Gettin' Up There

This past weekend was a busy one for the Blankenship family.  Jared's parents, sister and brother-in-law came to Philadelphia to see Karis and attend her dedication on Sunday and to celebrate Jared's 30th birthday on Saturday.  Jared's big birthday warranted more than just a quiet evening with family.  On Saturday, we surprised him with a party at the home of good friends and about 25 guests.  The decor was that of a Phillies baseball motif, red and blue, but because I had a very hard time finding Phillies decor, our featured decor was Karis in a Chase Utley tshirt someone had gotten for her at a baby shower...or should I say, gotten for Jared :)  There were balloons, a cookie cake (white chocolate chip macadamia nut) from Mrs. Fields, and some of Jared's favorite drinks and side dishes that friends brought to go along with the good ole fashioned burgers and dogs.  It was special to have his family there for his birthday, which has not happened in quite some time due to distance.  Another highlight was that our friend, Stephen, who moved with his family to Angola, Africa for mission work had flown into Philly a couple of hours before (on business) was able to surprise Jared at his party, despite his jet lag state.  In addition to this surprise, the teens at our church were able to celebrate Jared's birthday Sunday evening with homemade desserts and a humorous artist's (Terri McKay) rendering of Jared as a baby (but with his adult face and facial hair intact), which the teens are signing as a birthday card of sorts.  Much better than Hallmark!

Also this past Sunday, Karis was dedicated by our dear friend Doug, co-youth pastor with Jared (but more like his brother).   Jared also had the privilege of dedicating both of Doug's children last year.  We probably would have waited until a little bit later to have the dedication, but considering our upcoming move, we decided to do it sooner so Doug could do the honors.  Karis did so well and apparently won the hearts of the audience with her little white dress and bare feet hanging out while relaxing in her Daddy's arms.  It was a special day, and a memorable weekend!

[caption id="attachment_143" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Karis' Dedication Day"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_144" align="alignright" width="300" caption="J's bday cookie cake, requested about 8 months ago!"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_145" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Karis in Phillies shirt, pooped out at Daddy's party"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_146" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Karis' Dedication by Pastor Doug Moister"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_147" align="alignright" width="199" caption="The Blankenship 3"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_148" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Visit from Jared's Fam"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_150" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Baby Love"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_151" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Grammy and Daddy B, ready to spoil"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_152" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Aunt Jenna and Uncle Luke with Karis"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Cute Factor"][/caption]