Ethan's Special Day....

Yesterday Ethan was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At 8 years old Ethan is able to decipher right from wrong, and is now old enough to be responsible for his actions. Funny because he just told me yesterday he's known right from wrong for at least a year. He likes to let me know he's well above average for his age. It was a special day for him. Shawn's parents made the 1200 mile trek to be here for him. We're all glad they were able to come for a visit. Before the baptism we thought it would be a great idea to get a family picture since we were all dressed up at the same time and in the same place. It was a great idea----in theory. Because Shawn is usually the photographer it makes it pretty tricky for him to be in the shot. He likes to organize us all, then hand the camera off. Once we are ready to go someone else takes the picture. Landon wanted his pacifier, pencil, sippy cup, and coat to join us in the photo. Jackson was cold and refused to pull his arms out of his sleeves. Lovely. That's my family.

After Ethan and Shawn got changed into their white attire we took another photo to document the occasion. I've seen a lot of baptism pictures that resemble this one. Only this time it was all about Ethan.Shawn performed the baptism, and then he and Ethan went into the dressing room to change back into their dry clothes. Ethan was cold from being wet and made the comment to Shawn, "I'm sooo cold on the outside, but I feel really warm on the inside." Priceless. This morning Ethan came out of his room all ready for church. This is pretty typical of him. The atypical thing about this particular morning was his attire. He refuses to wear a tie due to the choking factor. Shirt tucking in is also forbidden due to lack of comfort. This morning both things occurred. He mentioned something about how now that he's 8 he's got to start looking the part. Shawn grabbed a camera to record such a handsome little man. That's what I realize he's becoming. A little man.