Baptism Day for Ash

This weekend was simply wonderful.  My Asher turned eight years old at the end of last month, and has been looking forward to getting baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a long time.  This Saturday was the BIG day!!  We had invited both family and friends and Asher felt very loved and supported with everyone there with him.  Corey's parents came into town, as well as my parents and sister Kayla with her family.

 

On Saturday, the boys woke up to a much anticipated morning with cousins!  My family arrived late the night before and the first words out of Beck's mouth were, "I just can't wait to see my cousins!"  That was in response to my asking him to give them a few more minutes to sleep before they bombarded them.  Asher adored all the fun buddies in the house too, especially his little cousin Taizley.  He just looooves babies. (I heard a couple commenst about needing one of our own!)We picked up a few last minute things, and readied ourselves for the baptism.  We arrived just in time, and now know that with the next one, we'll be a little extra early so there aren't any worries!  It all worked out though, and the baptism went perfect.  Asher was so happy, and was all smiles standing in the font with Corey.  His eyes were closed for most of the words, but right at the end he opened them up and grinned at all of his friends and little ones watching at the font's edge.  So sweet.  His confirmation was beautiful as well.  I realized half way through that I should have asked someone to write some of it down!  Darn.  The people in the circle were Corey (of course!), my dad, Corey's dad, Bishop Wolfley, Aaron, and Jake.  As a mother, I was surprised at how emotional the day was for me.  I was overcome with so many different emotions, but the amazing warmth of the Holy Ghost was prominent throughout the ordinances and I truly appreciated the comfort and joy I felt.  What a blessing to have a family here on earth and to have children choosing the right and continuing on their journey on the right path.  Corey and I both felt so happy and blessed.

 

Afterwards, we had all of our family over to celebrate and ate too much, talked a lot, and enjoyed the afternoon. He opened up some gifts and cards, and his brand new awesome scriptures.  All the cousins played their hearts out while the adults munched and talked...oh, and Grandpa Pettit took Asher to Blake's (it's fast becoming a tradition) to get milkshakes for all the kiddos. A mandatory visit to Dion's pizza topped it all off later that night.  Honestly, we were all too full still, but somehow found it in our hearts (and stomachs) to eat some more.

We had an impromptu quick trip up to Santa Fe to explore, complete with lots of shoulder rides, walking, and outright all-boy silliness.  Jake had never been to NM before and it's been a while for Kayla too, I think, so Santa Fe was a great way to show all the culture we have here.  We walked around the plaza, checked out the St. Francis Cathedral and the 'Oldest Church in America', and were even able to walk around the Roundhouse (our Capitol building).  Believe it or not, the kids even enjoyed it;).

The weekend was filled with food, fun, and time well spent with loved ones.  Both of my boys loved spending all the time with cousins.  I think Asher wants us to adopt Taizley, and Beckett gave Kayla's boys parting gifts in the form of his prized polished rocks;)  We could not have asked for more.  What a wonderful way to celebrate such a special day. We were so touched by all the thoughtful gifts and well wishes he received.