Koby's Baptism!

So I finally made time to update my blog with pics from Koby's baptism. It only took 2 1/2 HOURS to post, since blogger took FOR.EV.ER. to post each pic, and I was completely frustrated when I had to KEEP re-posting pictures because it wouldn't post each picture the first time- instead it took 3-5 times to post EACH PICTURE. Agh!! Just a little frustrating. But I got it done. They are NOT in order because I really didn't want to take another 2 hours putting it in order. Lol. Anyway- ENJOY!

This is Koby's "Baptism" picture. I have tried to get a "nice/professional" picture of each of my kids for their baptism. Jordyn got her pics taken by my brother-in-law, Wendell, Brittany had hers taken at Kiddie Kandids, and since they went out of business, I took Koby's pic myself in our back yard and emailed it to my sister, Ashlee- who then used her photoshop magic. I LOVE how it turned out, and I'm DYING to get myself an updated photoshop and learn how to do this myself!

The Baptism Program: Front/Back (unfolded)
Baptism Program: Inside (unfolded)

Koby after breakfast, waiting until the last minute to dress into his jumpsuit. We decided to go ahead and give him his baptism gift from my friend, Kathryn.

A baptism towel! She created and sewed one for Koby, and I thought that was super sweet!!!
I love that it's "blue flames" make it more "boyish"

reading the card she sent. :) Thanks, Kathryn!

opening Grandma Great Mitchell's gift

A Booklet of Activities for Baptism- this is wonderful, because he received something similar from the bishop, only the bishop accidentally gave him a GIRL'S booklet. Lol.

A picture with daddy at the Stake Center. I REALLY wanted to get a "professional" one of Koby with Benji... outside... but it was SUPER cold and VERY windy. :(

We were told we could take pics of them in the font, just not of the actual baptism ordinance, so I snapped away!

I love this one. :)

The first picture of him RIGHT after becoming 100% "clean"!! (We all thought it was strange that our 1st Counselor only filled the font up to Benji's knees- making it that much harder for him to "dunk" Koby clear under the water...but he did it!)

A picture of my grandmother and Benji's grandmother. I think my grandma is so beautiful. I've always thought so.

My good friends who COULD make it! L-R: Kathy Wolfley (Primary President), Ruth Boshell (Koby's 2nd grade teacher), & Anne Hatch with her son, Dylan (one of my good friends and neighbors). Our other friends- Cade & Kim Harland, Danny & Brooke Yardley, Lloyd & Kim Brinkerhoff, and a few others couldn't make it because like I mentioned before- this town is super busy with sporting events, and the parents often travel with their kids out of town for competitions.

Koby after getting dressed- returning to attend the rest of the program. I was so proud of him- he was so attentive, happy, and you could really feel the Spirit.

All the cousins singing "When I Am Baptized"

Koby getting ready to be confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!

With his teacher, Mrs. Boshell. She gave him a gift before heading out. The candy leis and the "beans" lei are from us.

Koby & his BFF, Bella. He totally adores her. She recently gave him a friendship bracelet which she tied with macrame knots- he wears it everywhere. Lol.

Jordyn holding Aunt Sandi's baby girl, Kembree

Setting up lunch

Our attempts at a group picture. lol

The Mitchell Family

L-R: Me, my younger sister Heather, my dad, Doug, my mom, Patti, & my baby sister, Ashlee

With our husbands:

Benji & Lisa, Wendell & Heather, Doug & Patti, Coden & Ashlee

A pic of Benji & I that DOESN'T show my hippo hips

The McEwen Family (Benji's family, minus his brothers Dusti & Bodi)

With spouses: Benji's dad, Clem, Benji & I, Grandma Veater, Scott & Sandi, Benji's mom, Geralyn

Benji's sister, Sandi, and her family (with Koby)

My beautiful Brittany with Koby and cousin, Sydney

My mom was awesome and got this totally adorable cake from Costco!!

After we ate lunch, Koby opened presents. One of his gifts was a tie tack, and Uncle Coden showed him how to put it on.

Grandpa & Grandma Mitchell gave him a personalized set of scriptures!

We agreed to only use his nickname, and then when he's 16 or so, we'll give him a much fancier quad or something with his whole name. ;)

Me & my sweet Koby (sheesh- I'm getting freaking old!)

Koby received a bank from Grandpa & Grandma McEwen that has a spot for "Tithing", "Savings", and "Fun Money". He also was given a bunch of money from other family members and friends! He was so excited to put the money in his bank, and to this day keeps counting it daily. Lol.
When we got home, the boys changed out of their Sunday clothes so they could have another piece of cake. Koby also couldn't wait to play with his "Beans"!

Then I FORCED (lol!) my kids and my sister's kids to pose for a picture. I hardly have any pictures of my kids with hers, so I pretty much begged. ;)

Brittany holding cousin Cole

See? Told you these pics were out of order. Lol. Here's a pic of Koby with our Bishop, Bishop Tom Hatch (he's also a... senator? Something like that... I saw him on TV at the State Capital...)

Koby & his Daddy

One of Koby with his leis

I spent forever making a collage of Koby from birth to age 8.

A pretty pic of all the cousins + Koby's BFF, Bella

Our little family- everyone's growing up so fast!

I've got to say- Koby's baptism turned out PERFECT. Everything went 100% smoothly, everyone was happy, the food was great, the company was wonderful- I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for Koby. :)