ALLXYS: THE BIG WEEKEND!

The day was May 19th, 2012, a Saturday. It was Kyler's 8th birthday. It was the day of Kyler's baptism. It was the day of Colton's Eagle Court of Honor. It was a BIG DAY and here's the BIG POST!!!!! So why did we have these two events on the same day? There are many reasons, but let's cut to the chase....first, UNCLE AUSTIN! He was released from his mission on May 8th and the boys wanted him at the baptism and the Court of Honor. It made sense to have both events in the same weekend. The original plan was to have the Court of Honor Friday night and the baptism on Saturday. Then Colton came home and informed me of a school dance he was attending....that Friday. And so the two events merged into one. The best part was having lots of family come into town to celebrate - Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Audra, Uncle Austin and Uncle Jean-Jacques. Ready for lots of photos? Here we go!

Event One: The baptism.

Event Two: The Eagle Court of Honor

May 19th.....early morning.

The set up starts at the El Dorado Building. (Did I mention that we couldn't reserve the Stake Center for the Eagle.....so we not only had two events in one day, but we two buildings to go to!)

Uncle Glen sets up the Eagle award display. (He made this.....by hand! Isn't it AWESOME!!!!)

The boys set up the "camping area".

Everyone pitched in and helped with the set up, picking up food, bringing food, unloading cars, etc. Audra put all the posters and photos up for display.

Jacquelen took all the photos and set up the merit badge display behind the food table.

The Eagle is set up and ready for the day!

There are all the 24 merit badges that Colton earned. The chairs on the right are for the Eagles Nest. We didn't set up enough chairs for all the Eagle's that attended the program!

Everything looks great and is ready. We didn't set up enough chairs for the audience either. Many more chairs were set up as people came to the building. It was very well attended!

My kind of camping, an air-conditioned building with indoor plumbing!

Colton's display table.

Pinewood Derby cars! Look at that 8 year old Colton in the photo.

Everything is set up, the programs are ready, time to get dressed and go to a Baptism!!!

When did they all grow up?!?

Such a sweet boy!

Kyler, we're so proud of you!!!

It was a beautiful baptism program. His brothers and Uncle Austin gave the talks. His toe poked up out of the water and they had to redo the baptism. Second time was successful. 54 people wrote a little note to him while he was getting dressed and all the papers were put into this scrapbook. After the closing prayer, we ran to the next building!

Everyone's getting in place. Grandpa was conducting the meeting.

Grandma played piano for the baptism and the Court of Honor and Aunt Audra was the chorister for both events.

We were blessed to have so many family and friends in attendance.

We started with a flag ceremony from the cousins. All four of Jean-Jacques's boys participated with Michael directing them and the audience.

Great job boys!!!!

Asher and his friend Simon explained the Trail to Eagle.

The first Eagle Scout was awarded in 1912. For the centennial year, they give the boys this special patch. It's going to look so great on Colton's uniform!

Uncle Austin (who's an Eagle Scout himself) did the presenting of the Eagle to Colton.

What a great day!

Bishop made some closing remarks and then we were done. I could finally relax and just enjoy everyone now!

Thanks to Jacquelen for always thinking ahead and catching all the photos!

Uncle Glen & Colton

Jacquelen & Colton

Dad & Son

Uncle Glen, Colton & Tante Josette

Brother Jones & Colton

He's one of Colton's leaders and the one he chose to give the mentor pin.

Mamita & Colton

Aunt Audra, Uncle Austin, Grandpa, Grandma & Colton

Colton's Eagle Award

Kyler gets down to business....THE FOOD!!!

(don't you love his church shorts?)

The food!

It seemed like I blinked and this table was emptied!

Isn't this cake Awesome?! Grandma and Grandpa picked up this cake for the birthday/baptism boy.

A moment with my dad!

Lots of fun chatting and eating.

We also had my Aunt Rickey, Natalie, Cheri and Connor come from Oregon!

I was talking with Colton and asked where his grandpa was. He said "He's over there telling stories and being the center of attention!" It made me laugh - didn't Colton know, that's a given!!!! I think he needs to spend more time with my dad....lots of good stories to hear!