Ethan Gets Baptized

This past weekend, Ethan was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The boys had soccer in the morning then around 1:15, people started to show up at our house. We had lots of family over before the baptism:

Nama, Bampa, Uncle Jake

Nana & Papa

Uncle Travis, Aunt Jen, Robert & Violette

Great Grandma Allen

Great Aunt Sue and Great Uncle Keith Freshman

Great Aunt Kelly and Great Uncle Craig

For lunch we had:

BBQ chicken sandwiches

fruit salad

pasta salad

chips & dip

baked beans

drinks & cake

At 3:50 we left the house to go over to the stake center since we had to be there at 4pm. Everyone waited around until it was time to start. Uncle Ammon, Aunt Julie, Aiden and Logan came right before I went up to sing so just in time!

Before we started they told us all about the order, what was happening and the "rules" of the actual baptism like no pictures, check with the witness before exiting etc.

Then they had the program. Lots of people from our ward came which was very surprising to me but I was grateful for. I sang "Baptism" and was glad to have been able to participate in some way. It was a pretty arrangement. My dad and Fred's dad were witnesses and it was a beautiful event to watch Ethan in the water. 

For the confirmation portion, Fred confirmed him and in the circle there was:

Fred, Bampa, Papa, Great Uncle Craig, Brother Chadwick, and Uncle Ammon. 

There was a mix up with Great Uncle Keith. I thought Fred asked him but he said no, but Fred never saw him in the back and totally blanked and Keith thought he couldn't join because he didn't have a white shirt on. Sigh. I feel horrible about it all. Oh well.

A few things I remember about Ethan's blessing are:

 To always be a great example to his little brothers.

Work toward serving a mission

When you make mistakes remember the Savior and his atonement.

To always remember how you should always treat your mother.

Then my mom and Fred's mom each bore their testimonies and Uncle Ammon said the closing prayer. Afterward we went to In N Out with Julie's family, Fred's parents, Jake and my parents for some vegging out. 

When we got home, Ethan opened his gifts. He got scriptures and a scriptures tote from us and Fred's parents, A Baptism coloring book, coloring pillowcase, CTR gum and a shield pin from Kelly and Craig, $10 from Sue and Keith, $10 from Grandma Allen, a missionary savings jar with $40 from 

Travis and Jen, a baptism towel with his name on it from my friend Krista and my parents got him his new suit. He loved it all and was very excited about everything. It was such a great, emotional day. We are so very proud of Ethan!