Kelzey's Baptism

What a special and blessed day!! Kelzey turned the sweet age of 8 on April 30th but due to many scheduling conflicts with dance competitions, recitals, and a Justin Bieber concert =) we were not able to do her baptism until July 31st.  Kelzey had a hard time waiting that long, but I am so glad it worked out the way it did because both Brittany and Stephanie were able to be there and that meant so much to Kelzey and me! Here are some fun pictures of us all just before we left to the baptism:

 Having Britt and Steph there was so amazing.  I guess my mom *forgot* to tell my dad that they were both going to be there so when he walked into the church and saw them he was quite surprised (and quite emotional)!!  This was his first time meeting Steph.  I was helping Kelzey get ready so I was not there to see his initial reaction, but he was still star-struck when I joined them.

I love that you can still see the emotion in his eyes.  Boy - was mom ever in trouble for not telling dad, I know he was extra happy about the surprise though!!

 

Another great surprise was that Sariah, one of Kelzey's closest cousins, was able to make it down here - she hitched a ride with Grandma and Grandpa.  It was a super crazy weekend for our family.  My nephew, Ethan, was also getting baptized and the Shane and Laura were blessing their son Caleb that Sunday.  We did not thing Sariah was going to be able to come since Laura's family was all there for the blessing, but Grandma and Grandpa surprised Kelzey by bringing Sariah down - it was super sweet and I know it meant a lot to Kelzey and Sariah both!  Here is a cute picture of the two of them:

 

I have to admit I was quite surprised with how emotional I was with the baptism.  I always here how "stressed out" the mothers are trying to get everything planned and organized that they don't really get a chance to enjoy the day.  I was very blessed to have a different experience.  I loved the day and was able to thoroughly enjoy it!!  I remember the emotions that came over me when Kelzey stepped out and into the waters of baptism - I was able to watch from the side by the dressing room so I could help her out.  As she stepped out of the dressing room she gave me a big hug and as she took a step into the water I was so overcome with love and admiration for her I could not control the waterworks =)  Good thing I was hiding in the alcove so no-one could see me!  I have never been prouder of Kelzey!   Spencer and I took the stance that it was her decision to be baptized and only she could know if it was what she wanted to do - I am so grateful for her simple yet powerful understanding of the gospel at such a young age and the desire to be baptized through the correct priesthood authority - she is definitely a good example to all of us!!