Birthday & Baptism {part 2}

I really can't believe that we have an 8 year old daughter! It just doesn't seem that long ago that Kassie was born in Japan, and I was holding her cute little pink bundle---scared out of my mind when there was a huge earthquake while we were still in the hospital!

(Don't mind me, my eyes do not open after I have babies...I have no idea why!)

And now, 8 years later, Kass has grown into a beautiful and wonderful daughter! We were able to celebrate her birthday while we were visiting our family in California. But even better, she was baptized there as well. We are so proud of her for choosing to follow our Savior's example to be baptized! For those of you who aren't familiar with baptism in our religion...click HERE.

It worked out perfectly that our niece (Sadee) was getting baptized at the same time...just 2 days earlier and before Kass turned 8! Kevin's parents, grandma, and brother were already planning on being in L.A. for the baptism. So we left my family in San Diego and met up with Kev's fam in L.A. for Sadee's baptism and then headed back down to my parents church in San Clemente for Kassie's baptism on her birthday! It was such a fun few days with Kevin's family. The girls were so excited to see their cousins!!!

I am such a stickler for car seat rules and I make sure that everyone is properly buckled in and everything...so why on earth is it ok to drive like this when you're around family...even if it is just around the block?!?!

We are SO SO grateful and happy that so many members of our family could be there! Kevin's mom made Kassie's dress, my brother conducted the meeting, Grandma Louder (yoo-hoo) and Grandma Bregg gave the talks, the cousins sang a special musical number, and Kevin baptized and confirmed Kassie. Everyone made it such a special day for Kassie!

Kassie and Sadee
After the baptism, we went to a park overlooking the ocean in San Clemente and had a picnic and birthday cake.

And then, Kassie and her cute cousins Abby and Sadee (who all have birthday's within a few weeks of each other) were so very excited when we took to them to the American Girl Doll store to pick out birthday presents!

Kassie and Abby

Kass and her new doll Lanie (she picked her because she is a nature girl! love it!)


When it's all over and done with, Kassie had a wonderful, memorable, and very special 8th birthday!!!

The 8 Best Things About Kassie...because 8 is Great!:

1. Nothing is boring when she's around!

2. She has such a creative mind!

3. She LOVES to perform for a crowd!

4. Her contagious laughter

5. Her love of animals

6. She's green! (Her love of nature...and protecting nature)

7. Her thoughtful love and concern for ALL generations of her family!

8. Her self-proclaimed (and supported) greatness!!!

We Love you Miss Kassandra Ann!!!

Up Next: Life's a Beach!{part 3}