Londyn celebrated a big birthday this year. She has been looking forward to both her birthday and her baptism for a long time. Every day when I go wake her up in the morning, the first thing out of her mouth was a countdown update. “5 more days until my birthday and 20 days until my baptism!”
I asked Londyn what she wanted for her birthday and she said “Well . . . I want something I can ride to school.” And I’m thinking maybe a new bike? Or a ripstick? Then she adds “Like . . . maybe a pony.” Ha! Funny, kid.
We had a pretty quiet day on her birthday. Breakfast birthday crepes, lunch with her at school, and Grandmas and Grandpas over for cake and ice cream after dinner. The next day we went to dinner and to the BYU soccer game for her birthday activity.
She got the cowboy had and boots she asked for, but not the pony. She took it well.
Her baptism was two weeks later. On my birthday, actually. It was a fabulous day and I couldn’t have asked for a better present. We had planned on a full day of soccer games afterwards, but when we woke up it was raining cats and dogs so they were cancelled. The hardest rain came down right as the service was starting, right before we sang the opening song that says “I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.” It was perfect weather for a baptism day.
My favorite part of the day was right after she was baptized and I followed her into the dressing room. I kneeled down with both of my hands on her shoulders and told her how much I loved her and how proud I am of the good kid she is. I was so filled with love for this sweet, sweet daughter of God. I couldn’t help but see/feel a flash-forward to being in the temple with her, helping my beautiful daughter prepare to make sacred covenants just like she did today. Londyn is an open book when it comes to her emotions, and she just absolutely radiated happiness in that moment. I never want to forget it.
We had the family over for doughnuts and chocolate milk afterwards. We thought we were going to have to rush to a soccer game and it was pretty early in the morning still, so I figured doughnuts were a good idea. But let’s be honest – it was my birthday and I wanted doughnuts. :)
Just a really, really, super-good day.
