Ella's Big Day

At the beginning of September Ella had the wonderful opportunity to be baptized a member of the

church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. It was such a special day and we are so proud of Ella and the choices shes made.

The night before we were lucky enough to have my Mom fly in from Wisconsin!

Ella turned eight back in June, but we waited until now for her to be baptized so that my Mom could be there for Ella on her big day and then stay and be here for when baby number 3 made her debut!

My Mom gave Ella a special necklace, with a matching one for my Mom to wear!

Ella and Sidney

Ella was baptized with two of her friends from church and the neighborhood, including her good friend Sid!

All dressed and ready

Although Ryan had been looking forward to this day just as much as Ella, he was still very nervous!

He did a fantastic job!

A special day for both of them.

Looking good in white!

All Ella had talked about over the summer was how much she was looking forward to being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. She spent every night this summer reading the bible and learning about our savior.

She really understood what it meant to be baptized and takes it very seriously.

She has such a strong testimony and is such a great example to her little brother.

We love you Ella!!

Grandma on the farm with Jack and Ella

We were so happy that my sister Mary and brother in law Kevin were able to come from Wyoming 

and

My grandparents came all the way from Oregon to be there for Ella.

We were sad that none of Ryan's family were able to make it.

Ryan's Mother has been sick and unable to travel. 

Jack and Ella

Ella was amazing. I know she felt the spirit and knew what she was doing was right.

She had the biggest smile on her face all day!

Jack kept asking when it was his turn, he wanted to be baptized too!

Our little family

I thought for sure being huge and pregnant that I would cry, but I only teared up twice.

The first time was as we all started singing the opening song- looking at my sweet little family and how lucky I am that they are mine and what a special daughter Ella is to me.

The second time was right as Ella walked out of the font. As I stood there with her towel and helped her dry off, the spirit was so strong. Along with my love for her. 

After we all went back to our house for a luncheon to celebrate!

We were so thrilled that so many people were able to come and support Ella!!

Thank you all for coming!!

Included in our party was Ella's 3rd grade teacher!

It was so nice that she and her children were able to come and witness Ella's baptism!

She is an amazing teacher to Ella! 

She was given some gifts- including her own set of scriptures and her first "real" CTR ring!

The rest of the day and weekend were spent hanging out with family and lots of playing games on Grandma's cell phone.

Mary making her famous apple pie, with Jack's help!

My Mom gave each of the children Wisconsin tee shirts. Jack wore his everyday for about a week!

(Playing wii with Mary!)

What a wonderful weekend!

There was so much excitement and preparation for Ella's big day..... 

and

Baby Bailey was only two days away!!!