Hannah's Big Day

Hannah didn’t have to wait long to be baptized. Just two days after turning eight, she entered the waters of baptism. It is hard to believe it has been almost two years since Tyler was baptized.

Hannah had a lot of great support on her special day. Her Aunt Jenn and kids, along with Grandma and Grandpa drove up for the weekend. And of course, my family that lives in town- Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins were in attendance. Her Primary teachers, the Primary Presidency, and our friend, Mindy and her kids came too.

My mom made her a dress to be baptized in. When Tyler was baptized, we had to prep all the younger kids that they would be baptized in the font at church- not in the ocean. But Grandma made her dress from fabric she brought back from Hawaii. A little white muumuu with a white lei. It was as close as we could get to the warm Pacific island in our January snow. It was a little piece of paradise.

Randy spoke about her baptism and confirmation and did such a great job. Hannah could hardly wait. Then, it was the moment she had prepared for all her young life. Both her grandpas were able to stand as witnesses as she was baptized. I got a little choked up but didn’t have time to be sappy as I helped Hannah warm up afterward. She said the water wasn’t as warm as she would have liked. Good thing I had the blow dryer ready!

 Hannah drew the art for her baptism program

Hannah, along with her brothers and sisters sang I Love to See the Temple with her Grandma accompanying. Then, Hannah was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her dad gave her a beautiful blessing. He told her how proud he was of her and what a special spirit she brings in our home. I wish I could remember the rest, but that is when Emma became restless.

The bishop stood up to speak and Emma kept at it stepped it up a notch. She kept saying, “Mom! Mom! Look! Watch this!” as she stuck her finger into the back of her throat. I tried shushing her and telling her to stop. But she persisted. She did it one more time and just like that, she threw up on on the floor. In one motion, I swept her up and took her out into the hallway in case any more vomit was to follow. By then, she was a bit more somber and I was able to take her back in to hear the rest.

Once home, we tried to get a family picture with everyone dressed up, but we weren’t quite fast enough for Emma and Nathan who practically stripped upon entering the house (my Sunday after-church training backfired.) The whole family came over for a nice lunch afterward where we ate soup and dessert and enjoyed each other’s company. What a special day it was and a great time to be together!

We are so glad Hannah made the decision to be baptized!