It's Great to BB-8 and be Baptized!

On Kylee's 8th birthday she went to school (which she was so excited about). She requested that I bring Krispy Kreme donuts to her class. For a few days leading up to her birthday she kept checking and re-checking with me on the donut delivery plans. 

"How many donuts are you getting? Do you know how many to get?"

"What kind of donuts will they be?" 

"What time are you going to be at school?"

"Are you coming into my class? Because you can just drop them off at the office if you want. You don't need to come in my classroom."

And then the morning of her birthday as she headed to the bus stop:

"You're going to remember to bring donuts to school, right?"

After so many questions from her and so many reassurances from me that I would deliver, I got a little nervous that some crazy, obscure circumstance would mess things up and I wouldn't be able to deliver the donuts. I kept checking the clock...

But don't worry! All is well. The donuts made it!

Gordon and Tammy came into town late at night on her birthday. It was the beginning of our out-of-town guests coming to support Kylee for her baptism that weekend. 

The next morning the kids made pancakes and waffles with Grandma. It's tradition!

After Cody and Kylee left for school, Liv and I took Grandma and Grandpa Airplane on a hike up Badger Mountain.

We had fun tickling Steve's feet.

We went to El Fat Cat's: Our favorite taco truck!

Kylee brought home some German money from pre-WWII that she got from her teacher's dad.

"It's Great to BB-8!"

(From the droid in Star Wars named BB-8)

On Saturday morning, the morning of her baptism, she found a BB-8 birthday cake in the fridge.

She loved it!

All day the kids played with cousins and everything was great until I asked Kylee to come inside and shower and get ready for the baptism. Her nerves kicked in and she got really upset and nervous. She doesn't like being in front of people and having all of the attention on her. Grandma Tammy and Kylee had a heart-to-heart for a long time and, miraculously, Kylee got ready and we left. 

Riding in the cool car on the way to her baptism.

Duncan, Kylee, and Olivia are quite a trio. Duncan was cracking us up the whole weekend.

As we were pulling out of the driveway, Duncan rolled down his window and yelled, "Hey Steve! Scoot your boot!"

All changed into her baptism clothes.

Stretching for the big day.

Kylee was super nervous, but she was trying to smile anyway.

The room was FULL (overflowing) with so many people who care about Kylee.

The program was lovely. When it came time for her to actually go into the water I walked with her into the bathroom and waited with her at the door of the font...just me and her. We stood in a peaceful silence while everyone came into the room where the font was so they could watch. I guess at that point a baby started screaming or crying and both Tammy and Steve panicked thinking it was Kylee. Steve came up the stairs from the font and opened our door expecting to see Kylee in tears. But she was totally fine. Without hesitation she stepped into the water and waited. She was calm and everything went perfectly.

After Grandma Tammy's talk on the Holy Ghost, it was time for the confirmations. This was another hurdle for Kylee in getting up in front of everyone and having all the attention on her. Again, she braved it well.

My visiting teachers went the extra mile by offering to bring the refreshments. They decorated the cutest cupcake table and the homemade Butterfinger cupcakes were a hit. After the baptism was over and we had everything cleaned up, Kylee got to keep the flowers from the treat table.

We were so grateful for everyone who was there for that special day.

I'll never forget it!

The Hovanski's came over and joined us for brisket and cake.

Duncan, Ammon, Kylee, Charlie, and Lisy

Kylee was just glowing the rest of the day. I know that she felt so good inside.

The next morning as we were getting ready for church I braced myself as I got ready to prepare Kylee for getting up in front of everyone in Sacrament meeting as the Bishop welcomed her as a new member of our ward. She was super worried about it and upset once again. But, when the moment came, she did it!

It was a weekend full of love and bravery, for sure.