BAPTISM DAY!

I think it is appropriate to be baptized on the 4th of July. Two reasons to celebrate two kinds of freedom!

We had Joseph's baptism on the 4th of July because the bishopric were all out of town at various high adventure camps. They all got back on Friday night.

Joseph was really excited. And so was Larry, of course.

Per tradition, the Balero girls and our girls sang a song for the Musical number. Camry, Sari, and Rachel all sewed their own skirts. I felt back that we ran out time before we got to Christa and Katie's. Maybe next time!

Such pretty girls. Not an unfortunate one among them!

While they were practicing, I noticed the similarities in what Katie and Sari were wearing and how they were standing, especially compared to Rachel and Christa, who clearly had a lot more lung expansion capabilities.

Katie and Sari seem very similar in personality. Katie was born on my birthday so she's my birthday-buddy.

Like I said, very similar.

When Joseph was confirmed, these are the men that stood in the circle: (from left to right) Uncle Dono, Scott Cordell (neighbor),Paul Alder (home teacher and counselor in the bishopric), Valdon Longhurst (chorister), Grandpa Hathaway, Bruce Palmer (ward mission leader), Larry, Tracy Grover (friend), Tracy O'Donnal (friend), and Grandpa Sant.

The Sant family with both sets of Grandparents. We are so blessed to have Grandparents (parents) that make such a special effort to be at our kids' important events. Thank you! The Grandmas talked on Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Grandma Sant also was pianist since our ward STILL lacks a pianist and the Grandpas were the witnesses to the baptism.

Just the Sants.

Larry and I are so proud of Joseph!

The Baleros came up from West Richland AGAIN (they were here for the Luau, too) to be at Joseph's baptism. They are so kind and good. Really. You've never met anyone nicer. Aunt Linda gave one of the prayers.

Our good, dear friends, the Grover family. You may recognize Jake as Rachel's date, Peter Pan, when she was Tinkerbell. We love these guys and with their four girls and one boy, and my four boys and two girls, surely, we can get at least one marriage between our families. (I know my parents planned all the time and nothing ever came of it.) Still, I think Julie and I would be the perfect in-laws for each other.

Our other dear, good, BFFs, the O'Donnals! What are we going to do without SOS?! (Sant O'Donnal Sunday). It has been a large part of our lives for many years now! Tracy even wore his suit because he was giving one of the prayers at the baptism.

One of the many reasons I love this family is the boys who are Joseph's age - check out their shoes. I promise you, once you have two boys, you will have done this, too!

Our family outside our Stake Center. We are sure going to miss seeing it!

After the baptism service there was some good natured ribbing going on with Clayton Stephenson (formerly THE Clayton Stephenson of Rachel's heart) and the boys. Ann (formerly THE Ann Stephenson of Ben's heart) watched. Something about that family and our teens seems to attract...

Thank you SO MUCH to the friends and family who came and made this day special for Joseph! We are so proud of Joseph and his DESIRE to be baptized! He is such a sweet, good boy.

I bet you 10 bucks that the next time I visit my mom and dad, my mom has framed this picture.