Laurel's Dedication

Sunday we had Laurel dedicated at church.  We go to a church that has baptism for adults, so when you have a baby they are dedicated.  Generally we would have done this earlier, but we were out of town the weekend they were planning to do baby dedications in May, and then we just didn't think about it for a few months!  Don't worry, we have already dedicated Laurel to the Lord, and we are doing our best to raise her to love God as much as we do...the baby dedication at church is just a public symbol of the commitment we have already made!

We invited our family members to come, and were amazed and humbled when pretty much every person on both sides of the family said they would be coming!  Because it was President's Day weekend, our relatives in Kentucky were even able to make it!  We had a few loved ones who were not able to come because of illness and travel difficulties (and children throwing up in the car, causing them to miss church and instead hang out at our house and do laundry), but it was really awesome to have everyone there!  After church we all went over to Pizza Ranch for lunch...I don't know how many people can have both sides of the family all together and get along so well.  We are blessed!

Laurel and I with Cousins H & E

Standing in front of church with the other families.  Laurel was one of 4 babies being dedicated.

Pastor Bill and Julie praying over Laurel.  Laurel says, "get that hand off my head!"

Heading back to our seats

My niece Abby is the same age as Scott's niece E, and my niece Rhea as the same age (within 2 weeks) of Scott's niece H.  They had met at our wedding a few years ago, and enjoyed hanging out together.  E said that since they are all cousins with Laurel, they can be cousins with each other as well; they now want to be pen pals!

Uncle Lance holding Laurel.  This is the first time EVER that he has gotten to hold her.  Guess he hasn't been pushy enough all the other times we've seen them!  :)

Laurel kiss sandwich!