Emma's Birthday and Baptism

This summer Emma turned 8! This is an extra special birthday because it also meant she was getting baptized! As part of our faith, we believe that children do not need to be baptized until they are old enough to be accountable for their own choices. And 8 is designated as that age. So it's always a very special birthday.She was baptized by her dad. They both wore white as a symbol of the purity and washing away of sin when a person is baptized. She was baptized in a beautiful font full of water at our church.

Emma says, "I was a little bit nervous when I was getting dressed, then I wasn't nervous at all. It was kind of scary when I got into the water because the water was hot - not really hot, just hot. Before I got ready to go under the water I plugged my nose. Then I came up and felt really, really good. After I felt 1. Happy. 2. Soaked and water-logged. It was nice that my Dad could baptize me."

Lots of family came to celebrate her special day.

Great-grandma Naomi Udall.

Grandparents King and Cathy Udall

Aunt Meredith and cousins Madeleine, Beth and Mary Sorenson

Uncle Matt, Aunt Jenni, and cousins Abby, Isabelle, and Lily Cannon

Uncle Bret and Aunt Laura Miller who are moving to Seattle

We are so proud of our sweet Emma. She has always had a cheerful spirit. She loves to make people laugh. She is a very caring sister - especially to her little brothers. She loves to do fun things with them. But most of all, she has always loved Jesus Christ. Ever since her fascination with baby Jesus and the nativity, we have noticed her special love for Him. We're so glad she had a special baptism day.

On her actual birthday the day before, she started off by going to her favorite breakfast spot, Kneaders (which she calls "Meeters") with her dad. In the afternoon she had a fun pool party with friends. She says her favorite part was the presents. "I got a Webkinz!" It's great to be eight! On the way home after dropping the party guests off, Michael told her, "Okay princess, we've got to get you home." And Emma said, "Yep. I've got a big day tomorrow. Biggest day of my life."