Penn Rye's Dedication

This morning we had the privilege of dedication Penn Rye to the Lord in front of our friends and family at North Way Oakland.  Doug's mom (Nana) and his aunt were able to make the trip to attend which was so special to have family represented.  Then the boys' godparents, Nate and Megan Troxell were also there.  We were also blessed to look around and see many close friends in room and all of the supportive congregation as well.  What a wonderful place to raise our boys!  Penn did very well during the dedication and he didn't cry and didn't need to use the ugly pacifier.  He did manage to spit up in front of everyone, but it was a nice laughable moment amidst the seriousness. =)  That's a Melder for you!  Here are the pictures Uncle Nate was able to get.

I'm smiling at Koen at this point.  He wanted to attend the dedication and he was such a big boy sitting next to Nana.  Never said a word, but did flash me some sweet smiles. 

And this was the spit-up moment.  Even Penn looks like he thought it was funny.

At our church, the parents read a letter to the baby being dedicated.  That's why you see Doug looking down at a paper in the pictures.  Here's the letter we wrote to Penn...

Penn, you are yet another blessing from the Lord.  We are overwhelmed by joy as we regard the gift the Lord has bestowed on us in you and your brothers, Koen and Tavin.  We promise to strive to raise you in godly discipline according to the Scriptures.  We are praying for your salvation, your spiritual maturity and your influence in the kingdom even now.  Penn, your name means Commander and we pray that you would not only embrace our Heavenly Commander, the Lord Jesus Christ, but that you would also rise to follow His example as a strong, but humble servant leader confident in His command over the physical and spiritual worlds and your role in His strategy to accomplish His plan in you.  We love you and are eager to see what the Lord has in store for you while also enjoying all the precious moments along the way.

It was a great morning.  So excited to see what the Lord does with Penn, Tavin and Koen.  We are so thankful for these little lives we have been given charge over, what a responsibility, privilege and blessing!

Here are a few pictures from after church.  The big boys...

Some great shots of Penn getting to know Nana and Aunt Joan...

And then Koen really brought on Penn's smiles with his little head-scratching trick.  Nana was impressed!

Thanks again for making the drive, Nana.  The boys love you so much.  And it meant so much to us to have you at Penn's dedication.