All about Sam!

Eight years ago our lives were changes forever. We had our first baby and had no idea what we were in for. Our tiny little guy is now much bigger and we are 8 years the wiser. We sill don't have it all figured out and probably never will but we must be doing something right because Sam is still here!

Sam has never ceased to amaze us. He has always been incredibly creative and funny and smart. This year he amazed us all with the leaps and bounds he made with his reading skills. Sam went from his 30 page Scooby-Doo readers to the Harry Potter series in a quick 6 months. He started reading the series in June and is now about 150 pages away from finishing the 7th book! We have all enjoyed this journey with him, watching the movies together after he completed each book. He already has the Percy Jackson series waiting for when he finishes Harry Potter. To say we are proud of him is definitely an understatement. I didn't come to love reading until I was in my 20's so I'm thrilled for him that he has found this love so early in his life.

We started the birthday celebrations a few days before his birthday with a party for him and a few close friends. I took them to see the new Narnia movie, "the Voyage of the Dawn Treader". A definite challenge with six 7 and 8 year old's but it went surprisingly smoothly. After the movie we headed home for some Harry Potter cake, ice cream and gifts. A great start to a very special birthday.

Sam's birthday was just a little more spacial this year because he turned 8 and was going to be baptized! We decided that we would have him baptized while we were in Utah over the Christmas break so that Sam could share his special day with as much family as possible. As it turns out we were able to have him baptized on his actual birthday. The morning of Sam''s birthday and baptism we left for our flight to Utah, very early. We nearly missed our flight but thankfully made it aboard just on time.

The baptism was great. Sam had his cousin Mary give the opening prayer (he wanted her to give the talk but we convinced him that maybe a prayer would be a better idea) and he had Grandpa Irwin give the baptism talk. Both did a beautiful job. The primary kids sang the song, "I know that my Savior loves me" and then it was time for Sam to be baptized. Both Sam and Keith did a great job! Once they were all dried and dressed Sam was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. It really was a special experience and Sam really seemed excited to be starting this new chapter in his life.

After the Baptism our party headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some cake and ice cream to celebrate the day. All three of our kids were in heaven to be with so many of their cousins.

As an added bonus we also got to share the day with some wonderful friends of ours, the Heckers. Jen, James, Noah, Levi and Sophie moved away from San Antonio 2 years ago and we have missed them terribly! We were so thrilled when we learned that they would be in Utah and were coming to Sam's Baptism! Sam, especially loved being with Noah, even if it was only for a couple of hours.

It was truly a wonderful and memorable day for Sam and I want to thank everyone for helping us make it happen. Sam is loved!!!