Callie's Baptism

It's true what they say: it's great to be eight! Callie was excited (and maybe a bit nervous) to be baptized. She worked hard to learn all about what it means, and when she had her interview with the bishop a week or so before, he said she was so prepared! She practiced the dunking motion with Dad plenty of times, and asked people to help out with the program, and finally the big day arrived on Saturday, 26 June 2021!

It worked out that it was just her being baptized from our ward that day, which made it extra special since she could choose all the helpers and speakers and pray-ers. It was fun to have lots of aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents there to support her, as well as Bishop Keith and Sister Clegg from the primary presidency.

Look at those smiles! (Minus Sam - ha!)

A few lousy attempts at a family
photo inside the church - luckily we got
a nice one once we got outside!

Cousins from North Carolina, Katie and Liz,
were in Utah for a vacation and were able to
come to the baptism, too!

Lea meets the Elwoods.

Blanchard Grands.

What a group!
Heather, Scott, Kage and Dray Wihongi; Ryan, Lea, Katie and Liz Blanchard;
Paul and Kim Blanchard; Richard and Peggy Elwood; Nate, Shelly, Evy, Bradley and Maggie Elwood;
Kylie, Michael and Zoe Herzog; Megan Elwood; Margaret and Dean Elwood
(Not pictured: Shelly (because she's being the photographer) and Maggie (because she slept
through it all in the car!))

Elwood Grands.

Elwood Greats.

Everything went beautifully with the baptism, and then we all came back to the shady backyard (it was actually a bit overcast and cooler than it had been for weeks, which was such a blessing!) for a potluck lunch. We feasted and visited until everyone dispersed back to their homes.

Grandma B gave Cal a journal as part
of her baptism talk, and Cal took her advise
right away and wrote about her special day.