Birthday and Baptism for our Emma

We had to hurry back from St Thomas because we had something very special happen.

My Emma girl turned 8 this January.

January 7th to be exact.

It was a truly special day, for one, we were still on vacation and we were at Nana's house.  Nana made Emma's favorite birthday lunch of lasagna and garlic bread. 

Second, cousins were there!  Emma's best bossom cousin, Merin, never left her side the whole day. They were too cute.

Third, Grandma Skousen made her an adorably fun, delicious chocolate cake!

Everyone Ooohed and Awwwed.

Fourth, Oma came.

Oma and Emma make a great hugging pair.

Fifth, they were party decorations and presents.

And candles to blow out and wishes granted.

New scriptures and case from Nana and Papa.

Emma and Nana make a great hugging pair too!

And the real reason we were all together,

to see Emma be baptized by her father.

 We had a really nice program beforehand.  Papa gave spoke some words on the importance and reasons for baptism and uncle Kurtis(who leaves for his mission to North Carolina next month) told us about the Holy Ghost and how if we listen we can be guided throughout our life.  Aunt Katy practice with Ellie and Emma the previous week to prepare a special number.  She and Ellie played the duet of "I Know My Father Lives" while Emma sang the words.  It was very sweet.  Then we gathered around as Adam and Emma entered the font and Emma was baptized.  Earlier she had been worried that she might have to go under the water more than once if any of her body stuck out, but all went well and she was completely under the first try.  After drying off, the priesthood holders of the family gathered around and placed their hands on her head to give her the blessing of the Holy Ghost, the right to have his guidance and promptings throughout her entire life, should she be following the commandments.  We closed with my bearing my testimony of how grateful I am for our gospel and the knowledge that if we all follow Emma's example and choose the right each and everyday, not one of us will ever be lost.

Then we tried to take some family pictures:)

 "Yea, right," said the boys.

 Oma, my grandma, my Mom's mom, and Emma's great-grandma.

More hugs for Nana.

And I couldn't resist this last one.

Grandma and Grandpa Skousen and 

OUR EMMA.