The Blessing

Last Sunday, a day fittingly matched with blue skies, white clouds, and a shining sun, Valencia was blessed at the local LDS chapel.  Encircled by the priesthood, and witnessed by many friends and loved ones (and many more of you who were there in spirit), she was given a name and a blessing.  While I won't go into too much detail about the blessing, I can tell you that it focused on our daughter's name.  The naming and blessing were not compartmentalized, as they often are.  Instead, they were intentionally intertwined, given the natural harmony between the two.

Valencia comes from the latin word "valentia", which means power.  It shares the same root as the word "valor" and "valiant", all tying into the theme of strength, bravery, and courage.  Valencia was blessed to possess these traits throughout her life.

Soleil is the French word for sun.  Besides sounding pretty and having a complimentary rhythm to the first name, Soleil is ripe with symbolism, from light to warmth to the Savior of the world.  Christ said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16).  Valencia Soleil was blessed to be a light unto the world.

Olsen is the Danish version of the name Olson, which literally means "son of Ole." Ole is the Danish version of the name Olaf, which is derived from the Old Norse name meaning "ancestor's decedent." Our daughter's name carries with it a legacy of many brave and notable relatives and ancestors that have come before her: farmers and pioneers, temple presidents and railroad workers, and yes, a lawyer or two.  Though physically she was surrounded by only a few of them on that day, Valencia Soleil Olsen was blessed with an innumerable sum of loving family members to whom she can rely upon for love and encouragement throughout eternity.

It was a beautiful day.  Thank you to all of you who came to the service, especially those of you who traveled from out of town.  And an extra big shout-out to my mother.  I can't express how happy we were to have Grandma Cozy in town for the event.  She was such a blessing to us throughout her stay, and I know she cherished every moment she had with her newest granddaughter, our Sunshine Angel.

A beautiful spread, prepared by Norma and Celeste

Valencia with Uncle Dolph aka "The Godfather"

Maddie and Vali

Winding down after a long day of church and friends.

Cozy, Jack, Vali, and Les

Cute Kiddos

It's true that we are uncle and aunt to probably the 11 cutest kids under heaven. Most uncles and aunts probably say that, but in our case, it's actually true. And if you don't believe us, the proof is in the puddin'. Here are some niece-n-nephew highlights from our recent trip out West:

Sonoma, 1, (a.k.a. Noma) showing us she can stand.

This is Peter, 3, about to run "a hundred fast."

Eliza sang, danced, and even rapped for my in-laws (complete strangers to her, not a problem). Then she gave me my birthday card.

The same Peter, now rock climbing in Logan Canyon, asks me, "Hey Jackson, do you want to see me climb a hundred fast?"

Eliza showing us how tough she is.

Some girls are just born with "it." I'd say Lynlee is their leader.

This picture reminds me of when Lynlee was about to be babysat by her Aunt Ariel. Sarah, her mother, was about to walk out the door and told Lynlee, "Now when I'm gone, Ariel is in charge, okay honey?" Sarah left the house, but before her car had even left the driveway, Lynlee turned to Ariel and said definitively, "You're not da boss. I da boss." No messin' with that girl.

The wild side coming out.

Celeste arrived to the beach a few minutes after Lynlee and the rest of the gang. When Lynlee saw her approaching, she ran at a full sprint to greet her favorite aunt. Notice a jovial grandpa in the background.

Ahhh...

Now that's what I call a Kodak moment.

Even when she's pouting she's cute (just like her aunt!)

Can you find Celeste in this picture?

Slip slidin' away.

Playing with balloons from Grandma Chleo's birthday party.

Chloe (in my arms) and Leif (at my side). They led a gang of kids on a trail through the forest during family camp. When they all got back, Ruby ran to her mother and exclaimed, "Mommy, there's like a million natures up there!"

The Cowkids, prepping for a ride on Zip the Horse.

Ruby (a.k.a. Rooster) hiding no emotions on her first ride of the day. Additionally, this is one of the only known photographs to show my Uncle Terry's actual face. Such photos are rare and priceless.

The cowkids meet some of the barnyard animals. This here is Marissa.

Chloe Rain and Grandma Cozy shortly after their Pioneer Day Parade.

Gideon, the newest addition to the family, is also the smiliest. He's not even trying here.

Chloe, Leif, and Isaac, saying goodbye on our way to the airport. They don't make 'em any cuter!

Oh, except this one. She might win the prize. This is Sadie, born just a month ago in Belfast, Ireland while my sister Mandy supports her husband's sweet job writing for HBO.