June's Baptism

June was baptized by her dad on April 7. She'd been looking forward to this big day for quite a while. It was such a special and spiritual day. True to June form, she took it very seriously and has spent several months preparing to make her special covenants by reading her scriptures, saying meaningful prayers and asking lots of questions. I think she was ready. Didn't she look beautiful?

Nana Deb's been slaving away on this magnificent baptism dress for months. June found a picture of a dress in a magazine about 2 years ago and she thought it was perfect for the her baptism. Nana didn't let her down. It weighed about 20 pounds and June felt like a bride. She was spinning in it for days. Nana Betty and Grampy got her a lovely lacy sweater to go with it. Nana Deb also sent a photo book to help remember her big day.
I am not sure if it was the dress that made her look so grown up, but it was blowing my mind how mature she looked. I think that's why I spent the day bawling. I guess I can't keep her little forever.

We were so blessed to have family living close by for the occasion. The Johnsons, Botts and Rosenbaums wouldn't miss it. Yaya and the Babe got June her first set of scriptures and Grandma Sara and Grandpa Kyle got her a new pink scripture bag and baptism book. The Botts topped it off with some special scripture stickers. She loved everything.

Grandma Ivie came and stayed for a few days before the baptism. I put her to work entertaining the kids while I got everything ready. It was so nice to spend some time with her and I know she was so happy to see June get baptized.

Papa Lee and Auntie Audra also enjoyed the weekend with us. Poor Auds, she worked the entire night before and didn't get a minute of sleep, so we put her to bed as soon as we got home. It is so nice having Papa close by. We really miss all of our Okies. It's hard to have these special days and not have the whole fam with us.

Because it was Easter weekend, Nana Deb went above and beyond and sent new church outfits to all of the kids. Klive was sure looking dapper in his new duds. Currently, he likes to pose for pictures. I'm getting lots of good shots!

We took a couple of family pictures before we headed to the stake center.

The stake had 9 baptisms and the program was just perfect. There were two talks by the stake primary presidency and a beautiful musical number. Then we took turns reading short biographies about our eight-year-olds and headed to the font one at a time.

June looked like a little angel in the water. All the kids sat on the floor in front of the glass and watched so they would learn the ropes and wouldn't be nervous when it was their big day. According to June, the water was the perfect temperature. Cousin Caulder, ever prepared for battle, told June the font was haunted and asked if she was attacked by any ghosts. She told him, "Just one, the Holy Ghost." She was pretty proud of that joke all day.

We are so proud of June and he decision to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. She is a good girl who tries hard to make good choices and shares her testimony with others. She truly knows that she is a daughter of God. It was a beautiful experience.

We came home to a warm, sunny day, homemade chili and cornbread muffins, a special movie all about June and an Easter egg hunt in the back yard.

Klive hung with Papa who helped him grab a few eggs before the big kids got to them all.

It was definitely sunny because I think there are closed eyes in every picture I took.

It was a great weekend. June is lucky to have a family who loves her so much.