It's Great to be Eight!

Aliza turned 8! She has been looking forward to this birthday for a long time. Turning 8 is a big milestone as a member of the LDS faith because it means getting baptized. Aliza has seemed ready for this day for a long time, and it finally came. 

Ready for school on her birthday:

 I have a tradition in our family that on your birthday I will pick you up from school and take you out to lunch. Aliza chose Chick-fil-a this year. It's a fun tradition where I get time with the birthday girl all to myself!

She is really so beautiful.

That night Oma and Poppy met us at Red Robin for birthday dinner. 

The servers had her stand on a chair while they sang to her. You can tell how thrilled she was about all that attention focused on her. 

And I feel like every year deserves a Pink Bunny Update: I'm not sure how much longer this love affair can go on. 

Aliza's baptism was on November 29th. She was absolutely radiant that day. The service was beautiful and simple: simply beautiful. Her Grandma Teerlink (Oma) and Grandma Bean both spoke. And many friends and family members were there to support her.

Aliza, your dad and I love you so much. We are so proud of the wonderful choices you have made in your life. You are so tender and so nurturing to those around you.  Your strong reasoning powers and imagination are a gift that you have been blessed with. And your watchfulness, calmness and self control are going to bless you throughout your life.