrew sitting in a box.