Ben's Baptism

Ben, all ready to be baptized a member of the church.

We had the honor and blessing of baptizing another one of our kids this year.  Ben was baptized on March 3 with both sets of grandparents in attendance.  There were 9 kids in our session being baptized, including Ben's friend Jacob, and Ben was number 8.  It was a long wait, but the kids did pretty good and we loved being able to be there to watch him.  Baptisms are always such a beautiful thing and when it's your own kid and you see the excitement in their face, well, there's not many things cooler in the world than that.  Ben was very excited to get baptized and very willing to listen and absorb all that he was experiencing.

Before we left the house and headed to the church Ben was presented with his new set of scriptures.  He looked so nice in his new church clothes (no white shirt because that's not Ben and we decided that he should be able to wear the clothes he feels comfortable in) and he was so happy and excited to get his own set of real scriptures just like Sarah.  He's done such a good job of taking care of them and bring them to church with him every Sunday since his baptism.  

Ben with is new red scriptures.

Showing off his name.

When we arrived at the church I took the kids to the chapel while Kenny helped Ben get dressed in his white clothes.  This was different for me and I missed being able to be a part of it, but I'm glad Kenny got to be there with Ben.  We took a few pictures in front of the baptismal font before heading into the chapel for the program.

Ben and Dad all dress in white ready for the baptism.

As I said before, the program was long and the wait for Ben's turn was even longer.  Just when I thought the little kids couldn't handle it any longer (1 1/2 hours later) they finally called Ben and the other 2 boys from our ward.  Ben was second to be baptized and they had me watch from the side rather than the front.  I wasn't a huge fan of this because all I got to see was his back, but it didn't take away from the joy and happiness he had after being baptized.  It was a beautiful thing to watch and I'm so grateful to my worthy and willing husband for his ability to baptize our children.  When the baptism was over I asked Ben what he thought of the whole thing.  He told me it was so wonderful that he even forgot to think about Star Wars guys. Now that's a big deal.  :)

After the baptisms came the conformations and then everyone was excused to head home.  It was such a beautiful experience that seemed to take forever to come and then was over way to soon.  I'm so grateful to Ben for his willingness to be baptized and for the example he's setting for his brothers and sisters.  I'm so lucky to have such amazing kids and I truly feel that they are lucky to have each other.

The group in attendance at Ben's baptism.  It's so nice to have family around to support us.

Another picture of Ben with mom and dad.  We sure are lucky parents.

After the baptism we headed back to the house to open presents from both sets of grandparents.  Ben got a couple of baptism pillowcases, a blue tie that matched his shirt perfectly, and a tie pin.  He was very excited and all in all had a wonderful day.  After presents we all headed to Chuck a Rama (Ben's choice) where we met Uncle Ryan for a late lunch.  A wonderful ending to a wonderful, perfect day.

Ben opening his present from Grandma and Grandpa Newbry.

Our, not so little, family after Ben's baptism.