Are we old enough to have an 8 year old?

Andrew turns 8
Andrew turned 8 on Feb 16 and made the decision to be baptized.  This is a big step for him and he was a little scared.  He didn't have a friend birthday because we were having a luncheon & cake following his baptism but we did take cupcakes to his school class and  go out to dinner.  Since I was being a little lazy (and their school allows it) we made homemade cupcakes.  I don't think I will do that again.  It is cheaper but store bought are so much easier, especially when it is a 1/2 day at school.  For dinner Andrew picked Applebee's.  The kids did very well considering it had already been a long day (& week).  Andrew was pretty tired by the time they brought out his birthday ice cream.  I got one too since my birthday was the next day.  Juli & Chase shared mine. When we got home Andrew wanted to know if there were any presents for him.  He was pretty sure there were since he likes to snoop in our closet (he has been warned that if it happens again there won't be presents).  He got a big cars 2 pillow for watching movies, Cars 2, Cars 2 stationary set, & some new clothes.  

On Friday, there was no school so we got the house cleaned up for Grandma & Grandpa's arrival.  This is the first time my parents have made the 2+ hour trek to our house (p.s. we are moving in 6 months and have been here 1.5 years).  We were glad to have them here and the kids really enjoyed spending time with them on their own turf.  Grandma helped the boys cut our "Holy Ghost" jigglers for Saturday and Grandpa spent time playing checkers with them.













Saturday was a busy day. I volunteer with Bountiful Baskets and this happened to be my week to work. After going to bed around 1 am, I was up at 7 getting last minute things put together and heading out the door.  Thankfully everything went smoothly and by the time I got back everyone had had breakfast and 1/2 the family was dressed for the baptism.  We finished prepping food (I was waiting for my basket for the fresh lettuce & tomatoes) and loaded up the cars.  John & Andrew went ahead to make sure the font got turned on in time. We had set up the tables/chairs & Primary room the night before so we just had to add tablecloths/centerpieces when we arrived about 30 minutes later.  The baptism went off almost completely without a hitch (technical difficulties on my part, sorry!).  Bro. Bean presided & conducted, he missed part of his daughters ball game, but we are glad to have had him there.  Grandma & Grandpa, Grammy & Papa, and our home teacher, Bro Judd all did a fantastic job speaking. We were able to record the first 2 but I didn't realize where the camera was until the end of Jason's talk so we didn't get all of that one, total bummer.  Andrew's good friend from church, Espn Judd, gave the closing prayer.  He was pretty nervous but he his awesome (especially since he is only 7) Following the baptism we had a light lunch make-your-own croissant sandwiches, chips, jell-o jigglers & Costco cake (white cake, strawberry mousse filling, Chocolate frosting).  We are very grateful for all those who attended and helped make this a special day for Andrew and us.  Grandma & Grandpa Parsons, Grammy & Papa Tilton, The Judd family, The Hawkins Family, Bro & Sis Rutherford, the missionaries, Bro Bean.

After being "dunked", Andrew told John that he was, "scared to death, but proud."  We are proud of him too for the choice he made.  We hope that he will always remember this day and be happy about his decision.  We also hope that he remembers that his Heavenly Father loves him and is proud of him.  Andrew decision is a great example to his younger brother and sister. They can't wait to turn 8 and be baptized, too!  

















On another note, Andrew starts Cub Scouts this week.  His first official meeting will be the Blue & Gold banquet on Thursday.  He loved it last year as a perspective scout and has been waiting all year for his turn to participate.