It's Great to Be 8!

Andrew had his 8th Birthday. He is growing up fast. Such a handsome and wonderful little man! It's so easy to be proud of him. 

His baptism was Saturday, September 13th. It was a special day. Andrew had flag football orientation with Coach Dad that morning while I took the girls to watch Ashley play in her soccer game. Andrew missed his afternoon soccer game and was sad about that but, he was fine. His baptism started at 1pm. He was lucky to share the meeting with his 2 good friends Ty Schmidt and Luke Kleven. They looked so happy and sweet together. Luke's uncle spoke about baptism, then our family non-musical family was in charge of the musical number. Joe played the piano and Callie played the harp while Andrew, Ashley, Hailey, Lizzie and William sang 'When I am baptized'. They each did an amazing job! Even sweet Hailey sang each and every word. Andrew nearly laughed out loud when he looked down at his friends but, learned to look away and kept it together. Lizzie nearly lost it too when Katie yelled out her favorite name "Lizzie, Lizzie". Then Ty's aunt spoke. We were the last to be dismissed to the font. Bishop Shields conducted. Dave baptized and confirmed Andrew and it was all very special, fun, sweet and a great blessing. We are proud of Andrew always, and grateful that he could be baptized. I was able to bear my testimony. The next day when Andrew was called up to the pulpit, the Bishop noted that during my testimony Andrew watched me intently and listened; the bishop encouraged him to always do that. I felt grateful because it is true that Andrew is observant and wants to choose what is good. 

 Andrew and Ty

Ty's mom took a few pictures with her phone: 

 The kids and cousins singing. They did a wonderful job!

 Andrew and Luke

 After the baptism we had a luncheon with our families and some close friends at home. It was all very nice and I felt so very blessed to have so much. 

Ashley chose her bright dress, sparkly pink belt and glitter silver shoes. It was a bit much for the occasion but, she was so proud and happy that we just went with it. Katie wore a different dress to the baptism but, came home and changed to a yellow Belle princess dress-up for the picture. Kids sure do keep things interesting.