Angel's Baptism

Our sweet Angel decided to be baptized.  She met with the Missionaries (Elder Booth and Elder McKnight - awesome guys!!!) a few times to learn more about the gospel and the important decision she was making.  We wanted it to be completely her decision, and for her to understand it's significance and meaning.

She was SO incredibly excited!  She could scarcely contain her excitment - she was literally jumping around all morning, with a big, toothy grin on her face!

Here she is with the Mr. just before the program began: (Special thanks to my wonderful friend Ellen for the photos!!!)

Opening song (she was clinging to the Mr.!)

Getting ready to get in the water:


We didn't take any photos of them in the font, because we weren't sure if that was allowed...but this is my favorite: Angel, just coming out of the water, seconds after being baptized:



After she got dried off, Angel sang "Love Is Spoken Here" with some of her friends (Wiggles and Grins both got shy at the last minute and decided against joining in...)


This next one is blurry, but it's the best (only) shot I got of her confirmation.  And I kind of love how everything is blurry around her, but she's just calm and still in the midst of it all.  Sort of fitting, since the confirmation is all about the Holy Ghost, isn't it?!

In the circle: Elder Booth, Elder McKnight, Daddy, Grandpa Stout, Rick Mahoney, Doug Petersen, and Doug Hervey.

Blurry, but sweet:


Other fun details I don't want to forget about Angel's special day:

She drew the picture for the front of the program: (photo to come)

She helped to plan the program:
Opening Song: "When I Am Baptized"
Talk on Baptism by Grandma Stout
Talk on Holy Ghost by Sister Steineckert
Closing Song:  "I Lived in Heaven"

After the program, we enjoyed some delicious refreshments (also selected by Angel):
Assorted bagels with cream cheese
Caprese sandwiches
Cucumber cream cheese sandwiches
Fresh fruit trays
Brownie bites
Cheesecake bites
Pineapple punch

Then, we took pictures galore and enjoyed chatting with friends who came, including the Forties, Schelasins, Carters, Ranks, Barry/Guidos, Richer/Rubins, Ellen, and Hermansens:  (And note: she is wearing socks because somehow, in the craziness of the day, her black shoes went missing....)

And then, of course, these awesome guys!

When we got home, we realized we hadn't really taken any pictures of Angel on her own...so a little photo shoot ensued.  (She's just too beautiful!!)

Too much serious stuff.....she started getting silly! :)

And totally cracked herself up!

 Yes, we think she's pretty great!

 It was so nice to have these 2 fly across the country just for her special day!

Angel, we are so proud of you for this big step.  You have become such a thoughtful, caring, considerate young lady, with a heart of gold.  We know this is only the beginning step in your lifelong journey to come unto Christ and 'be perfected in Him'.  We are so glad you have made the choice to follow the Savior, and know that the gift of the Holy Ghost will be a constant source of strength and peace throughout your life.  We hope you will remember this special day and the beautiful feelings in your heart, for years to come.  We love you, precious girl!!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy