Melanie's Baptism

I loaded all of these photos in reverse order, duh! Well, I'll just describe to you what was going on. The above photo is of Courtney and Audrey in the Cultural Hall after Melanie's baptism. We had joined together there to get photos to remember the morning.

I know this isn't the most flattering photo of either Gaylynne or Donald but I thought that Marilyn looked really pretty as she and Teresa conversed.

Although Stuart was babysitting and couldn't get away we had a nice gathering. Lori and Andrew drove all the way from American Fork, Utah. Marilyn flew in from Arizona. Teresa and Audrey drove up from Portland. Despite those who were unable to attend it was a love-packed room as we witnessed Melanie's decision to be baptized.


Courtney, you make me laugh. You always make sure that there are some good photos and then you delight me with a "Grandma photo". Thanks for the giggles.

Dayton's getting tired, Don and Gaylynne are eternally pleased at Mel's decision, Courtney is acting like a proper young lady, Mel is humble, and then check out Emma! Awesome!!!
I caught everyone off guard and I love this photo for so many reasons. Look at how Don adores his son. Gaylynne is such a good sport through it all. The girls? Well, the photo speaks for itself!!!
Look how Melanie loves her Daddy.

Aunt Lori and Andrew were quite a hit. I have photos of Lori when she was a baby that looked like she had red hair too. She didn't and neither does Andrew. In fact, his hair is almost white.
Lori will hate that I say this, maybe, but if you put a bow in his hair wouldn't he be the cutest little girl?

I used to tease Gaylynne that sometimes Melanie looked like a beautiful little boy.

Audrey looks so cute in her new glasses. I'm glad that they were able to be there for the baptism.

Now that's just plain silly!!!

And the gag just keeps going!

...and going.

And this was what it was all about. How can it be possible that our little Melanie is already 8 years old and a bonafide member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I must have blinked more than once.

It was a beautiful meeting which began on April 11, 2009. Brother Ken Nielson presided and conducted. Gaylynne played the piano and her mother, Marilyn Broderick, led the music. The opening song was "When I am Baptized", and the opening prayer was offered by Marilyn.

I was so honored to give the Baptismal talk and based it upon the acronym TAKE. It is a way of remembering the covenants we make at the time of our baptism. T. Take upon you His name. A. Always remember Him. K. Keep His Commandments. And E. Endure to the end.

Courtney, Emma, and Melanie sang beautifully "When Jesus Christ was Baptized". That touched my heart and I'm sure the hearts of all those who were present. There were quite a few people from Don's and Gaylynne's Ward who were in attendance.

Don and Melanie entered the waters of baptism and the kids all sat on the floor close to the font to get a good view. Marilyn is an accomplished pianist and we enjoyed the interlude music that she played.

Then Lori gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost. She did a very good job.

That was followed by confirmation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost by Don. Neal and those chosen by Don joined in the ordinance.

Brother Nielson welcomed Mel into the Ward and then Courtney gave the closing prayer. Great Grandma Coates had been invited to give the closing prayer but at the last minute was unable to join with us.

We all went to lunch at Panerra's, the same restaurant where we gathered for Courtney's celebration. Mel opened all of her gifts and we ate some incrediblly delicious food. What a wonderful day! Thanks Melanie.