It's Great To Be 8!

A Bayley party would not be complete without a pinata

I can't believe my oldest turned 8 last week. Things have been a bit crazy around here as of late, however, we did have a great time celebrating her special day. She has been looking forward to turning 8 for a couple of years now. Not only did she get to choose to get baptized and confirmed a member of our church, but she also got to choose to have her ears pierced. In OUR family, the rule has been that our girls can choose to get their ears pierced when they reach the age of accountability, which for us is 8. Bayley and Kendal both have questioned us numerous times about why we have this rule and how unfair it is that they have had to wait. Despite their pleading and attempts at getting us to give in, we have held firm to the "wait til your 8 rule" and have now survived one daughter having her ears pierced.

The finished product

Bayley began her birthday with, what has come to be a tradition in our house, Lamar's donuts. Grandma Nancy surprised her by driving down from Indiana to be here for Bayley's birthday and baptism. So at Bayley's request, Grandma Nancy, Trey and I took one of Bayley's favorite treats, pumpkin chocolate cookies to share with her class. The cookies were a hit and after the snack we checked the girls out and headed to get Bayley's ears pierced. Bayley was worried about the pain that she might feel getting her ears pierced, but was willing to make that sacrifice.

Bracing for the worst

Fortunately for all of us, she barely felt it and didn't shed even one tear. That evening Bayley had a small birthday party, which was just fine with her mom, but a bit longer in length of time. She invited 3 girls from school and they had a great time, decorating cupcakes, swimming, opening presents, playing games, and eating. I think she had a great time.

The day after her birthday, Saturday August 22nd, was the day of her baptism. Grandma and Grandpa "G" joined us and we spent most of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the pool. That evening was the actual baptism and afterwards we went to our favorite family restaurant, Chick-fil-A for dinner. It was a great day.

Proud Dad and Bayley

Sunday Bayley was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was able to have Grandma Nancy, Grandma G and Grandpa G there to support her. Bayley is such a special girl who more than most 8 year olds, truly appreciates the fact that she is now a confirmed member of the church.

I am so proud of my beautiful 8 year old and the decisions that she is making at this time in her life. Any one who knows Bayley knows just how sweet, smart and mature she is. She makes a great big sister, not only by what a great example she is, but also by how she is most of the time very willing to include her younger brother and sister in what she is doing. She loves school, riding her bike, dancing, swimming, reading, anything crafty, and cooking. Once again, I can't believe how quickly 8 years has passed and I can only imagine how another 8 will fly by....