Dear Boston,
Happy 8th Birthday!! I'm writing this letter to you a little over a month after your birthday. Whoops! We've been busy though! You were baptized a few days after your birthday and it was a really special day. Your baptism was at noon, but it ran a little late, because of other wards. :) We started in the Sacrament room and many people came!
Bonkie,
Aunt Jen's entire family
The Stoyans
The Harris'
Sister Fry
Sister Bibe
Tio Brett and his girls
Tio Beau and Tia Brittney
Nana and Papa
Tia Arielle's entire family
Bishop Walker
Sister Rheta Clark
Sister Kleinman and Dallin
Sister Hayes
And probably some others I've forgotten!
Aunt Jen led the music (We sang I am a Child of God), Sister Hayes played the piano, and Isaac said the opening prayer. Bonkie bore her testimony, then we went to the Relief Society room for the baptism.
Dad and I went through the bathroom with you, and Dad went into the font first. You told me before you stepped in the font that you felt the spirit and happy tears when Bonkie bore her testimony. You entered the font and Dad baptized you and I got very teary. It was a very sweet moment and I had a front row view! I wrapped you in a towel and gave you a big hug when you came out. Then Daddy came out and we had a big group hug. The font was freezing after a long morning of baptisms! I left you and Daddy to get changed. Sister Hayes played piano music, while everyone filled out cards for you saying one thing they want you to remember about today, and at your request, your favorite scripture. :) You now have a special catalog of notes from many loved ones. When you got changed, Bishop Walker confirmed you a member of the church with Dad, Brother Harris, Uncle Kelly, and Uncle Cort in the circle. You shook everyone's hands and gave Dad a hug. Then we closed with Isabel singing I will Be What I Believe. It made me cry, and many others. Even Charlie and Lucas were crying. It brought a really sweet spirit. Isabel sang beautifully, and right before she sang, she found out that she was actually missing her play practice. Aunt Jen told her that it was probably good that she didn't know, because this is where the Lord wanted her to be, so when she sang, she was really singing you her testimony. Aunt Jen said the closing prayer.
Bonkie bought you a new suit for your baptism, and Dad and I bought you your own scripture set, with your name engraved on it, and a scripture case that you picked out, complete with compass. :)
For your gifts Isaac bought you 2 survival bracelets (like Liam's), the girls got you $tree presents, Nana and Papa got you a card with a bunch of money and candy, Bonkie got you a magic kit, and Mom and Dad bought you a hoverboard, and soccer ball. For dinner we had your request of bacon, mashed potatoes, and brown sugar carrots. And for dessert I made you a double topping peach cobbler. :)
This year because Mom and Dad bought you a BIG present we didn't do a party. Instead we had a small play date with Brogan, Isaac, and Charlie. They both brought presents for you to school, and I picked you guys up and we headed to the bowling alley. We ate nachos, drank root beer, played arcade games, and bowled a fun game. Charlie came in first, you and Isaac tied for second, and Brogan third. :)
You started 2nd grade this year and are flourishing. You love your teacher Mrs. Marone, and all the science projects you get to do in her class. You have a million friends (as always) and are still loving sports. Right now we're finishing up soccer for the season, just in time to start basketball. You're amazing at Soccer, by far the best on the team, and have major hustle out there! I've been proud to see you learning about being a team player, by passing, and displaying sportsmanship when others get hurt. I enjoy having fun conversations with you, discussing everything from sports, and cooking, to much sillier, stinkier subjects. You love to cook with Mom and you still look forward to the day we can work out together. We love to compete. Seeing who's stronger and faster. You're already faster than me, but I'm still stronger than you. :) You have a such a sweet and tender spirit. You're still the best big brother to all your siblings. At school you and Zekey get to see each other on Wednesdays at lunch, and you always make sure to say hi and play with him for a minute. You wrote a story for all your siblings in your free time at school and I can't wait to read it! You're a math whiz, and complete your math homework in under 5 minutes. Your favorite books are the Dogman series, and Bonkie says I need to get you the Diary of a whimpy kid books because you'll love them! You love your Bonkie, and often ask her to tuck you in, and draw on your back at night. :) We just barely found out you and Remi have Celiac's disease, so that's a big change for you! You're taking it like a champ though, and you and I are learning how to make British Bake Off worthy breads! This year we've been working on our self talk, reminding ourselves when we look in the mirror that we look great! We've also been talking about shame vs. guilt and not using shame talk. I always want you to remember that you're a good boy!
Boss you will never know (until you have an amazing kid of your own) just how much Dad and I love you. Our love for you is endless and boundless. No matter WHAT we will always love you, bigger than the Universe! I'm proud of you every day. I love who you are. I can't wait to watch who you become.
Love,
Mama
PS Your career choice for the last couple years is to be a dentist. :) Pretty cute.
