Killing Two Birds With One Stone

We were thrilled to spend Thanksgiving this year with the Stronks down in Rancho Mission Viejo, California. Not with just Cheryl, Parker, and Kessler, but all of Parker's family as well.

The purpose of joining both families together for Thanksgiving was to witness and participate in the Church baby blessing of Kessler given by his father through the authority of the Holy Melchizedek priesthood. This was Parker's first time to ever give a blessing and he did a fantastic job! Cheryl and Parker's Bishop, Allen Doezie, oversaw the blessing. 

Kessler looked so cute in his little outfit. The suspenders almost made him look like a pilgrim. He just needed a top hat.

The Stotts

The Stronks

More Stronks (I don't have a picture that includes Ryan and Sarah)

Everyone who attended: From left to right - Ken Aird, Jane Aird, Ryan Stronk (holding Roman Stronk), Bruce Stronk, Karla Stronk (holding Reese Stronk), Parker Stronk (holding Kessler Stronk), Cheryl Stronk, Joan Stott, Alan Stott, Sarah Baldwin, and Ryan Baldwin.

Thanks to Grandma Karla, Kessler was ready to celebrate his first Thanksgiving in style!

Our Thanksgiving meal was a feast that everyone enjoyed. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, yams, dressing, salads, rolls, and of course pumpkin and apple pie with ice cream. As always, we all over-ate. Yummm!

Thanksgiving is a time for showing gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for. I am thankful that Kessler could receive a blessing and that we were able to be among so many friends and family for this special holiday. 

I am so thankful that Jane and Ken were able to get permission to leave the boundary of their Riverside Mission in order to join us. Their presence made the day even that much more special.

 I'm thankful for my entire family. I wish I could have spent Thanksgiving with more of them, but am grateful they were able to have great Thanksgiving experiences of their own.

I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father, his son Jesus Christ, and for the knowledge of His gospel that I possess. Life would seem pointless without the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is through Him that I can return back to my Heavenly Father. I will always be grateful for that sure knowledge and I definitely appreciate His unending love for me.