Special weekend

This weekend was a very special one for our family, especially for our newly turned 8 year old. Tayler was baptized on Saturday and we are all so proud of her and love her so much. My heart was very full all weekend. As we prepared her for her baptism, Sean and I were able to share different experiences with her. This day definitely came quicker than I anticipated it would 8 years ago when she was placed in my arms. I am so proud of the choice she made to be baptized and think she is growing up to be such an amazing girl already. She is such a tender, sweet person.

I am so glad that Tayler was able to be baptized by her dad. They share a very special bond. These are Tayler's words that she wrote in her journal (I asked her permission to share).
" I woke up feeling really excited. I put my baptism clothes on and went downstairs to show everybody. Then we went to the Church to take pictures. Then we went to the chapel till it was our turn. When we went back McKenna went first. Then it was my turn. The water was really heavy. After I went back to get my dress on. Then we went to a different room to be confirmed. I felt the Holy Ghost. Then we took pictures and saw all my friends and every body. Then we went back to my house to have a party."
I loved reading her feelings. She is such a great girl.

Kinsey and Tay- they have been best friends for a very long time.

McKenna and Tayler-- they were both baptized on Saturday from our ward.
Tay and her dad

Afterwards we came back to our house for a luncheon. I am so grateful for everyone that was able to be there to support Tayler on this special day. Family support means the world to me.

The Dunroe clan: Sharla came too, but we didn't get her picture.
Our family, Grandpa Tom & Grandma Shayla, Shane, Shantelle, Emerson and Kamryn.

Everyone from my family was able to be there except for Jen, Steve and their 4 cute kiddos who live very far away. All my other siblings drove or flew in for the big day.

The Linton clan: Ryan, Marcela, Camila, Reyes, our family, Julie, Ashley, Brent, Grandma Linton, Katie, Jared, Cayden and Jacob.

Congratulations Tayler. You did it!

We were also able to go to Tayler's best friend Jessica's baptism. We were sad when we found out that they were going to be baptized on the same day, but the times were different so they were able to come to each others. I wish I had a picture of them. It was a neat day to share together.

I just wanted to express my gratitude to everyone that traveled near and far to be with Tayler on her special day. She also loved reading the letters and cards that were written to her. She received so many thoughtful gifts as well. Each thing will be cherished for a long long time. Jen sent Tayler a beautiful bracelet that she wore so that we had a piece of her family with us as well. Thank you everyone for your thoughtfulness and beautiful words. We really do have such amazing families.

I wish that my family lived closer together, but since we don't, the times we do get to see each other and spend time together are priceless. I love to just hang out with all of them. Saturday we went swimming after the baptism and Sunday we hung out at Mom's until super late! I loved every minute.