The morning that Mom and Dad left us, we decided to have Emmett blessed at home.  We have usually had all the kids blessed at church but Mom and Dad wouldn't be in town for another Sunday.  It was actually a nice change because, for once, I was able to hear all the wonderful things that Robert said about our little man.  It was so great to have one set of parents with us for Emmett's big moment.  

Here's our little group.

Look how short I look in these pictures!  Granted, I was the only one not wearing shoes but still, my boys are nearly my height and I barely pass Robert's shoulders.  

I still look a normal size with baby Emmett, though.  I usually wouldn't put all three of these pictures of me and Emmett on my blog, but I've had so very few good hair days, that I'm going for broke.  Let's all pretend that I always have my hair neatly done and that I'm wearing makeup!  

This was the only picture I got with him where he wasn't screaming his little head off.  Pill. 

In the beginning of January, Mom, Dad, Tonnette and Jonathan came for a visit.  Dad and Jonathan were here especially to go to the CES convention in Vegas but got a good dose of baby along with the newest technology that the world has to offer.  Tonnette mainly came for an Auntie visit which made all of my kids so happy.  It was a fun, low-key visit (just the kind that I love!) and we had a fun time visiting while we sat on the couch and stared at little babies.  

Bath time.

This is a terrible picture of me, but I LOVE that little man.   Such a sweetie.

It was so fun to have everyone here.  I think Jason fell in love with Jonathan and Emmett was pretty content just snuggled up on Tonnette's chest.  

Mom and Dad left straight from our house to watch Ron's kids in Texas for a week, but we got to get another visit from them on their way back home.  They (although they avoided the camera) helped out the big kids in making ginger/graham - cracker houses.  This was no easy feat since my frosting was about as thick and sticky as water.  Oops.  However, when the stuff dried, it was like cement.

Here are the final masterpieces.

Robert was very proud of some of the details, and insisted that the pictures get on the blog to immortalize them.  First we have the Mama and baby.

And here we have a woman jumping into the swimming pool below.  True art, my friend.

Before they left, Robert was also able to help the boys finish their derby cars just minutes before the big race.

The race wasn't their finest moments, I heard, but the cars were some of my favorites. 

Here is Austin's dragon.

And Ethan's was in the shape of an ice-cream sandwich.  Isn't that clever?  It was almost good enough to eat.  (Alaina says that she almost tried...)

During the derby, Mom and Dad were able to take Alaina out to see Mama Mia which she LOVED.  I would have loved to have joined them but I didn't feel ready to leave Emmett yet.  Plus, Alaina adored having some special time with her grandparents.

It was such a wonderful chance to be surrounded by family.  We feel so blessed to have parents and family who give up so much of their time to visit with us.  We are always so thankful for their kindness and cherish all the memories that we have together.  

We love you.  Thanks for coming!