It's GREAT to be EIGHT!

The very lovely Bella has turned 8 years old! To celebrate, she had a much anticipated American Girl pajama party.  But first, she and I went on a date to the American Girl doll store so that she could spend her birthday money from the grandparents. She chose a doll that looks just like her...so very cute with the red hair and freckles.  

The attire for Bella's birthday party was PAJAMAS!  When the girls arrived, they decorated their own face and we tucked them under the blanket of this sleepover cake (probably the most fun I've had making a cake!)

We ate dinner and played freeze dance before opening presents and settling down to an American Girl doll movie.

For party favors, each girl got the cutest homemade pajamas for their dolls that I hired a friend's mom to make.  They turned out to be so adorable!

And each girl was given $5 in fake money to spend on concessions through out the movie.  They loved "buying" their treats and getting "dollar" bills back.  Most of the girls spent the night and when we woke up the next morning, we ate ghost cereal and played MORE freeze dance and painted nails.  Such a fun girly, girl party!

Although her birthday party was fun, being baptized by her daddy by far was the crowning moment of this birthday.  Bella was baptized on Oct. 27th.  It was a beautiful occasion and I am so very proud of her desire to follow Jesus and to do what is right.  Bella is such a caring, sensitive person.  She writes Blaine and I sweet little notes all of the time.  I am so blessed to be her mom.

The grandparents came out for the occasion.  Aunt Tiff gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.

It was SO VERY SPECIAL to me that Bella was able to be baptized in the very same dress that I was baptized in 28 years ago.  This dress was made by my mom and to date my sister Tiffani, myself, Tiff's girls and now Bella have all been baptized in it.  I LOVE it!  I am also so grateful to my wonderful husband who loves God and LOVES his children.  How special to see Blaine exercise the priesthood and baptize our sweet Bella.  Beautiful, beautiful day!

Throughout this whole month, we had friends and family SHOWER my children with love and support and gifts.  I am so grateful to have such a loving network of people who love my family.  We are so very blessed!