Gracie's Baptism Day

I walked in the girls room a couple days before Gracie's birthday and she had made these for herself and hung them on the wall. I thought it was so precious when I looked closer at the hearts and saw that they each had a word on them. They said, "Gracie is almost baptized."

Gracie was a great little missionary handing out her invitations and mailing them to friends and teachers who are not members of the church. Our sweet neighbors, Christina McBeth and her three kids were able to attend, as well as Gracie's little friend from school, Jazlyn Jones and her mom. It was so sweet of them to come! Her teacher emailed me to apologize for not being able to attend. She said she really wanted to go, but her Mom was being honored at a ceremony at the same time. Great missionary work Gracie!

We were blessed by so many ward friends who were able to attend as well, and Gracie's sweet Primary teacher, Gabriele Hooser, brought a gift for her.

The biggest blessing was being able to fly the grandmas out with the travel voucher I was able to claim while flying back home from Colter's wedding! Both grandmas gave beautiful talks, and I'm so glad they were able to be there for Gracie. Sam, Kirsten, and Lucy were able to come from Georgia as well.

On her way back to change into the white jumper . . .

I'm so glad my Mom was able to take these pictures for me! Thanks Mom!

Gracie got to talk to both Grandpas on the phone before her baptism. So sweet!

It was such a perfect, special day! We were so proud of our little Gracie's decision to be baptized. Everything was absolutely beautiful and we could feel such a sweet spirit there. I was feeling so many emotions as I watched my sweet girl. There were times she seemed so little that day, and other times where she seemed so grown up. I love you forever Gracie Jo! Heavenly Father is so proud of you and loves you very much!

After the baptism, we ate lunch at Golden Corral, grandma's treat. Thank you Grandma!

We told our waitress that it was Gracie's birthday, so they announced it over the intercom. She got all shy and embarrassed. :)

It was nice that Gracie's birthday fell on a Saturday, so that she could get baptized on her actual birthday. That will make it easy for her to remember the date.

I can't believe she's 8 years old!!! This past Wednesday she went to her first Activity Day Girls. She is so grown up! Time really does go by soooo fast! Happy Birthday Roo!