Courtney's Baptism

Last Saturday was Courtney's baptism. She was so excited!!! Grandma and Grandpa Pack and Andrew came on Friday night to stay at our house and the party began. 

Courtney needed to be at the Stake Center by 9:30 am on Saturday morning and she was up and ready long before that!!

She got to wear her pretty baptism dress and we did her hair in a fancy bun so it wouldn't float up.

Ethan wanted to come up early with us so he got ready too. He has been working on tying his own tie but he was in a hurry that morning so Bryan helped.

Then we walked up to the Stake Center to get ready. There were only 2 girls being baptized that day so it was really relaxed. Courtney and Bryan got dressed in their white jumpsuits and then the Stake Primary leaders took their picture.

And then the wait began. Because we were on time and ready to go, we had a while to wait before it was time to begin. We watched our family and friends slowly trickle in. It was great to see everyone who came!!

Our services are really simple. We have an opening song and prayer (which I was asked to give) and then President Leydsman (from the Stake Presidency) gave a short talk. The other ward was then excused for their baptism while we listened to piano music and waited. Then it was Courtney's turn!!

We all walked to the baptismal room and Brother Jones from our ward, who is one of the Stake Baptism Coordinators, had Courtney go up front so she could see everyone who was there to support her. I was amazed at how many people were there!! She had over 50 people there to support her and show her they love her.

Then it was finally time for her to be baptized. All the kids went up front so they could see and Bryan took Courtney into the water. It only took one time and she was baptized!! Lia Galvin, Courtney's friend said, "Good job Courtney!" as Courtney came up out of the water. It was cute!!

I went to the bathroom with her to change her clothes and she was so happy. Her little face was split by a huge smile and she said, "I did it mom!!" I was so happy for her.

We changed her back into her dress and I wanted to redo her hair because it was all wet but she just wanted to be confirmed and didn't want to spend time on her hair. But when we went out of the bathroom we had to wait for Bryan!!

When he was changed the Bishop presided over the confirmation. Bryan invited anyone up who would like to help. It was a large circle!! And Bryan gave her a beautiful blessing. Then she shook hands/hugged everyone and the Bishop concluded the service. I love how our baptisms focus on the ordinances and not on fluff.

We spent the next while saying hi to everyone who had come and charting with friends. Ethan kept asking if we could "finally" leave but I kept talking. Then, showing that he is wise beyond his years, he came up with "woman minutes." Apparently you get 5 real minutes for every 1 woman minute.  Bryan and Mark got a kick out of that!!

When we were finally finished talking we went home for a luncheon. We had sandwiches, salads and cookies. It was great and a lot of fun to talk with everyone.

We missed those who weren't able to come but we appreciated all the effort people went to just to support Courtney. Bryan's parents came from Colorado, I had 2 cousins (with their families) come from California, 1 cousin and her familywho had  just moved the day before from Virginia to Spanish Fork, and my sister came from Phoenix, and we appreciated every one!!

Courtney had a great day and I am so proud of her decision!!