Cami’s Baptism Invitation
There are always many milestones that we pass in life. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is the age when children are able to choose for themselves whether to be baptized or not . . . and we were so excited that Cami chose to as well.
Cami – Before Her Baptism
There were a lot of preparations that went into Cami’s special day, but one of the most sweet was pulling out the beautiful dress and slip that Chris’s mom had made when Emma was being baptized 8 years ago.
Heirloom Baptism Dress
On the slip underneath, Chris’s mom even embroidered the names of each of the girls that had worn it, as well as the year they were baptized. It is already a treasured item, and I’m sure it will only grow more special as time goes on.
Names & Dates
Turning 8 and celebrating Cami’s birthday was fun, but her baptism day was really the big celebration.
Our Little Family Before the Baptism
We have been very blessed to have both sets of grandparents at each of the kids’ baptisms, wherever we were. Emma was baptized in California, Caleb in New Jersey, Hannah in London, and Cami now in London as well.
Cami with Her Grandparents
Chris & Cami in Their Jumpsuits
I think having your youngest child turn 8 is one of those big milestones for us, as parents. We felt this was the last time that we could really reach out to those around us to use this event as a missionary opportunity. So, some of those invited were Cami’s girl friends from school as well as her teachers. We were thrilled that quite a few of the girls came, as did their parents, and Cami’s classroom teacher. We were all so pleased with the overwhelming support and love of those that came . . . and knew the sacrifice they took to get there, as some of them live far out and have at least an hour train ride into Central London.
Shonali, Keiko, Cami, Hannah, Eliza, & Karma
Knowing some of our guests would be traveling long distances, we decided to serve a light dinner, rather than just treats. I was a little bit worried about how stressful that would be, but it was great. We made two soups (chicken tortilla and taco), had two salads (spinach/poppy seat and broccoli coleslaw), and rolls. We had plenty for everyone and somehow they all got rave reviews!
Cami’s Baptism Cake
In inviting some of our guests, Chris wanted to invite his co-workers. His assistant actually bakes cakes as a hobby so he asked her to back a cake for the baptism. It was amazing! At the last minute, she wasn’t able to attend the baptism but came and dropped the cake off and was so impressed with the missionaries in the visitor’s centre, that she emailed Chris to tell him so. However, Chris’s boss came on his own and that meant a lot to Chris.
Cami with her Beautiful Cake
We had told everyone on the invitation to not bring gifts, but Cami was showered with them and felt so loved.
Cami with Baptism Gifts
It was so wonderful to have both sets of grandparents, plus Uncle Roger and Aunt Carol, in our home for Cami’s big 8 year old celebrations. Our house had felt so full of love and it was so sad when they started leaving, group by group.
Baptism Guests
(G’ma & G’pa Stephenson, Uncle Roger/Aunt Carol, G’mom & G’pop Nevin)
What a cutie she is. Looks like she had a great baptism day surrounded by family and friends. Crazy to think that I remember when she was born here in NJ. Time goes too fast