Kourtney's 8th Birthday

Kourtney celebrated her 8th birthday this year.  She was very excited for several reasons.  First of all, what child doesn't like having birthday celebrations, a day that honors them with cake and ice cream and presents?  Secondly, Kourtney knew that with her 8th birthday she could choose to be baptized.  She had anticipated the day of her baptism ever since we began preparing Alyson for hers.  Lastly, Kourtney's wish for a "blue" room became a reality.  She now has a robin's egg blue room with complimenting accessories.  And so this post is in honor of our wonderful girl Kourtney and all of the new memories that came with her 8th birthday.

 Yummy lemon cake.

 Nana and Papa gave Kourtney a hymnal that matches her scriptures.

 Here are a couple of wall hangings that I made from material Alyson and I used to make a picture holder that hangs above Kourtney's bed.

 Matching pillow I sewed.

 And this is Kourtney's new bedspread.  She loved her old one, but it had holes in it from all the wear and tare and love she gave it.

 

Aunt Uta and Uncle Jim gave Kourtney a purse and a gift card.  Kourtney has been taking her new purse with her whenever we go to the store.  She loves it.

 Kourtney decided she wanted little pies as refreshments for her baptism.  Nana, Aly, Koco and Ellary made Strawberry Chiffon pies (Grandma Iva's recipe) the Saturday before her baptism.  Two friends made lemon cream pies and double chocolate layer pies.  They were scrumptious.  Unfortunately, we never took pictures of them!  Ugg!

 Here is beautiful Kourtney on her baptism day, September 16th, as we prepared the refreshments.  She was so happy!

 Kris was very excited to baptize his second daughter.

 The whole family made it to Kourtney's baptism (Ellary was sick and had to stay home when Alyson was baptized).

 Nana and Papa planned their trip so they could attend Kourtney's baptism and also be here for Joel's birth.

 One strawberry chiffon pie coming up!

 Kourtney with Bishop Rivers.

 Our neighbor, Mr. V. brought over a little quilt his wife made of a beehive ship on the ocean after Kourtney's baptism.  It was very fitting for them to give it to Kourtney as the bee and the beehive have special meaning in LDS history.

 Nana and Papa have a tradition of giving each of their grandchildren a statue of a praying child entitled "Faith".  Kourtney was so happy to get one too.

 Our two oldest girlies.  Love this picture!  They are growing so big.

 And Kris and I have a tradition of giving our girls a locket inscribed "AIOH" meaning "Always in our hearts".  It holds a picture of the girls and a picture of us.

Koco, we are so happy you chose to be baptized.  You are following in the Savior's footsteps and making sacred covenants that will allow you to live with Him again.  We love you and we are always here for you.

Love,

Your Mom and Dad