Drew's baptism and birthday

Drew woke up with balloons on his 8th birthday which is our tradition. The kids get to pick whatever color they want. This year Drew chose white because he was getting baptized on his birthday. This is one way I knew he was ready as he really understood everything about it. He felt like white represented being clean from sin which he knew he would be once he entered the waters of baptism. Drew spent the night at the hotel with my mom and Sam and when he came in the door Saturday morning, he was greeted with lots of white balloons and tons of cousins singing to him. What a memory to start the day with!

Me, Drew and David at the baptism waiting for it to begin. Thanks to my sister, Keely, who took all of these pictures at the baptism. I was too nervous, flustered, anxious, excited to even think about that job.

 One of the reasons I was nervous is because I was to speak at Drew's baptism. I spoke on the topic of baptism and why it was so important that Drew was making this decision today.

 After Drew was baptized, the special musical number was all of his cousins singing, "I am a Child of God," with him. Even Lacey joined us who had never sang that song before but because she was Drew's cousin, she went up to sing along with him too. :)

 Colleen or "Mimi" gave the talk on the Holy Ghost

 Drew about to be confirmed a member of our church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by his dad

 This was just one picture of how packed the room was and you couldn't see everyone in it.

 My dining room table getting ready for the luncheon.

 Drew and his friends and cousins eating at our kitchen table

 Drew and his "CTR" cake. CTR stands for Choose The Right. :)

 After friends left, Drew got to play trains with all of his cousins. What more can he ask for on his 8th birthday?

 A picture of Drew and all of his cousins before they went swimming after the luncheon

 Drew and cousins along with David and Uncle Damon swimming on the afternoon of his birthday

 That night we grilled hamburgers and had another cake - this time it was his birthday cookie cake. Since he didn't really have a theme this year because we focused on his baptism and that he was 8, we put a big number 8 on the cake and 'eight is great.' Drew loved it! And this year he wanted to put his candles on his cake all by himself.

 David lighting the cake

 blowing out the candles

 Gifts from family

 PawDee gave Drew the new train, Luke, and an awesome new train book. He also gave Drew $

 The Pratts gave Drew a tie tack and scripture markers

 Lucas' gave Drew a CTR tie in his favorite color. He wears it every Sunday now. :)

 Pratts and Saenz families gave Drew a slip 'n slide

 Drouets gave Drew a soccer goal for the back yard

 Mimi gave Drew more $

 Our good friends, the Hines family, gave Drew this awesome memento for his room

 Our Maryland friends we miss dearly, the Kelly family, sent Drew his favorite series books from Diary of  Wimpy Kid. Once everyone left, he read them and re-read them immediately. Plus a very cool bookmark of the character, Greg.

 Drew talking to MawDee on the phone on his birthday

 David and I got Drew the blue dog flashlight friend Drew has been asking for for his birthday present. So much fun getting your kid exactly what he wants. :)

 All in all, you can see why Drew said this was the best day of his life. He made covenants with God that were so important and all of his family and friends were here for it. His birthday was filled with creating awesome memories and spending it with literally all of his family. I'm so thankful for a wonderful son and for an unforgettable day. I know Drew felt very special.