Max's Baptism Day!

Words cannot express what a beautiful day Max's baptism was.  He was so ready.  He's been talking about his baptism for what seems like forever.  Tony and I gave him a set of scriptures with our testimonies written in them.  We hope he treasures them and studies them always.  We got there early to take a few pictures.

Max's baptism was a part of a stake baptism.  There were four other girls that were baptized the same day.  Max doesn't know these girls yet, but I'm sure when he turns twelve and there are stake youth activities, he will get to know them. :)  There was a talk on Baptism and a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Becky Wright spoke on the gift of the Holy Ghost. She teaches Ryan's Sunday School class and used to teach Max's class so that was special.  Max was the fourth child baptized.  While we waited for the other children to be baptized, we sang beautiful songs.  They announced that a fluke had happened and the baptismal font, instead of having super cold water which is usually the problem, had piping hot water.  They had to add ice cubes to cool it down.  By the time Max was baptized, it was still really warm.  

Tony and Max went down into the baptismal font and Tony said the prayer and baptized Max.  Grandpa J and Grandpa Dan were the witnesses to make sure that Max was fully immersed in the water before he came out of the water.  Knowing that baptism is an essential ordinance in following the Savior, Jesus Christ, our hearts were full to see Max happily accept to follow Christ.  

While Tony and Max were getting into dry clothes, the rest of us went back to the chapel and I passed out cards for people to write their thoughts on baptism (or draw pictures for the little ones).  These are going into Max's memory book.  Sister Hill, who is serving her mission in Renton and who we have become close to, sang while we waited as well.  She sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".  She sings so beautifully and she testified of Jesus Christ through that wonderful song.

After Tony and Max had changed and returned, Tony confirmed Max a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and blessed him with the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Then Brother Wood and Sister Johnson spoke.  The closing song was "I am a Child of God".  Grandma Kate led the music which meant that while she was up in front leading the music, Jase and Evelyn followed her up there.  Then, because Jase was up there, his friend Myles went up there too.  It was sweet and hilarious all at the same time.

After the baptism, we shared cupcakes and chatted with friends and family that came.  I wish I had gotten pictures of everyone.  There are too many people that I missed getting a picture of before they left.  Also, Uncle Ben and Aunt Kara had a sippy cup incident so we missed having them in the photos.  We are so thankful to everyone who was able to come and support Max on this special day.  We're also thankful to those friends and family who wanted to be there but were unable to be because of distance or other commitments.  Max felt the love of everyone and I know he will remember this day always. He's already recorded his feelings in the journal he was gifted.

The Bakers 

Sister Opstad, who taught Max when he was three.

Myles and Jase are such cute little buddies.

Sister Dean is Max's church teacher right now and he loves her!  Brother Dean played the piano and I'm sad I didn't pull him in for a photo.

The Lamberts

Menzie boys

The Coltons and Hank the pro-photo-bomber!

Brother Wood

The Menzies

All of the family members who came minus Ben and his family. 

Aunt Stacey

These are the only cupcakes that remained after the baptism.  The reason I took a picture of them is because I want to always remember the sweetness of the friend who made them.  First, she was going to show me a few tips to decorate this type of cupcake.  Then she offered to make and decorate the cupcakes for us.  It was such a sweet thing to do and the cupcakes tasted and looked amazing.  There was so much love and support for our family this day.