Devon's Baptism Day

Today was a special day at our house!  Devon was very excited to finally get baptized.  He had to wait a little over a month for this day, so he was ready!  He looked very handsome and grown up.  It's weird to think that when we moved here, he was only about 6 months old.  Time has flown by so quickly!

As per tradition, we let Devon pick those who would participate in the baptismal program.  He picked wonderful people and they made the day even more special for Devon!  What a wonderful spirit we had there.

The baptism was at 4 pm, but we got there at 3:30 pm to shut off the water in the font.  Only one problem, we forgot our keys to the building.  When we got to the church we saw a couple of cars, but all the doors were locked.  Luckily though, after a few anxious moments, we got a hold of the people inside and they let us in - close one!

Aunt Lindsay and her family were able to come for the baptism!  It was great to have some family with us.  Aunt Lindsay gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost.  She wanted Devon to remember some of what he heard at his baptism, so she gave him several presents that represent what the Holy Ghost does.  Devon was very excited about this, especially since Aunt Lindsay started with a huge chocolate and peanut butter heart!  I think Devon will remember what each of the presents represent because later on in the evening he was asking what some of the presents represent.  What a great way to help eight year olds remember!  Uncle Cameron also helped at the baptism.  He stood in the confirmation circle and stepped in to say the closing prayer (when we heard our friend was sick).  Devon also asked Tanner to  be a part of his program.  Tanner led the music.  He did a great job!  Devon looks up to Tanner a lot (even though Tanner doesn't agree - they are both very similar).

Devon was baptized by Chad.  Just before we had left for the church the two practiced how to go down into the water.  When it came time for the real thing, Devon did great!  It was funny to see him when he came up.  I guess the hot water had run out, so the water was still pretty cold.  When Devon came up he took a couple of quick big breathes!

After the baptism we went home and had a nice dinner with Aunt Lindsay and her family.  We love having them close by!  Later on in the evening we had cake and ice cream to celebrate - with an "It's Great to be Eight" cake!  I also made a little small "8" cake just for Devon.  He loved it and asked if he could eat the whole thing himself - he made it through one circle!

Devon also got to open up two small gifts.  We gave him his own pocket hymnbook (just as we did for his brothers before him).  He was super excited when he saw it!  Then he got a neat frame from my parents.  Inside the frame is a coin (with his baptismal year on it) and a cool quote.  We hope these gifts will help him remember his baptism day!

We are so thankful to have Devon in our family.  He is such a loving sensitive boy.  He is also a great brother to his siblings.  He is gaining a great testimony.  It is exciting to watch it grow.  We love you Devon!