Kara's 8th Birthday Party & Baptism

Before Kara's Baptism, we wanted to get everyone together and eat dinner - the crowd-pleaser we chose: Pizza! Some pictures from the day.... (Please note, I just installed photoshop on the computer and am having fun playing with it - especially the smudge tool hence all the swirls!). Also, this is random order - you are all my favorites, so don't be sad if you are not near the top...

Kara's 8!:















Kara Blowing out the Candle:



















Happy Daddy (actually, a more accurate title would be 'Tired Daddy' but he was happy):



















Of course Brooke needed presents too!:


















Maggie with cutie Easton:



















Little Boys - Hayden & Connor (laughing at Uncle Jeffy):













Older Boys - Mike, Skyler, Bailey:

















Steph with Connor:


















Alisa & Alex:



















Ronnie & our baby sister Kari:


















The rest of Ronnie's clan - lovely KaLee & Easton:


















Grandpa & Grandma Stevens:












Grandma Lopez with Easton (Could we pry him away? Not when Grandma knew he was leaving the next day...):

















Grandpa Lopez & Aunt Katie (I caught you - at whom were you aiming?):













We had a great day! Thanks to everyone who came from so far to be with us!!!

The culmination of the day - one truly special night for Kara and her mom and dad:




















Jeff and I are so proud of Kara for choosing to get baptized. I am truly thankful for the Gospel and for Heavenly Father's plan for us. I am glad that we're able to be a family forever. I'm thankful to have parents (both my parents and Jeff's) who set a good example to me and who I love very much. I am thankful for my loving husband who is so kind to our girls and who loves to spend time with us. I know how close our family is and I'm thankful for that closeness we share.

I'm sorry for the long post - perhaps it comes from still not having a voice and needing to talk. I hope this cold goes away soon - I'm quite tired of it.