Dru's Baptism

We woke up to snow on April 9th, (yes, winter lasts way too long here in Utah) but it didn't matter because Dru was getting baptized. Nothing was going to spoil this perfect day.

Family came from all over and we felt the love from those who could not be here.

We also had such amazing support from our home ward. I LOVE our ward.

It was such a sweet and tender experience watching Dru take such and important step in her life. I love her for taking it seriously and being such a good example to her sisters and brother. She knew what she was doing and was well prepared. We had several family home evenings by Ry and I and grandparents about the big day.

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Dru is 8. It just seems like a big step in her life. I am so grateful she made the decision to be baptized. She prayed and received an answer for herself. I am so grateful Ryan honors his priesthood and was able to baptize her. Nothing is more attractive to me than that.

My parents were gracious enough to let us have the luncheon at their home afterwards.

Thank you! My parents really know how to throw a great party.

Aunt Rayne and Uncle Tom.

We love that you both came. It really meant so much!

All of Dru's cousins and friends

Brittany and family (Missed ya bubs)

The Roberts

Awesome great-grandparents!

Peanut and Shirley

Great grandma Fenton

Aunt Adrienne from NYC!

Cute Aunt Kim

Uncle Al and Aunt Elisabeth

Awesome grandparents!

So lucky to have 2 sets of amazing grandparents!

These amazing aunts flew in from around the globe to be here for Dru's special day!

We are so lucky to have such great support!

Some fun details:

My mom bought Dru this BEAUTIFUL dress.

I was there when she picked it out. That was such a fun and memorable day.

Aunt Rayne bought Dru these gorgeous shoes that went perfectly with her dress.

She has quite the eye for fashion and class. She constantly amazes me.

Aunt Kristen made these amazing "8" cookies for all our guests.

Thank you for the time and great detail. Love them and you!

Something funny.

Rylie's bedhead cracks me up every morning.

Something not so funny.

Snow in April.

We are loving this warm weather and are spending a lot of time outside to soak it all up. Owen LOVES to play outside and will bang the window or door until I let him out. He is not 100% walking and so crawling outside is hard on his pants. I will have to get this kid some knee pads.

Owen loves sidewalk chalk.

He can even write his name without looking.

Liv got a little one on one time with Owen the other day and was in heaven.

She took him for a little ride on the trike.

Owen loved exploring the bike on his own.

We may have to invest in a BLUE bike soon!

Dru celebr8ed all day long!

Dru started out her birthday by going out to breakfast with her Dad.

I love this tradition!

I never got a picture of my parents who came by to wish her a happy birthday. They gave her a keepsake baptism journal. She can't wait to start writing. Grandma Kathy also surprised Dru with a happy meal lunch. So fun!

Just before dinner we surprised Dru with a bike from our local bike shop. She took a couple bikes for a spin and decided on this cool set of wheels. We live so close she was able to ride home on her new bike.

She was SUPER EXCITED! Can you tell?

Birthday brownie.

Grandma and Grandpa Martin came later that night and brought her a beautiful set of scriptures. She loved them!

Dru + 8 = Great!

Alex and Elisabeth came over as well to celebrate and I never took a picture of them. They were so great to come after a long day at work.

Dru is definitely loved by many.

The birthday girl the day of her party.

Dru requested a movie themed party.

This was a easy and fun party to plan. Ryan and I designed these super simple invites and Dru came up with the guest list and games.

I usually make cupcakes for birthday because they are easy for so many reasons. But, this year Dru wanted a real cake complete with blue frosting and sprinkles. I got about half way and had to call my mom to help out. She was at my front door in about 7 minutes with a bowl of blue homemade frosting. Impressive. The cake turned about pretty cute and I just might attempt another.

Popcorn added due to the movie theme.

Dru with her sisters.

(who were just as excited as she was)

When the guests arrived they decorated their own ticket bags.

They won tickets after each game we played.

We ate dinner then took some pictures of Dru's cute friends.

Before the movie they were able to spend their tickets on movie treats.

They had so much fun with this part.

We were hoping that Tangled would be released in time, but ended up watching Mega Mind.

Blowing out the candle.

( I still can't believe this girl is 8!!!)

Opening her presents with Rylie "helping" out.

She received a lot of crafty items. Looks like her friends know her well.

A little treat for her friends to take home.

Dru is 8!

I can't believe we have a child who is that old. It seems like yesterday she came into our lives.

I guess it is true, time flies when you are having fun.

Dru is...

THOUGHTFUL to the extreme!

We find little notes all over all the time.

Crazy CREATIVE!

She will craft for hours.

Super SMART!

She excels at school and does her very best.

PEACEMAKER!

She is always the first one to "give in" when there is a disagreement.

Loyal FRIEND!

She has a lot of good, sweet friends but her best friends are her sisters.

Huge HEART!

She has a big heart just like her daddy.

STRONG testimony!

She bears a sweet testimony every Monday at FHE.

Dru is BEAUTIFUL inside and out!

She makes being a mom so fun.

{4 days old}

Happy Birthday Dru!

I love you!