We Have an Eight Year Old!

Layla is officially eight years old. I still can't believe it and it's been almost a full month since her birthday, ha! Her baptism is on Saturday and I haven't seen her so excited for something in her whole life! She talks about it a lot and has tried on her baptism jumpsuit more than a few times. I am excited for her too, but mostly happy and filled with peace at her decision. We have talked to her a lot about how this is her decision, what it means, and that we will love her no matter what she decides. At eight, she is still quite young to fully understand everything about being baptized, but I am happy that she will have the influence of the Holy Ghost to guide her as her decisions become more complicated and confusing (as they do when we get older). I hope she remembers the happiness and peace that I know she is feeling now, and will feel on her baptism day, and that those memories will help guide her throughout her life. She is amazing and I am so proud of her!

Layla's birthday was a week full of shenanigans. We celebrated with our families and she was spoiled, of course. She got a sewing machine, among other things, and I am excited to teach her how to sew.

 The next day was her actual birthday, so Mitch, Marcus, and I gave her the gifts from us. Marcus gave her a Lego set (he was so excited about it!) and we gave her a pair of Wheelies and some other things. It was her first pair of Wheelies and she had been asking for a pair for months. Of course she wanted to wear them to school that day, and I was worried I would get a phone call saying she fell in the hall and broke her wrist. Thankfully that didn't happen and she is actually very good at them now. She doesn't wear them to school often, because she found out that they're not allowed.

Marcus and I took lunch to Layla at school on her bday.

The following weekend we had Oakley sleep over and on Saturday two more friends (Elinor Manwaring and Cadence Brand) met us at Boondocks for two hours of loud fun, lol. Layla has some really great friends and it makes my heart happy. She is introverted enough that the thought of a big party with lots of friends overwhelms her, so three friends was perfect.

Layla and Oakley.
Oakley gave Layla and BFF necklace for her bday.
They have been friends since birth, and
Nicole and I are making plans for them to be
college roommates. ;)

And of course she invited Marcus too. She even made him a goody bag and wrote him a "Thanks for coming" note. She let him participate in everything and help her open all her gifts. And he was never jealous, in fact, he was genuinely excited and happy for her during the entire week of celebrations. Proud mom moment for sure!


All in all I'd say we did an excellent job celebrating our favorite daughter and making her feel special. She is special and deserves to be celebrated! I sure love her!!!