BIG Weekend

Yes, Carl arrived home (safely, thank goodness) from his trip to Brazil… in time for our BIG weekend–Halloween and James’ baptism back-to-back! He has since gone and returned from a conference in Florida, too. I hope that was the last trip in a long while!

Halloween was a little hectic, but we enjoyed it. I helped with the boys’ class parties, we carved our pumpkins, ate home-made chili (I’m proud of that one :) ), and went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood! Our little spooks looked great:

James was baptized and confirmed the next day! Six kids from the stake were baptized, and we had a combined service in the chapel of our church building. A little less personal on the stake level, but still nice. I was touched by the Averett girls’ singing. James’ ward friend, Jayden Le, was baptized with him. Their birthdays are the same day. Good friend Jaxon Peterson, and Brianna in his class at school, were also baptized. Carl gave James a really nice Confirmation blessing following the baptism, and we had the family over for root beer floats and pumpkin pie. (Thanks for your support, family!)

Of course, we’re proud of our James! He’s growing to be such a great young man, and making good choices. It was neat to have a quiet talk with him later on his baptism day, and present him with his own scriptures and journal. This is a picture of Clean James with a plaque that Grandma Jane made for him:

4 Responses to “BIG Weekend”


  1. Lori

    Congratulations, James!! What a great day for you!

    And what cute kids and costumes too! I can’t even stand the cute little Annie-cow fast asleep! :) cute, cute.

  2. Traci

    How special of a day, James, we have been waiting to see pictures and hear a report. It’s so nice you could have your Dad there to baptize and confirm you.

    I just couldn’t stop laughing at Jo Jo’s spooky ghost. Man, I wish that crowd could have shown up on OUR doorstep this year!!! Hope Sammy started to see the bright points of trick or treating (like the candy!) :)

    Our Christmas wish for you guys is a whole month with the YOungblood family in the same country :)

  3. Traci

    By the way, COOL Indiana Jone’s costume, James. Those homemade ones turn out the best usually. And is Sammy the monster’s inc guy? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those–you look great :) And I didn’t notice the cow was asleep, but there she is! Perfect!!

  4. Jamie

    Congratulations, James! What a wonderful decision you have made!