* Savannah's Weekend*

FRIDAY NIGHT

How spoiled is this girl?  She got to have two occasions of celebratory bliss!!  She actually never had just a 'friends' party, so I thought it would be a nice little treat to do for her special 8th birthday!  She invited a few friends from church and a friend from school.  Of course, the little sisters wouldn't allow themselves to be excluded. 

For dinner, daddy made his most excellent homemade pizza!!  It was a big hit!!

Hunter...the lone boy of the group!

Chelsea, Caylee, Sam, Savannah, Jenna, Kaitlyn and Hunter!

The Cake!

I know it's hard to believe, but I made it!!  I have come to the conclusion that I can't decorate with icing stuff...so I'll just decorate with accessories!  Ribbons and silk flowers are my friend!

Savannah and her friends had an excellent time playing, eating cake, opening presents, being goofy and just spending time together. 

EASTER SUNDAY MORNING

We had originally planned Vann's baptism for the 16th, but due to a few family conflicts we moved it to the 24th.  Which just so happened to be Easter Sunday.  The coincidence with that...she was also blessed on Easter Sunday. 

Turning 8 has been something Savannah had been excited about for a few years now.  For one,  it meant getting her ears pierced.  She was full of smiles heading into Clair's for the big moment.  Then, she had a melt down and almost jumped out of her chair from the fear.  After a moment, she calmed down, and it was done. 

But...being baptized was what she was THRILLED to do.  No fear involving this one.  She beamed with pride in her dress and curls and counted down the hours.

Sisters.

So, I feel like a terrible mom for not getting a pic with Payton.  He was still in his pj's when I was taking these, so he missed out.  But he mentioned to me that it really didn't bother him.

The main event.

Daddy was so excited to be baptizing his little girl. 

Savannah picked who she wanted to be on the program.  Grandma Gifford and Grandma Iris gave the prayers, Jill (another 'grandma') gave a talk, and the surprise...Payton volunteered to also give one.  The messages shared were so great.  But I will say, that when my 10 year old got up to give his talk on the Holy Ghost, I was speechless.  I honestly don't think I have ever been more proud of my boy.  He did such an amazing and impressive job.  And...he didn't even read it.  He just had some scripture references and key words written down!  He did have a bit of an adrenaline overload when he was done, and broke down in tears.  But...he comes by that honestly!

When the moment arrived it was sweet.  Savannah Marie came out of the water beaming and so was I.  The water washed away the bad stuff and the curls, but what emerged from that water was my baby girl, clean and pure.  I will keep this in my heart and remember what she looked like and how we both felt when I wrapped the towel around her and told her how much I loved her and how she looked up at me and said, with her biggest smile,  "Mom, I just feel so happy!"