more baptism

A few other special things I want to remember...

My mom made her famous sugar cookies (her recipe is in the comments) because that was Emma's one request. She even managed to transport them in the car (6 hours) safely. At treat time they were gone in a flash, and some people didn't even know they were there at all (sorry!).

Lots of other dear friends who called me, sometimes repeatedly until I said yes, and offered to supply treats. Good thing too, because after the busyness of that day and week all I wanted to do was stuff my face.

I guess all the sugar contributed to the kids' hyperactivity and they played "Motorboat" for a good 20 minutes. They even included Tanner and dragged his little body all over that gym. He lost his pants a few times. But! He wasn't crying so I let them go as long as they wanted. And believe me, he had been crying the whole evening so it was a nice break.

It's a tricky thing to walk sideways. Tanner will learn someday. The blur is a clear indicator of their speed...

Tiffany brought Emma a gardenia corsage. I am still getting whiffs of that flower when I pick up anything that Emma held at or after the baptism.

My friend and neighbor had her camera and snapped away, thank goodness. It wasn't usually very convenient for me to be taking pictures.

Because we clearly didn't have enough sugar, Emma's birthday cake was pretty much entirely that - sugar. Chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, kit kat bars, and M&M's. She has wanted this exact cake for 6 months, including a very cool singing birthday candle that pretty much acted as a firework as well. (The candle continued to sing out in the garbage for 3 days.) What a bonus that her birthday is before a red/pink/purple holiday.

P.S. When I asked, Emma said she still hasn't sinned...for anyone who was wondering.