Elliott is 8

8 is a very special birthday! We have been reading The Book of Mormon as a family for the past year to help Elliott prepare to be baptized. Elliott is very sweet and kind and happy! He loves to read the scriptures with us. He was also very excited for his baptism. His birthday was on a Sunday this year and so he got to open his gifts before church. Then he could wear his new Sunday outfit and take his brand new scriptures to church. 

What a handsome young man! All ready for church. 

 Trevor wanted in the picture too. He looks up to his big brother!

 We are so grateful for this happy, awesome kid!

 Elliott's birthday happening on a Sunday meant that we missed the November baptism and since Grandma and Grandpa Ashton were coming home from their mission in December, we waited until January to baptize Elliott. There were 6 children from our ward getting baptized that month, so we had our own special ward baptism at 11:30. I led them singing a special musical number, "Choose Him Again," which was so beautiful! 

Here is our family on Elliott's special day. 

 Elliott and his dad.

 This is a precious and priceless picture of the special bond between Elliott and his dad. 

 We were going to have the lunch at our home afterward, but the Roberts family who had the church reserved didn't end up needing it, so last minute we moved everything over to the church. With so many family members coming out to show support for Elliott, we were happy with the extra room. 

Here at the table of honor, we have Ephraim, Enoch, Elliott, friend Ammon, Andrew, Cameron and of course Aunt Marsha! At the far table are Brittany, Rachael, Keith and Kenidee.

 Twin sensations, Fiona and Vivienne, with part of David's head.

 Trevor and Caleb became quick buddies. Then Mona and Will are with Jennie and Craig.

 The giggly table: Ruby, Emily, Joselyn, Brooklyn, Peyton, Brianna and Jeffrey.

 Cindy, Will, Mona, Jennie, Craig and Holly. Then Brad and Eileen and Nancy at the far table and standing, my mom, Keith, Brian, Arden and Lorraine. I should have gotten a picture of Elliott with his grandparents. Oops.

 And we can't forget the local Ashtons! Courtney, Scott, Kevin, Ben, Eric and Karoline, with Melinda talking to Elliott by the door. 

 Ben and Wendy and baby Spencer. 

 We didn't linger too long at the lunch since it was snowing, a lot! For our Arizona cousins that came to stay for the baptism, they love it! After getting back home, we bundled them up and let them play in the snow!

 Elliott joined in on the fun too!

 Here is rosy-cheeked Emily with her snowman.

 And Jeffrey was super pleased with his very own snowman buddy. 

It was a delightful weekend and a very special day for Elliott. He had a good, warm feeling as he was baptized and we are really proud of him and the good choices he makes. Elliott is very sensitive and feels very strongly about following the rules and doing things the right way.