Caroline's Baptism and SLC visit (mid-May 2010)

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend Caroline's baptism a few weeks ago.
My favorite part was seeing Alex carefully lead Carol down the font steps into the waters of baptism. It is easy to see how very much in love the two of them are.

Carol with her mom and Claudia

I was honored to be asked to sing several musical numbers during the service. I chose a few simple but beautiful songs from the Children's Songbook.

I also got to do one of my favorite things...sing with Amber. We sang "Beautiful Savior."

Then all the children came up and we sang, "A Child's Prayer." It was so sweet to hear their sweet little voices. For those of you unfamiliar with this hymn, the children start the song by questioning whether or not they are heard and answered when they pray. The adult part which I sang reassures them to "Pray, He is there. Speak, He is listening." When the two parts sing simultaneously it is very beautiful. It is truly one of my most favorite Primary songs.

Blake was really hamming it up and was very happy to be singing with his cousin Ethan.

I feel so lucky to have gotten this wonderful shot with our grandparents. I am so honored to be a part of this family and to be considered one of their grand-daughters. Marian (holding the cane) and Keith "Chick" are Warren's paternal grandparents. Nancy (far right) is Warren's maternal grandmother.

Before the baptism we met up with all the cousins at a local park. We had so much fun running, playing, and laughing together. Clayton was just happy to have the freedom to roam where he pleased.

Blake had a great time playing kickball with "Biggin's"

Clayton played a round of fetch,

and Spin-the-Frisbee. What a lucky boy to be surrounded by such cute girl cousins!

Brooke, Ethan, Derek, and Blake.

I love this candid shot of the kids...just being kids. It doesn't get cuter!

I also LOVE Blake's hair. It still catches me off guard sometimes when we are in the sunlight.

Daddy was a great kickball coach.

On Sunday, we all went over to Papa and Granny's house for a lovely dinner that I ate WAY too much of. Then we took the kids out back and played "Sharks and Minnows." It was so fun to see the dad's and uncles playing and laughing as much as the kids.

Warren asking if I want to play. He's so thoughtful. LOVE him.

My surrogate daughter, Lindsey. I don't know if I'll ever be lucky enough to get a little girl of my own, so I find plenty of joy in my sweet little niece. I got this picture of her while the kids were playing and I don't think it could get more beautiful.

I'm surprised he can lift that thing!

I didn't get any pictures of it, but on the other side of the fence there are a lot of sheep that graze and run around. It is so fun to see them in the spring with their little lambs.

Sarah and Courtney were watching the big kids through the back window.

I had Warren snap this picture and at first I was disappointed that it was a little washed out. After a little photo-shopping, it is now one of my most favorite pictures.

It looks like it was taken ages ago in a much simpler time. It also captures just a little bit of how much I want to squeeze my little one SO tight for as long as I can.