Audrey is 8!!! For members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, eight-years old is a big deal. If the child so chooses, they are baptized and become a member of the church. Audrey has long awaited this day, and because of a family reunion in September that conflicted with the first Sunday of the month and then General Conference, held the first weekend in October, she waited an extra five weeks! October 10th was the big day.
She was supported by so many family and friends, it was great. One of the advantages of living so far away, is when they come for an event, they usually stay a few days. We had fun going to the Moon Farm, and then eating yummy food with the soon-to-be famous chef's of GW's Chophouse.
However, there was a slight flaw with so much play the night before and day of the baptism. Audrey was so exhuasted she fell asleep during the baptismal program. Brandon said she took a short nap in the car on the way to the church, and then she fell asleep again during the last talk. It should be a weekend to remember. Here's Audrey with Brandon following the baptism.
Now, given this is such a big event, I of course wanted lots of pictures, in EVERY scenario. But, I'm still shaking my head how crazy the weekend was. Trying to entertain, cook, and get a housefull of people (mostly kids) showered, dressed, and to the church on time was a bit much for me.
I really wanted a good one of Audrey and her brothers. She is a great big sister to them and loves and adores each one of them. (In typical sibling fashion, she has a love/hate relationship with her next of kin, Corbin, but deep down, I know she loves him. :) They all look up to her and most days will do what she wants them too. Even if it means dressing up in princess outfits. So, you can understand my sadness with a slight tinge of humor when I look at these pictures. I know I'm not alone when it comes to failed pictures. I couldn't find the boys outfits that I had specifically bought for the event until Sunday, at the end of the long weekend, when my kids were tired and less than cooperative. Not only was Jake fussy and Drew crying, refusing to be a part of the show, but Audrey looks like she barely got out of bed and didn't get her hair done.
Thanks for photo editing programs, we got a good picture of the family following the baptism on Saturday. We were fighting the sun and shadows so Corbin got a new head to make this picture "perfect."
I never did get a picture that turned out of just Brandon and I with Audrey, me with Audrey, or even a group shot, but here are a few photos with others that love her and made the trip out to help make this event special for her.
Her best friend Grace Garn from American Fork, UT.
Her cousins from Idaho that drove with Grandma and Grandpa to be there for her. Kaden, Hallie, Audrey, and Sicileigh.
Her favorite babysitter of all time, Carrie Helland from American Fork, UT.
Parents, Maternal Great Grandparents (Dave and Lana Bishop) and Maternal Grandparents (Dell & Anna Williams)
Grandma and Grandpa Sam from Burley, Idaho, Uncle Jared and Aunt Janet from Grand Junction, CO, and Grandpa and Grandma Anna from Fallon, NV.
And finally, the cutest picture if you ask me. Grandma and Grandpa Sam look so proud, and Audrey looks like she feels special, as she should. She is such a wonderful part of our family. She and I commiserate sometimes because we are both the oldest and with that brings certain responsibilities, but I am so proud of her and the choices she is making. She is growing up to be a beautiful individual. I love you Audrey!
For memory sake, others not pictured but in attendance: Aunt Raelene and Cohen. Uncle Daren, Aunt Amanda, Conner, Hailey, and Kayla. Friends Randy, Char, Grace, Halle, Sadie, and Jane. Cousins Chris, Jess, and Hannah.
