Dane's Blessing & Katie's Homecoming

This past week, we went to UT to welcome Ben's sister Katie home from her Puerto Rico mission and to bless our sweet baby Dane. >It is crazy to think that we blessed Logan (up in Logan) the same Sunday that Katie had her Farewell and we are blessing our Dane on her Homecoming! It worked out just great because we were able to combine the two events and have a lot of family there to support us. The Blessing/Homecoming was held at the Bryner's church on Saturday (3/20/09), which entailed eating delicious Puerto Rico inspired Mexican food,blessing Dane (Ben gave such a beautiful blessing that it made baby Dane cry:)),
having a Q & A session with Katie about her mission, and eating yummy treats while enjoying spending time with family. It was a wonderful idea to combine the two (thanks Annette for the idea) and we really appreciate Katie for letting our sweet little Dane be a part of her big day! We also wanted to thank Annette and Brent for all of their hard work putting everything together. We love you and are so thankful for all that you do for us!

The Ropers and Julie traveled far (from Gilbert and Vegas) to attend the Blessing, which was so wonderful to have them there supporting us. Thank you so much for going way out of your way to be there. We love you very much and appreciate all that you do for our family.I also wanted to thank my Grandparents, dad & Paula, Polly & Carly, and all of the Bryners and Thurbers for coming and supporting us and Katie! We love you all!

We also were able to spend the night and part of the day with my dad. For weeks he had been planning on taking Logan, Wade, and Seth to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. He insisted on not wanting me and Jen to come so that he could be alone with his boys. So we stayed home with Dane and Trent while my dad went off with 3 VERY energetic little boys! Jen was kind of nervous about it, but everything turned out great except for Logan getting a huge goose egg from bonking his head on a railing! My dad was very concerned about Logan, seeing how the bump was pretty big and black and blue, but he was fine and was absolutely thrilled to be hanging out with his Ampa, Wade, and Seth. He feels so cool when he is with the boys and Ampa! Thanks dad for taking Logan on a little adventure and the bump on his head will certainly not be his last! We love you!

After the Dinosaur Museum, we rushed to the airport to see Katie arrive. Unfortunately, we were running late and Katie's flight was early so we missed her grand entrance (sorry again Katie). However, we missed it only by minutes and probably would have made it if we didn't go to the wrong terminal first (it's ok Ben). Anyway, we made it and it was so good to see her! Katie, we are so happy you are home and we can't wait for you to visit in a few weeks! Congrats on serving an incredible mission and for being such a wonderful missionary!

Here are a few other pictures from our trip: