Bentley's Special Day

After a busy morning of cleaning up, gardening and mowing the lawn, and food preparation, we went up to the Stake Center for Bentley's 1:00 pm baptism. There were a few other wards who met with ours for the general baptismal program, and then just Bentley and our neighbor Michael (Mikey) getting baptized from our ward. Beans and Mikey did joy school and tee-ball together back when they were 3 & 4 years old which seems like ages ago. Darling boys then and handsome boys now:

Our ward was the first to go the font after the talks in the chapel and Bentley was baptized right away. It was so sweet to see the mass of little cousins (and sisters!) and friends kneeling right in front of the font to see the baptism. Both of my boys looked so handsome and so happy in their white walking into the water together. It made me think of the days ahead when we will get to go the temple with Bentley, all in our white there too. Bentley told me the water felt really good and very warm and he had a huge grin through the whole process.

Bentley's older "cousin brothers"—basically who he wants to be just like when he grows up

We met up in the primary room while the boys got dry and all dressed up again, and had a few minutes to hear and bear testimonies. Michael's mom said a few words as did I and the boys' wonderful primary president shared her tender testimony and love for Bentley and Michael. Ruth Ann and one of Michael's grandmas bore testimony too. Ruth Ann told how seeing Joseph in the water reminded her of all the baptisms he wrote home about on his mission (and in Brazil there were several every month.) It made her think how now, as a father, teaching and leading in his very own family and raising his children in the gospel is the most important missionary work Joseph's ever done. And Joseph later commented that baptizing his own son was easily the most cherished baptism he's ever done.

She also shared how Bentley is the "oldest of the youngest" of her grandchildren. There are 5 LeBaron cousins older than Bentley in or nearing teenage years. And then there are 16 cousins (2 more on the way) younger than Beans—many of whom were there that day to see Bentley's baptism. He is such a good example to all of them and especially his adoring sisters and brother. I love that my children have him as their older brother to love them and help them in this life (and forever).

4 uncles, both grandpas and a member of our bishopric to help in this priesthood ordinance.

Bentley is so lucky to have these righteous examples in his life.

The whole event was so sweet and tender. I loved the confirmations given to both Bentley and Mikey and the gentle spirit that was with us that day. Those fathers sure love their boys and the Savior.

We had all our local family with us even though both Mary and Jim had other baptisms to attend at the same time—we were so grateful to have their families come support us and help confirm Bentley before they had to rush off to other obligations. Maggie and her kids were in town as an extra bonus to the day and Bentley's great friends Noah and Drew came to support him too. I know Bentley felt really special to have everyone there for him (and his friends brought him giant candy bars so that was a huge treat too :) 

 

 

I even got a kiss from the man of honor. Loved that day.