Monday 3 August 2009

heritage


I'm unable to upload a bunch of pictures at once right now, so that will have to wait but this waterfall that we hiked/walked to will suffice for now.
We did a myriad of fun things at Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado, but the biggest event by far was family. It was a reunion so that is to be expected, but it was also a time of great celebration, encouragement, reconnecting, and loving.
We had a Silver anniversary (huge surprise party complete with decorations), a ceremony of manhood for my cousin Zach who also turned 18 (which included blessings, prayer, being welcomed by the other men and given a sword. It was unique, beautiful, and meaningful), and a surprise graduation party for me. It was very nice but I winced when I saw the cake with my face sugar-printed onto it! It wasn't too bad though - I'm very happy with my senior pictures. The evening was such a blessing, and everyone's words and notes are things to cherish.

When speaking to Zach, my Uncle Tim publicly affirmed Great Uncle John as a patriarch. And this he is, not using the term lightly. He takes seriously his calling to pass on his faith to generations to come, and is faithfully doing this; teaching and leading his children and grandchildren. I had never even thought about it and we have a remarkable heritage. Would that more would carry it on and appreciate it!

We're about to have a family celebration of all the August birthdays so I'll leave you with that, but hopefully I'll have more faces and skies for you in future photos!

love,
Cait

5 comments:

LeAnna said...

Congrats on the birthday, AND the new camera (that in itself calls for a cake *grin*) - very neat about the family tradition of patriarchs. Heritage is such a beautiful thing!

Sara said...

sounds like so much fun! I love how the way you love your family shows through your post. It shines through; how you feel and that is a great thing!!

Witchcrafted Life said...

How deeply special. Your account of this day was moving and so very enduring. It is so fortunate that you come from a large, close-knit family. I do not have this myself, but feel so much joy for those who do.

Love & hugs,
♥ Jessica

Maddie M. said...

Happy belated 18th, darling. :) Does it feel good to be older, my fellow Snow White? :)
Thank you for complimenting me on my style, that was so sweet. You are the best!
xoxo Sprinkle

dani said...

Wow, this is such a beautiful post and what lovely celebrations!
A ceremony of manhood sounds so neat - I haven't heard of it before.