Amelia's Big Day

Amelia turned 8 way back at the end of March, and has been waiting and waiting (mostly patiently) to be baptized.  We have scheduled and rescheduled numerous times just trying to find a date that would work.  Finally, we found an opening in the calendar - Summer Solstice. I guess that makes the date more memorable for her, too. (Unfortunately, this also meant a delay or cancellation in our annual party, but we decided Amelia's baptism should be the first priority.  Plus Shawn really didn't want to face the bishopric again and tell them we were rescheduling.)

We tried for a couple of family pictures before the baptism...

This one is just to document that I am, in fact, still taller than Jonas.

Shawn and Amelia

Can you tell that she is excited?

One last quick picture before starting the program.

We were on our own as far as the program went since we weren't participating in the monthly stake baptism.  We recruited various family members for prayers (Uncle Dan and Uncle Rob) and for music (Grandpa Ralph accompanied and Michelle led the music.)  Jonas gave a really nice talk about the importance of baptism.  Shawn did the actual baptizing with all of the kids gathered around the font to watch.  While I helped Amelia get dressed, Samantha played some songs on the harp.

Then there was the confirmation and I got to say a few words and bear my testimony.  It was nice to have so many family members participate and be involved.

We had some refreshments afterward and visited for a little bit with friends and family.

We got a couple of post-baptism pictures with Amelia as well.  (I'm really hoping Michelle got some better ones on her camera, but this is what I've got for now.)

Amelia looked just radiant and beautiful and couldn't stop smiling the whole time.

We are so proud of her for her good decisions and the young lady that she is becoming.