Bentley's Baptism

 Bentley got baptized on Feb.13, 2022. It was a very special day spent with close family. Because of covid restrictions, there were no stake baptisms going on, so I was able to plan one just for her. Numbers were also limited, so we invited our close family on both sides and that was it. I actually really enjoyed it that way! Cindy gave a talk on baptism, Rick gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, and Don conducted the meeting. Jordan played the piano, I conducted the music, and we had all the girls sing "I am a Child of God" - Ryley, Scarlett, Bentley, and Emri. It was really sweet! Brother Meldrum was also there presiding and he gave his comments at the end. Don also gave Bentley a compass and talked a little bit about that. The program turned out perfect!

Prior to this day, we had been talking to Bentley a lot about baptism. We had some great conversations about why we get baptized and what the Holy Ghost is. I could tell in these talks with her that she really felt the spirit and would almost start to cry. She really wanted to get baptized and was excited about it. When she came out of the water, I got to greet her and give her a hug. The spirit was really strong then, and it was a special moment between us. I told her how proud I was of her and how loved she is and we got to spend time getting her ready. I had already done her hair in braids so we were faster than Jeff! Bentley wrote in her baptism journal afterwards about her experience, and we also had everyone write a message to her.

After the baptism, everyone came over to our house for dessert. We had a chocolate fountain and some fruit cut up for a fondue. Bentley said the chocolate fountain was her DREAM, and was so excited about it. Melanie also brought some soft pretzels and dip and we had brownies and ice cream as well. It was nice of everyone to support Bentley and we had a great time hanging out afterwards. I didn't realize how much work it would be to do a baptism but it was so worth it! Bentley had a very memorable and special day, just like it should be!!

A few weeks before her baptism, Bree Johnson took some photos of Bentley in her baptism dress by the temple, and also at her home. We used them for her table display at her baptism, but they were mostly taken as a special memory of such a special time! I couldn't have been happier with how they turned out! Bentley looks absolutely beautiful in them and lots of them make me feel the special spirit of the temple. I especially love the ones of Bentley looking up, as I picture her looking at the Savior. It was nice to go out to the temple together just her and I, and even though it was freezing and she had to stand out in the cold, I think she enjoyed it as well! Also, we splurged and ordered some custom pink scriptures online. They are really cute, and Bentley has started to read them already.