it's great to be eight!!

kasen got baptized last week.  

it was a very special day for him because it was also his birthday.  

some of the special memories we have of that day are:

• when we arrived at the church for the baptism the font was not filled.  it normally takes two hours to fill the font.  people were trucking water from the kitchen in large pots to get it filled.  it was very low and quite cold.  i think the water was just above jared's knees.  
• kasen was baptized with maddie and marina from our ward.  marina had to be dunked three times because her dress kept coming up.
• kasen was also baptized with some friends from school; bode hall, kelbee daines, and tommy
• our sweet neighbor gave the baptism talk.  she is in the stake primary presidency.  she made a special point to comment on the fact that it was kasen's birthday.  it made him feel very special.
• we had a lot of friends and family there to support kasen.
• jared gave a beautiful confirmation blessing and included the fact that it was his birthday and he would receive many wonderful gifts, but the most important gifts he will receive that day have come from his loving heavenly father.
• while we were waiting for jared and kasen after the baptism but before the confirmation, my dad came up to jared's aunt and asked how grandpa is doing.  she thought he asked about her parents and she looked matter of factly at my dad and with no emotion said, "my mom is dead."  leslie and i looked at her and busted up laughing.  i think my dad was shocked but he came back with, "i know, i was at the funeral" then joined in on the laughter.  it was quite comical.
• later on when mernie was leaving with kurt and leslie, she turned to justin and thanked him for having him over and letting him join in our family celebration.  it took her a minute before she realized that justin was not jared.  another funny moment.  we are so thankful for aunt mernie, she sure does make us laugh!!

the birthday/baptism boy

before heading off to church.  

(we were so on time and not stressed one little bit.  it was an awesome day!!)

man, he has grown up so fast.

family picture outside the church after the baptism.

everyone came over for dinner after.  we had cafe rio burritos or salads.  it was quite tasty.

the kids table.  poor craig is in the corner.

mason and lily

more kids (usually they are safer at the table)

the support group included:

• great grandma and grandpa s.
• my mom and dad
• jared's mom and dad and craig
• justin, katie, kendell, kolby, and kohen
• ryan, darci, kaylee, and ashton
• shay, emery, and eden
• bryce, tessa, and mason
• aunt mernie
• steph and noah came to the baptism but had to leave for a soccer game.

anywhere you can find a seat

 i found some trick candles in the cupboard and we had some fun with kasen.

he was laughing pretty hard which made it more difficult to blow them out.

so kolby decided to help him.

later kolby told his mom that he had to help kasen blow out his candles.  he wasn't able to do it himself.

kasen was very spoiled and got lots of legos.

his goal was four boxes of legos.  i think he ended up with nine or ten.

i think i might have to put this erector set together for him one day while he is at school.  it looks awesome!!

great grandma and grandpa s. with kasen

mimi and papa with kasen

grandma and grandpa with kasen

such cute kids.  i think they love each other, sometimes.