An Engagement Party and A Freedom Party

Thomas and Madison set their wedding date for July, but with his football schedule he wasn't going to be able to come back afterwards for a reception, so while they were here visiting, we threw them an engagement party at my parents' house. It was a simple open-house style party, but, as she always does, my mom made it beautiful, complete with through-the-years photos of the couple.

For the Fourth of July, we decided to celebrate all together at my grandma's farm with a campout - Micah had also arrived by then. It sounded like a really fun idea beforehand, but that day was SO hot and humid and in the morning, everything was wet from the humidity and dew. It was gross to just be outside. And then around dinner time, a huge storm rolled through and forced us all inside for a while. We still had a great time, though, and it was so fun to see Jackson and the other cousins making memories together at my Grandma's house, just like I did as a kid.

No Shoaf outing would be complete without shooting some guns!

I just love Indiana in the summer - the fields and big blue skies, mixed in with some killer thunderstorms, are so gorgeous to me.

Catching lightning bugs

Julius brought some of his kids over to play and eat dinner with us then we roasted s'mores and had the most amazing up-close fireworks show. I like fireworks anyway, but it's pretty amazing when they're right overhead!

Sealing Day - July 1, 2017

On July 1, 2017, Brandon and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Indianapolis, Indiana temple. We had hoped to be sealed on our wedding anniversary, but since Brandon was at his annual training, that wasn't possible. Instead, we scheduled for July 1st when Thomas and his fiancee Madison were planning to be in town so that Thomas could join us for the sealing.

A few days before, we met my friend Becky Lindberg at the temple to do some family portraits. Even though we weren't able to have Jackson in the sealing with us, I'm so happy to have these beautiful photos of the three of us at the temple.

The day of the sealing was a beautiful, sunny July Saturday. We were surrounded by many friends and family, including Thomas and Madison, and my aunt VoNique and uncle Jared, who all flew in for the sealing, as well as my brothers and sisters who weren't able to come into the temple but still came to support us. It was such a beautiful experience to be in the temple with so many people who had influenced me in positive ways and to kneel across the altar from Brandon, my greatest blessing, who I prayed for and longed for for so long. It was one of the most surreal and happiest moments of my life - this was finally happening for me! I'm so grateful to have him by my side and that he chose me for now and forever. 

My dad and Thomas served as witnesses for the sealing, and my mom sat next to me and my Grandma Shoaf sat next to Brandon as his stand-in mother. She's been so good to both him and Jackson and have welcomed them into our family with open arms.

Jackson hung out in the waiting room with Madison until Tessa, Jacob, Alisha, and Nalon got there.

Tie bar buddies!

Afterwards, we took a few photos then headed to Granite City for lunch. Later that night, Thomas, Madison, Jared, and VoNique all came over for pizza and games. It was easily one of my favorite days ever.

The next day we went to church in my parents' ward then hung out at their house for lunch and games, since Jared and VoNique were still in town. Tessa's kids were back from their vacation with their dad by then, so they came, too. I'm so grateful Jared and VoNique came out and that we were able to spend some extra time with them!