Hadley's Baptism & Birthday

August 1st was a big day for Hadley. For a while, we've asked her if she wants to get baptized, and she would say, "no." She would give a reason about being scared of water or not wanting to get wet. At one point she asked if she could wear goggles. We weren't going to force it on her, but instead wanted it to be something that she wanted to do. Then something changed, and I can't really pinpoint what it was, but she was all for getting baptized. She said she knew it was something she was supposed to do. She then started looking forward to it and getting excited. 

We had a bunch of family show up to support her, which we appreciate so much. Still crazy to think I have a kid that's eight years old.

The dress she is wearing, is the same dress Emily wore for her baptism. Meemaw altered it slightly to fit Hadley, and also removed the sleeves, I think.

Let alone four other kids. I am a blessed man.

The baptism went well. Meemaw spoke on baptism, and Emily spoke on the Holy Ghost. Hadley was pretty excited for all the little gifts she got out it. Big shout out to everyone who helped. Also, a big thank you to Rissa and Gma for making the macarons.

Back at the house, we prepared for Hadley's Mario Galaxy-themed birthday party. Emily had prepared for this for a while, she had rockets ready to go, and even had a slide made to look like the green pipes Mario goes through.

Shannon was in charge of putting together the vegetable tray made to look like the fire flower.

Emily had other puns for the beverages and snacks, as well.

Gma and Meemaw were also put to work.

Then, the kids started showing up, and the first order of business was to decorate their rockets to get them to the galaxy.

We even got these kid safety glasses to make them feel like true rocket scientists.

Crewe was all about the fire balls (cheese puffs). I'm pretty sure he ate half the bowl.

Then they got down to launching the rockets. Emily had taped tissue paper with baking soda to the end of a bunch of corks. Then one-by-one, the kids handed her their rocket and she poured vinegar into it. 

Then put the cork in and set the bottle upside down on the launching pad, and soon the pressure would pop out the cork and send the bottle into the air.

There was a lot of reactions form the kids. It was definitely a hit.

Then it was time for cake and ice cream. This year, Hadley requested a Luma cake. A Luma is a friendly, star-like alien creature from Mario Galaxy.

Emily had also made a bunch of cupcakes to go along with it.

This was like the 4th time Hadley got to blow out candles for her birthday this year.

Bristol gave her approval.

It was a successful party. Nothing overly fancy, but provided some good entertainment. When it was over, people cleared out almost immediately, which was also pretty nice.

Crewe was done with all the screaming and noises, so he went inside with Meemaw to play with the magnetic tiles.

We sure are grateful for Hadley and the blessing she has been in our lives. She has been, and continues to be, a happy child. Even though I couldn't get her to smile for her birthday portraits, she has a great one.

Okay, I got a little bit of a smile here, but that's not her full one.