Taiven's Blessing

Here's a post I started clear back in April but never got the pictures up. So there's some here from April and some I'm adding today.
So like much of Taiven's life thus far, his blessing day was a scene of beautiful chaos! We had originally planned to bless him Easter Sunday along with my brother's son Ryder who is 6 weeks older than Taiven. However, our bishop called to discuss final plans for the blessing and heard Junior had a bunch of family in town. He told Junior, "It's a rare thing for you to have all this family around, why don't we bless him tomorrow."
"Tomorrow" just so happened to be Taivta's birthday with a huge pirate party planned. Also meant that Taiven would be a whopping 1 week old. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a nice, spiritual event. We  also weren't sure who all from Junior's family would actually be there that evening so we told Bishop Black we would get back to him. Junior's brother Andrew wound up driving up to Utah for the day so we decidedit was too good of a chance to miss. We made plans at 1:00 to have the blessing at 5:30 (about 1/2 hour after Tavita's party ended), plenty of time to prepare! Since none of Junior's family knew there was going to be a blessing none of them had church clothes with them. They were all champs about it and we really appreciate them willing to fulfill their preisthood duties even in crazy circumstances. It truly was wonderful to be able to have all of them in attendance for the blessing as we don't get to see them NEARLY as much as we wish we could. We didn't even call to invite any friends over. The thought to do that came after the blessing was finished! Sorry, know that we wish all of you were there.
Despite the chaos that was swiriling around us that day, ahh lets be honest, that week month past several months, it was a very beautiful blessing. At first Junior accidently gave him the name of Tavita Lealofi, to which Tavita quickly looked up rather panicked thinking his name was being given away. The 2nd try went more smoothly and Taiven Lealofi Shum was given a wonderful blessing with many great promises. I have it recorded in my journal but one thing I wanted to share was his promise of being a friend to all and a calming influence where ever he goes. This has already proven to be very true. He is the most easy going, smily baby in existince! I swear it, I dare you to find a challenger! He has been a great blessing from our Heavenly Father to help us get through the craziness of the move and trying to settle into a new place. He is so content, and happy to sit and watch the world go round. He lets me know he is hungry, in need of a change etc. then sits and quietly waits until I'm able to get to it (so quietly that I have to make a concious effort to to make him wait too long!). He is quick to smile and freely shares his deep belly laugh! Makes the darkest of days bright!

Our handsome little guy!

 Proud Daddy and Mommy

 Thought we'd through a few pirates in to complete the picture!

 Grandma and Grandpa with Grandbaby #7!

 Thanks again Bishop Black for letting us do this so last minute!

 Junior P. looked styling! Don't worry Bishop, we won't show anyone!

 How can you not feel safe wiht this crowd surrounding you!

 After, Uncle Tyler gave rides to a group of eager kiddos!

 The birthday boy out for a ride!

 We LOVED having everyone in town to visit. Sadly they had to leave immediately after the blessing. Very much lookin gofrward to our next reunion, hopefully next time it'll go a little more smoothly!