Life's Greatest Joy

This past weekend we had the opportunity to take Alex through the temple to receive her endowments and be sealed to Nick. Nothing in life can compare with being in the temple with your kids. Brian, Katie, Andrea, Todd, Greg & Carinna were all there with us. Amanda was there in spirit but was not able to come in from Alaska to be there in person and we missed her as well as aunts, uncles and grandparents who we love. The weather was absolutly beautiful which was nice as it had been bitter cold and raining earlier in the week. Heavenly Father truly blessed us with a wonderful day. Nicks family all came down from Idaho which was really nice. It was a fun experience to meet Alex's mother in law in the dressing room in the temple! We had lots of fun, lots of love and most of all lots of joy. Katie & Brian once again stepped up to bat and pulled off all the decorations, food, and photography. Everyone pitched in to help set up & clean up. It always amazes me as I watch the kids pull together to help each other out how much they have grown and the love they have for one another. Saturday as I reflected on the day I realized that exactly nine years ago on April 18th we were sitting in a court room signing the final adoption papers and Alex legally became our responsibility. How fitting that nine years later to the day, she legally became Nick's responsibility!