O Turns 8!

O woke up on his 8th birthday to the customary birthday cookies...

...a gift from G & G Kim (Magformers)...

 ...and scriptures from J and me.

 The day was busy, as our Wednesdays usually are (school, swimming, scouts), so we saved the celebrating for the following Saturday.

We began with his baptism:

O put the program together all by himself. S played the piano, I gave the talk on baptism, and O's 1st grade teacher gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. J baptized and confirmed our little O, who was calm and content throughout.

After coming home for a light lunch with our baptism participants, O changed into his play-clothes and got ready to...DANCE!

 A friend lent me her disco ball, we cranked up the music, and let the cousins, brothers, and three of O's friends go at it!

 They danced almost the whole time,

 pausing only to watch O open his gifts (two nerf guns and an angry birds stuffed animal),

 and decorate their own cupcakes. (Can we say holy mess, Batman!)

Our middle child ("the Jan") arrived 8 years ago, weighing in at 8lbs., 10oz. with a bush of hair on his head. He slept like a dream and was the happiest baby we'd ever met. Today he still has some great hair, a darling crooked smile, and is still such a happy boy. O is so thoughtful -- thinking of others' needs above his own, willing to share anything he has with his best friend brothers, and giving me the sweetest hugs when I've had a bad day. In every prayer he asks for help to be a better person. He loves Legos, Star Wars, The Hobbit, swimming, and reading. Recently he won 1st place in the 25-yd backstroke event at a swim meet. He has a 6-pack and rippling back muscles, which he will show you at a moment's notice -- mostly at the dinner table. He's tough and strong while being so sweet and gentle. We love this boy!