Annie’s Baptism

Today was such a special day.  I am so proud of Annie and for her decision to be baptized.  I am so proud of Dan, who is a worthy Priesthood holder and was able to baptize and confirm her.  I am so glad we decided to hold the baptism in Saratoga, so we could be surrounded by family who loves and supports us.  My dad is the Bishop of the Saratoga Ward right now, so it was easy to arrange.  And I love that Annie was baptized in the same font I was baptized in . . . . almost 25 years ago.

We were so happy to have Grandma and Grandpa Walton with us as well!  They flew in Friday evening and left Sunday morning, so it was a quick trip, but it made the day that much more special. 

All the family that was there to support Annie:) 

Right after the baptism, we all went back to my parents’ house for a luncheon, in their very newly remodeled kitchen . . . . . seriously, even the night before we weren’t sure if we could have it there since there were still so many things that hadn’t been finished.  But it turned out just fine.  We just threw down some plastic tablecloths to protect the unsealed granite, told everyone to not throw any food in the sinks since the disposals weren’t working yet, and just ignored all the other little things that still needed to be finished.  But I have to say, their new kitchen is gorgeous and it was so nice having a huge room to host a lunch in . . . . there will definitely be a lot more parties at my parents’ house now!                                

It’s not too often we have both sets of grandparents together!  But we sure do love it when it happens:) 

Congratulations, Annie!  We are so proud of you!  You are such a sweet and special girl, we love you so much!

Annie’s Baptism Photo Shoot

         

I was thrilled when my sister, Stephanie, offered to make Annie’s baptism dress.  And she said she’d be honored to do it.  So we talked a little about the design, I showed her an example of some fabric I liked, and she whipped this little beauty up.  It was exactly what I had pictured in my mind, and it fit Annie like a glove.  It was perfect.  And Annie looked so beautiful in it.  Thank you, Steph!  So a few days before her baptism, after we were already in California, Stephanie and I took Annie to the orchards behind the Saratoga Library for a little photo shoot.  So fun to have cute pictures of her in her dress!

Annie’s Birthday

Today Annie turned 8!  I can’t believe it – where has the time gone?  She is such a special little girl.  We just love her to pieces!  Our school is off track, and Dan had the day off work, so we had the whole day to have fun as a family and make Annie’s birthday a special day.  Dan started it off by whipping up one of Annie’s favorite foods for breakfast – crepes!  She was one happy girl!

Then she got to dive into her present pile!  She was sure excited about this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I was excited to give her her first set of scriptures with her name engraved on them.  I got my scriptures on my 8th birthday, and I still use them.  Hopefully these will last her a long time too!                           

We also got her some cute classic books to start a little collection, and a bright pink peacoat.    

She got her very own bat, glove, and ball!  She has been showing interest in playing softball lately, and although I don’t think she’s quite ready to join a team, she loves going outside with daddy and having him pitch to her so she can practice her batting.  Now she can practice catching too!

Leah was so happy to pick out this stuffed Tinkerbell doll for Annie.  Cute sisters, and best of friends.

And Grandma and Grandpa Walton sent Annie an adorable grey sweater and 8 dollars!  She was very excited about that money:)

In the afternoon we took her and her friends to the movie theater to see Hotel Transylvania in 3D.  The girls had so much fun.  Left to right: Leah, Kylie Bowers, Ashby Bellows, Annie, Kiah Cronin, Abigail Talbot, Anna Simpson, and Zoe Jenkins.

Then to Baskin Robbins for ice cream!

These three are so cute (and silly) together.  They are in the same class at school, and their teacher is nice enough to let them sit at the same table.  They love it.

And these three are in Annie’s primary class.  I always say she has the best primary class:)  All the kids are just so sweet.       

Yes, it was a great birthday.  Topped off with bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes.  Yum! 

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!  We love you!!!