Camilla's Baptism

Today was a day that Camilla has been looking forward to for a long time. Last year we attended all of her friend's baptisms and now it was her turn. We had friends stay the night and family arrive in the morning for the big day. 

A couple of months ago we picked up a set of scriptures and had her name engraved on the front. She was tickled when she opened them this morning!

Clara gifted her a matching dress for her birthday and they loved wearing them all morning. We all pretended we couldn't tell them apart and it made them laugh. 

After lunch we made our way over to the church for the main event. Auntie Naomi was kind enough to snap a few pictures for me.

I still can't believe that I have an eight year old. She is wise for her age and I am so proud of her for following the example of Jesus Christ.

Coordinating all five kids proved difficult. Finley ran circles around us and only paused for short bursts of time. We managed to get a few decent ones. These cute kids are all ours. I feel so blessed.

This girl has set the way for the rest of her siblings. I am so grateful for her example and the care that she takes with each of her brothers.

I was already holding back tears before we even made our way into the chapel. So much joy for this little girl of ours!

Camilla had asked Great-Gramma to speak on baptism and she almost wasn't able to make it. Grampa wasn't feeling well so I prepared to give her talk for her. A little while later she called to let us know she would be catching a ride with my cousin Jenny. Our girl was so glad she could make it!

Daddy was super proud to be baptizing his girl!

Grampa confirmed her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

We had sweet second cousins their to share in the moment as well! After she was baptized we made our way back to the chapel and Camilla played "I am a Child of God" on her violin without a single mistake. She was so brave and it was so neat to see her play in front of a crowd.  

Auntie Emma spoke on Baptism and Auntie Naomi helped out with music. Camilla is so lucky to have such great women in her life to look up to!

Great Gramma did such a wonderful job on her talk! She was a little bit nervous given her failing eye sight. She memorized her talk and delivered it with much grace and elegance. She began by telling Camilla how Grampa was among the very first group to get baptized in Edmonton in the very first chapel (white avenue). And Gramma was among the very first group to get baptized in Manitoba. She talked about how little she new when she was baptized at twenty and how blessed Camilla is to grow up in a home where the Gospel is taught. She spoke on the baptismal covenants and the things Heavenly Father promises us in return. She ended her talk with these three little bears and talked about the three things that we "bear" after baptism. "Bear" one anothers burden. "Bear" the name of Jesus Christ. "Bear" witness. 

After Camilla was baptized Auntie Emma gave a great talk on the gift of the holy ghost and how important it will be in Camilla's life as she makes decisions and strives to follow Jesus. She shared some cute stories and poems and Camilla smiled through the whole thing! 

We finished off the day with a later dinner at the Roadhouse. Wings for all! We enjoyed our time with family and enjoyed celebrating this girls special baptism day.