Even though Gabe's birthday was in March, we scheduled his baptism for May so that my dad could come (he's an accountant so it had to be after April 15th). Both sets of Grandparents came, not aunts and cousins, though. It was fun to have everyone over at our house! The kids sure were entertained.
Grandpa got donuts! They didn't last long!
I taking pictures of people eating because Erik just LOVES that, lol. I sent this to him to keep him informed of what was happening while he was working ALL. DAY. LONG. They only make him work that long when family is over.
Grandma brought over these foam blocks with letters for Ian and he has been OBSESSED with them ever since. I've never seen a child so enthralled with a toy before. It great that he is, but these foam letter blocks make a HUGE mess all over the place!
The baptism itself went great, and we had a good turnout. I tried not to let myself get too stressed out. It was nice to have a lot of help, before and after the baptism. I originally was going to play a piano solo for the intermission, but I changed my mind from performing a solo to just playing background music, sort of like an interlude. That decision took a lot of stress off my shoulders! Also, the wonderful primary ladies that came helped with the refreshments! I came out of the room to get the refreshments out, but that had all been taken care of for me, and done quite nicely, too! Gabe picked the Grandmas to say the opening and closing prayers, and the Grandpas to give the talks. Erik obviously performed the baptism & confirmation, and I did all of the rest of the work! The primary ladies also passed out cards to everyone while Gabe was getting changed (and I was playing the background piano music), so that they could write an encouraging note to Gabe about his decision to be baptized. I loved reading them all! We are very proud of Gabe and his decision to become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! We hope he sticks to his decision and not only fulfills his duties within the church, but goes above and beyond and becomes the best Gabe he can possibly be!
The display table. Looking back, I think I should have probably had something else on the table, but I'm not sure what. Maybe a train?
The program that I made. I had the song lyrics on the back. Of course the darn printer ran outta ink while I was printing, but thankfully I already had just enough printed.
A very special picture of a very special day! I couldn't take pictures of the actual event for obvious reasons, but it was so special hearing the talks and watching the baptism & confirmation. Gabe was so happy!
My silly boo-boo eating a donut! I couldn't resist taking a picture of this silliness.
The Eagar sisters came! I was glad they did. I've know them since I was 12.
Erik's cousin Claudia came and so did my uncle Spencer, cousin Mario, and Erik's friend Dan. The 1st counselor from our ward was also there and spoke some nice words.
I startled awake a just a day or so before that baptism, realizing that I forgot to make time to drive to Mesa to buy Gabie his own set of scriptures! Luckily, my dad lives around the corner from a Deseret bookstore so I asked him to pick up a nice leather-bound set with Gabe's name engraved. It was a much better plan than me driving an hour to Mesa to pick some up. He was able to do so on his way out to come down for the baptism, and I just paid him back. I hope these scriptures are his first and last, and that he uses them for the rest of his life!
Elisa wanted her picture taken, I'll never say no to that. Such a pretty little girl!
Ian wanted his picture taken too! I'd never say no to that either!
Elisa and Grandma Marsha. We think Elisa looks a lot like Grandma did when she was Elisa's age!
Then we all went home, changed, and all went to The Cracker Barrel for a nice early dinner before Grandma and Grandpa Nelson had to leave.
Saying goodbye to Grandma.
Grandpa Ron left the next morning the kids sure had a good time with him, too!
Me and my daddy!
A family picture. Silly Gabe changed into his jammies. I'm kinda sad I didn't get one of me and my Gabie on his special day! Or of my mom. She was there too!
