Parker's Baptism Day

April 13th was such an amazing day! Parker was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was such a beautiful program and ordinance. The spirit was so strong as we were all a part of Parker's great decision. We are so grateful that our sweet parents and Ezra were there to make it extra special. We were shocked as the room filled to overflowing with friends, ward members and neighbors who came to be part of Parker's special day. It was a night to remember.

We just love Parker so much. He is a good to the core kind of kid who was so ready and prepared to be baptized. We had had so many sweet conversations leading up to the date about what it means to be baptized, what covenants he would be making and what it means to repent. He is a thinker and I could tell he was internalizing so much of it. He is so smart and understands the gospel so well already, it shocks me. A week or so before his baptism he was especially concerned about remembering to repent for EVERYTHING so that he can still live with Jesus. We chatted about it and he felt better. He is just the greatest and we are so happy he is part of our family. 

My parents brought a little baptism book for him with letters from our loved ones who were not able to be with us, then we had the people who came to his baptism write little notes to him too; he loved reading it! It is a great keepsake so he can remember the special day and the testimonies of those who matter most to him.

He also got the traditional white baptism towel from my mom. It's huge and fluffy and he loved it. Such a fun way to remember the day on a regular basis. 

 With our packed day, getting ready for the baptism was a big feat. I am so grateful I had help from my parents and Mike's parents. We could not have made it without them!

Cutest 8 year old I know.

Mike performed the baptism and the confirmation. The confirmation was beautiful and thoughtful and powerful. I will never tire of seeing him use his priesthood righteously. I am so grateful my boys have this kind of man to look up to. 

I was able to share my testimony at the end of the baptismal service. I didn't want to let the opportunity pass  without Parker knowing how important the gospel is to me and that all the good in my life has come from my decision to be a part of it. 

Twins?

Family picture + Ezra. We love him like our own!

Jace and James keeping things light, as usual. I am so grateful that these 4 boys have each other.

Couldn't ask for a better cousin.

Mimi and Papa

Mom and dad

Grandpa and Grandma

We wanted to keep things light, colorful and fun afterward. We did yummy desserts, rootbeer and sherbet floats (Parker's favorite) and a few gumballs to brighten the table.

Mimi and Pierce

Parker really had so many people come out to support him! We only got photos of a few. Our ward is so incredibly support of everyone too; it;s inspirational. A few standouts were some buddies from school and their families. I am so glad that Sam and Dominik are part of Parker's circle of friends.
Fun boys: Nate Nobis, Jace, Sam, Ethan, Cade, Parker, Ezra and James

Brother Ormsby and Katie

Sister Bird who welcomed Parker to Primary

The girls: Megan Hanks, Lanie, Ashley, Heather, Kate, Cooper and Addie

The Barnes boys

Mom and Pierce

The Osbornes!

Sister Harris, Parker's Piano Teacher

Parker and Cade Tousa

Dad's friends from school. They were so awesome to come and support us!

Cousin Elaine who brought a darling quilt to commemorate the occasion

Bishop Soderberg

The Bullards

The Kramers

Audrey and Lydia Duckworth and Ella Nobis

The Millers: Sam's mom and Sister

The baptism program: