Back to Blogging Part 2-Alyson's Birthday and Baptism

We're going to back up almost two months before our June trip to Palmyra, all the way back to Alyson's birthday and baptism on April 30th, 2011.
Alyson turned eight, and she was very excited about this birthday for several reasons. First, she was looking forward to being baptised and becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Secondly, Nana and Papa made it out for such a special occasion.

We have many traditions in our family. One of them Kris and I have started in our family is that when our girls turn eight years old they receive a locket. On the back is the inscription, "AIOH" meaning "Always In Our Hearts". We included a picture of us on one side and a picture of Alyson on the other. If our picture is ever replaced we hope it's a picture of a righteous young man who takes our daughter to the temple for time and all eternity.

I love this picture. This is what Alyson's day was all about....love and happiness. This picture of Aly with her daddy says more about that day than any words probably could.

Nana and Papa gave Alyson a mini hymnal with an inscription on the inside cover. Very sweet.

Nana and Papa also have a tradition for their grandchildren that has been going strong for 20 years now. They give each of their grandchildren a statue of a child kneeling in prayer. It's a sweet reminder to stay close to Heavenly Father by speaking with Him often.
Alyson also received numerous gifts from friends and neighbors in honor of her eighth birthday and her baptism. This box was given to her from our neighbors, the Thomas' from across the street. What a kind gesture!
Alyson wanted to make something special for the little reception following her baptism. We spent Friday, the 29th busily and happily dipping strawberries into chocolate and making frosted covered sugar cookies.

The whole family got involved!

Here are some tender moments of Alyson getting ready to go to the church.

And this is Aly, Kris and I just before she was baptised.

Ellary is missing because she came down with strep and had to stay home. All of the children had strep at one point or another while Nana and Papa visited. Ella just happened to still be contagious on Alyson's baptism day.

This is a picture of Kris and Bishop Wille with Alyson following her baptism. What a special day!

And here are Aly and I that evening following her baptism. I am very proud of her and happy that she chose to follow in Christ's footsteps by being baptised and that she became a member of our church. She is a wonderful daughter with so much love in her heart. Thank you, Alyson, for being my daughter!