Mackenzie's blessing

The real reason we traveled to southern California was to see Mackenzie be blessed on Sunday. We all got up really early and made it to church early - possibly a first for the Kiehn family. There were lots of family members there - my parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews, Lisa's parents, brothers, grandparents, aunt and uncle. During the meeting the choir sang directed by Lisa. She is the only musical one in our family so we were quite impressed.

Erik, Lisa, Mackenzie and a little shot of Taylor between them. Mackenzie is such a good baby -I hope mine is a good sleeper like his cousin.

The whole Larsen clan. Left to right: Ryan and Mandy with Landon, Isabel and Mia. Erik and Lisa with Taylor and Mackenzie (being held by mom), Mom and Dad, Danny and Ali with Andrew, Claire, and grandchild #10, Natalie and Pete with Chris and Elaina.

Afterwards we went to great little park in south Pasadena. Lisa prepared some fabulous food sometime between when we got home from the beach and the start of church. She still owes us the salad recipes. We ate and the kids played on the swings, slides and played some baseball, Frisbee and soccer.

This is a picture of Claire on a typical day. I call this hairdo her "homeless hair". She won't let me brush it -and it makes me crazy! We borrowed a headband from Isabel which Claire loved, but every time she took it on and off her hair looked worse, and of course she wouldn't let us fix it.

Andrew and his cousin Landon. They have such fun together. Andrew even stayed with Landon after we left on Sunday until Thursday.

Me, Lisa and Mandy enjoying some peace and quiet as the kids ran around.

A group shot of the Larsen clan. I know that I am pregnant, but I look huge here. We left shortly afterwards to make the trek home. It was great weekend spent with family. I love the times when we can all get together.