Benson's Baptism

 Today my sweet baby got baptized. I am still in shock that Benson is eight years old, but watching him get baptized today made it more real. 

Benson's baptism was such a sweet experience. Our Bishop, Chris Blankenship and his first counselor, Taylor Bull, both attended, as did our primary president and his primary teacher. In addition to all that support from our ward, multiple friends from church came as well. Not to mention, Uncle Joseph and his family drove over from Texas, Nanny and Papa came over from Mtn. Home and Mimi & Grandpa flew in from Oregon. Then Uncle David, Aunt Michelle, Aunt Laura and the Allreds all were able to zoom in for the baptism. 

Benson had so much love and support and we felt so much love. The Stake RS president I serve with also came and she helped me clean up afterwards. We seriously felt so supported and loved. It was amazing. 

Benson asked Tanner to give the talk on baptism and Tanner did a great job. It was adorable and I was so proud of him. Benson also asked Papa to talk about the Holy Spirit. Papa sat down right in front of Benson and spoke one -on- one with him and it was the sweetest interaction.

Chris performed the actual baptism ordinance and because my sweet Benson asked me, I sang for him. I did ask my friend Jessie Lott to sing with me, because I don't have a strong enough voice to sing alone. Thankfully, Jessie agreed and we sang "My Own Sacred Grove". 

Our bishop also spoke and said some really kind words and then the primary president spoke shortly. It really was such a sweet day and I'm incredibly grateful for some many people who came to share it with us. 

After the baptism we had some refreshments. Benson loves soft pretzels and he asked that we have those after his baptism.. So naturally, I had to theme the refreshment table around baptism and pretzels. The theme was "Like pretzels twisted strong and tight, I'm bound to Christ in truth and light". We had soft pretzels with cheese sauce, "dots pretzels" and fruit cups. My friend Melissa also made the most beautiful cookies. I don't know that I've ever seen more beautiful baptism cookies. They were amazing. 

We had a great time visiting afterwards with everyone while we all ate and enjoyed the food. After everyone had left, we walked over to the temple to take a family picture. Again, I was just so happy to have so much family here to celebrate this day with us.  Happy baptism day little Benson, I hope you always remember this day, what you felt and what the spirit taught you. We sure love you!