Pierson's Baptism

On Saturday, August 6th, Pierson was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I could not believe this day had come! (I'm still trying to accept being 30, how could I be old enough to have an 8 year old son?!) It is amazing how fast time is flying by and that our little boy is so grown up and has reached this important milestone in his life. He was very prepared and excited for this special day and Ryan and I were so proud of him. Before the baptism, each child being baptized was spotlighted by coming up to the stand and having everyone sing their favorite primary song. Pierson chose "Scripture Power" and did a great job standing up in front of everyone to sing. He had told me earlier that this was the part he was nervous about, standing up in front of the whole audience.

Ryan was so sweet and tender as he baptized him and then confirmed him a member of the Church. Pierson had been a little sad as he told me he wished Grandpa could be there and I had promised him that Grandpa would be there, that we probably wouldn't see him, but that he would be watching, along with Todd and Grandma Kathy and probably all of his Great Grandmas and Grandpas. I was so filled with love and gratitude as I watched Ryan perform these ordinances for our son. Gratitude for my loving husband, our sweet son, for our Savior and our Father in Heaven and for our wonderful and loving family- the ones we have lost and miss terribly and the many, MANY that were there to share this special day with our family! It was a wonderful experience for all of us. I was also thankful for DeAnna taking Jensen and for Grandma and cool aunts and cousins who had Madi at their side so I could really listen and fully enjoy and appreciate these special moments!


Pierson ready to be baptized, with his Dad

Here is Pierson with all the awesome friends and family who came to support him on his special day...


The Rollins Family - Kenny, Erin, Ellie and Addie. We were so happy to have them come up from San Diego to be with us! I was so busy trying to get pictures of everyone who was there for Pierson, I failed to get a picture of our own family! Ah! So I was glad we had snapped this one of us with the Rollins, the only one of us together! (Thank goodness Erin is as much of a picture fanatic as I am!) They really are like family to us, we are so thankful for such close friends!

Ms. Ferdinando with Pierce and Jace - Jace is Pierce's neighbor friend who was baptized with him. Ms. Ferdinando was their 2nd grade teacher, I thought it was so sweet that Pierce wanted to invite her. I totally dropped the ball and didn't call her until Pierce was getting ready that afternoon, he said he was thinking about everyone that was coming and wondered if I had called her (he had told me several weeks before that he wanted me to) so I called her about an hour and a half before it started, and she came! What a sweet and loving teacher!


Robison Family - Aunt Katie, Anya, Shylynn, Brigham, Kimball & Uncle Steve - Anya and Pierson have always been special, close cousins and have so much fun together, we were thankful they made the trip down here.


The Brooks Family - our great friends and wonderful Bishop- Julianne, Bishop, Joey and Tommy. Joey is a great friend to Pierson and we all just adore Tommy, Madi loves to play with and help take care of him. Julianne told us he has been calling Madi "my Madi", melt my heart! (They are hoping to adopt another baby... so if you know any unwed expectant mothers who may consider adoption, send them this way! A-mazing family!)


Hall Family - Uncle Jeff, Harrison, Brooke, Matthew, Baby Dallin & Aunt Crystal...we were missing Todd, of course! We are so thankful so live so close to these special cousins, we love spending time with them!


McDermott Family - Uncle Rob, Aunt DeAnna, Graci, Calli, Brock, Davis and Lily. We were so happy to have them come down from Sandy, we are always excited to see this gang!


The Jensens - My cousins, Rachel & Baby Ashley Holyoak, Syd, Uncle Scott, Aunt Val and Great Grandpa Jens. We were so grateful they also made a long trip down here, it was special for me to have some of my Mom's family here. How neat for Pierson to have his Great Grandpa Jens witness his baptism!


The Allen Clan - Aunt Kate, Rob & Bennet, Uncle Amos, Aunt Deli (Trit), Jackson & Hannah, Papa. Pierce and Madi were so excited to have Uncle and Papa come down! They also loved having a chance to play with Bennett.


A PaPa picture!


The Eves - Uncle Derral, Ellie, Bridger, Aunt Carolyn, Thatcher, Logan and Kelton. It's always a lively bunch with these cousins! Pierce really enjoys playing with these wild boys!


Uncle Mark, Aunt Lisa, Grandma, Uncle J.D., Aunt Amanda - We were especially missing Grandpa on this day, but we know he and Todd were watching. We are so thankful for Grandpa and Grandma and we love them so much! Of course having Uncle Mark and J.D. there was essential to the day, we love these uncles and our new aunts! And we are SO excited for Aunt Lisa's baby who is on the way!

Afterward, we headed to Golden Corral for dinner with everyone, it was chaotic as can be, but the kids loved it! Pierce and Madi loved having shrimp and Madi was excited to tell Uncle Mark that she DOES like shrimp! I am officially the only non-seafood lover now. They also enjoyed plenty of ice cream and cotton candy and had fun with all their cousins. It was a wonderful day and we came home happy, thankful and tired, gearing up for the next big day!