Bridget's Baptism

Today was Bridget's Baptism Day. I took some photos of her a few weeks ago so we could make an invitation and this photo is my favorite. Of all time, maybe. We got the dress months ago (Costco!) and we brought home lots of different ribbons to see which one we liked best. She changed out the ribbon every ten photos or so. :)

Yellow! We had such a nice time, just the two of us doing a photo shoot in the lovely park across from the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Bridget and I have talked about her baptism a lot over the last several months. I loved answering her questions and getting the girly part of the day arranged. Bridget and Brian used his nights of bedtime reading to her to memorize the 13 Articles of Faith. They did it! She can recite all of them. Now she can spend her time getting to know what they mean.

All the preparation led up to today. I asked my friend, Jennica, to do something with Bridget's hair that would stay in place even if it was soaking wet. Done.

She even came over and did it at our house! Lady Bridget. Notice the gourmet breakfast I provided our house guests. Enjoy. Also - one million rolls thawing on the stove. :)

Brian left to get the balloons I ordered and paid for on Wednesday and some dry ice. Pioneer Party had lost my order, so we had to make it again. (Didn't have to pay twice, though. Bonus.) Emil was instructed not to touch the balloons. He's the Charlie Browniest. (I don't have photos of this, but it should be here for posterity that Brian worked in our yard for 10 hours a day from Tuesday to Saturday. He planted two 300 lb. trees without a fork lift or any help. Hero.)

Brian and Bridget headed to the church while I finished up making lemonade and getting the boys ready. Brian called me from the church because he couldn't help Bridget get her baptism clothes on. Woops! Dash to the church. Everything turned out fine, of course, and Bridget and I even got to play a duet for the program. We played "I Will Follow God's Plan" and she did great. Such a pro. :) Brother Archibald said a few words to open the actual baptism, then Bridget and I went to the little ladies' room and I took her to the font. I've never been standing right there for a baptism - not even in the mission field. Brian's voice broke as he said the prayer and the whole scene made me emotional. Bridget is our treasure! It's surreal to see her get baptized. Afterwards she and I went back into the locker room and I realized Brian had her towel in the mens' room. I left Bridget in the bathroom and flagged down a man to go get her towel. When I came back, Bridget was exactly where I'd left her and there was a huge puddle of water around her. :) So cute. We got her dried off and dressed and I couldn't resist snapping a photo.

I'm kind of a mess anyway, but this picture keeps making me cry. She's so beautiful and I love that I'm cheesing it and standing on the towel I had to mop the floor with. And look! Her hair stayed in. We went into one of the chapel overflows for her confirmation. (Grandpa Bob sang and everyone wrote on a card for Bridget while they waited for us to get back.) Brian confirmed Bridget and the following people stood in the circle; Grandpa Kunze, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Hal, Uncle Kyle, Uncle David, Uncle Rob, Uncle Aaron, Dan Askew (Clara's Dad), Brother Carson, and Brother Archibald.

Brother and Sister Carson are two of the loveliest people in the world. Every kid in our ward thinks they're their grandparents. Including our kids. Bridget, Colin, and Emil all give them hugs as we come into church every week. The Carsons gave Bridget a pretty corsage to wear.

And then there was the heat. THE HEAT. Grandma Peggy kept reminding me that THIS is the picture that is going on their Christmas card. Spoiler alert.

Here are the Lees who made it. Aunt Diana took this picture and after about ten shots she noticed that Emil is facing the wrong direction. Of course he is! I have buttons on my dress that have to be unbuttoned while we're getting a photo. Classic Mo.

Then it was time for the big party at our house. People brought the best food! Great salads, homemade bread, chicken salad on croissants, and cheesecake. Brian made root beer and I made blueberry lemonade. I'll be enjoying all that later since I was too hot and still stressing when everyone else was eating. I took some pictures instead. :)

Brian and Dena cutting cheese...cake.

Mo handling the root beer. Note to self: Balloons DO NOT like heat.

Ruby, Gabriel, and Claire

Kristi, Clara, and Bridget

Janessa, Aaron, Lori, Claire, and Bob

Abby (Debbie and Kyle in the background)

The brothers drinking their weight in root beer. The better to not make it to the toilet and pee all over the bathroom floor, m'lady.

Brighton and Dena (Brian hiding behind Dena)

Lori and Aaron on their way home. (I have a really dirty doorbell. Am I supposed to clean that?)

Claire, Rob, and Ian

Brian's side of the family stuck it out in this patch of shade. :)

Bridget got some nice gifts from her grandparents and other aunts. Second birthday. Luckeee.

Jewelry makes Bridget happy.

Colin is a gentleman.

Can you see him waving in the reflection on the car? I love it. 

Today has made Emil and Colin very excited about their own baptisms. Which they think are happening tomorrow. (I painted my rocker!)

It's been a happy, happy day.