Jalen's 14th Birthday and Ordination

We had a busy weekend scheduled with Jalen's birthday and ordination as well as Baylie's honor choir. We were excited that Grammy and Grandad were able to join us. It was their first non-rev flight since getting their benefits back. The Chicago flight looked full so they decided to fly through Houston. Their flight out of Salt Lake was delayed and they missed their connection in Houston, so they had to spend a night there. It was very stressful for them and hard on Grammy. (The same thing would have happened through Chicago.)

The next day, Jalen and I drove to Charlotte to pick them up. We were so happy to finally have them here. Unfortunately, Grandad's bag stayed in Houston, along with Grammy's heart medication. It was stressful. We decided to burn some time at IKEA in the hopes that the bag would be on the next flight, arriving a few hours later. We spent some money and then went for lunch at Jason's Deli. 

We got the good news that the bag was on its way so we headed back to the airport to find it. Thanks to the United app, we learned that they were planning to send the bag back to Houston!! Who knows why! Fortunately, we were able to stop that from happening and were able to get the bag.

Before long we were on our way back to Columbia.

And Grammy and Grandad got some much needed rest.

We were so happy that Grammy and Grandad could be with us for Jalen's birthday and ordination. They are always so supportive of our family.  

Jalen's birthday was Friday the 19th, but we were going to be driving to Florence that day so we celebrated his birthday the day before.

He was happy with all his presents.

His final present was a treasure hunt.

He was VERY excited about his new driving set up to go with his PS4. He said he would love it even if it didn't work with the game. He'd drive it just for fun!

A few days later he got his gift from Aunt Tiff in the mail. She knows him well!

We measured him for his birthday. He is just barely under 5'9" tall. He is the second tallest person in our family at this point.

On Sunday, the bishop came to our home at 9 a.m. and Grandad ordained Jalen to the office of a teacher. It was a beautiful blessing.

Jalen has really progressed in his efforts to honor his priesthood and fulfill his responsibilities. The bishop also set him apart as the 2nd counselor in his quorum.

We were grateful Grammy and Grandad could take part in this special day.

This has been a good year for our little family.