Sandwiched In Between, or Ella's Baptism

It isn't really fair for something as important as a baptism to get sandwiched in between two other things, but in order for family to get to come out and see the girls dance that is exactly what we did.  The girls performed Friday night, got back around 11:00pm and woke up bright and early (to me) for her baptism at 10:00.

It was a family affair since so many of our family were able to come out.  She was baptized by her daddy:

Her Grandpa Alan conducted, Grandma Joan led the music, Aunt Cheryl gave a talk on baptism, Ella and Uncle Jared sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth," Grandma Sharon gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, Grandpa Rulon confirmed her, Uncle Ryan gave a prayer, and I played the music.  Whew. 

After the baptism we went out to the restaurant of Ella's choosing to celebrate.  Ella picked Perkins, which is basically like a Coco's or Shari's and known as a hot spot for the over 83 crowd, but she loves getting breakfast whenever she can so off we went.  The girls and I had to leave a little early to get ready for the 2nd showing of the recital.

Other fun things:

Livi enjoyed having her soul mate, Cheryl, here to boss around.

All the kids loved having uncles around who don't have their own kids so they can be talked into doing things like push-ups with little girls on their backs. 

We are so proud of Ella and her decision to be baptized.

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

I can't believe my baby is baptized. It seems like only 2 years ago that Eric and I were sleep deprived, doing lunges down the hallway in church for all 3 hours (oh, wait we were, with Livi).

We've been preparing Ethan for his baptism for months now. Family Home Evening lessons were on baptism, the sacrament, and the Articles of Faith (over and over). I really wanted him to understand what he was committing to and why it was important. I thought we were on the right track. Then Ethan had his interview with the Bishop a few weeks ago and on the drive home this is the conversation he and Eric had:

Eric: "So what did the Bishop ask you?"
Ethan: "He asked if I knew the purpose of baptism."
Eric: "Did you tell him?"
Ethan: "No, I couldn't remember, but he told me what it was."
Eric: "Well, what is it?"
Ethan: "I don't remember."
I guess it didn't quite sink in, but he still chose to get baptized and the Bishop still let him.
Ethan was baptized on Saturday and we were lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents with us.

I may have stressed out a little before hand, but once everyone was there we had a great time. Livi was crazy all through the great talks Joan and Dad prepared. Melissa was great and tried to keep her quiet, but there is no stopping that girl. She even pulled poor Carter in on it until this is what they were doing in the middle of everything:

Alan was very generous and took us out for a celebratory lunch, which of course meant we fought over who got to play "Angry Birds."(Ella won this time)

My babies are getting older, and one of them just made an awesome decision and took the first step to being a great man. Good job, Buddy, we love you and are so proud!