Logan FINALLY Gets Baptized!

Well, one thing on the calendar actually came to pass during this pandemic which really is a big deal these days.  Months ago, Natalee and I decided to have Logan and Trenton baptized at the same time.  Although this meant that Logan had to wait two months longer than normal, it really was not much of a sacrifice as having the opportunity to get baptized on the same day as your cousin and best friend is really a special thing.  But as luck would have it, the Covid-19 pandemic came crashing into our world the middle of March cancelling everything on the calendar including their scheduled baptism on May 9th.  After months of waiting, we learned the other week that our governor had actually given permission for religious gatherings of 50 people or less to be allowed although other gatherings of 50 people or less are not be allowed until our state moves into Phase 3.  After finding out about this, Natalee asked both her bishop and stake president if a baptism with 22 people would be allowed.  After waiting a few days, we were both pleasantly surprised to learn last week that the answer was YES!  So we quickly put together a baptism program and planned a dinner party for afterwards with just a few days to spare.
The big day finally came yesterday over four months after Logan turned eight years old.  Overall, the entire day went so smoothly and really was so enjoyable and pleasant.  After finishing up home church in the morning, Logan was able to open up his baptism gifts.  Since Trenton was allowed to open up his gifts in advance, Natalee suggested that we do this at our house before the party.  Logan was so excited and enjoyed opening up six gifts that all had a religious and/or baptism theme.  His gifts included his own set of scriptures, a scripture case, a tie clip that says CTR, a journal, a white towel with the letters, CTR, stitched on it, and a toy Liahona which he was the most excited about.  After lunch, we got everyone ready and packed up the car and headed off to Port Orchard at 2:30.  We pulled into the church parking lot at 3:30 with grandpa and his car full of people right behind us.  After setting up the room and getting everyone ready, Trenton's bishop began the baptism a few minutes before 4 p.m. since all 22 of us were already there!  I gave a talk on baptism and Natalee gave a talk on the Holy Ghost with the children singing "When I am Baptized" as a special, musical number in between our talks.  Trenton volunteered to be baptized first by Garrett which was super cool to see since Garrett is starting his mission on Wednesday.  Logan was then baptized by Ron right afterwards.  The boys were both confirmed before we ended with the bishop's remarks and a closing song and prayer.  Although Logan had gotten really nervous at our house before we left, he did a great job the entire time we were at the church and came up from the baptismal font with a huge grin on his face.  It was so precious to see!
After disinfecting the entire Relief Society room with Clorox wipes (a new church rule), we went outside for a large, group photo before heading to Trenton's house for the dinner party.  Everyone had a great time enjoying the Cafe Rio style dinner with sides and desserts before the children spread out all over the house to play and run around outside.  We packed up and headed home around 8:30 p.m. after a very memorable and wonderful day.  I am just so happy that our Logan made this important step to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ and I am also so grateful that the powers that be allowed this to happen during such a strange and crazy time when so little is allowed.

Logan reading the card that Ella made for him that was taped to the gift that she 'gave' him (the Liahona toy that she actually found in the church bookstore when we went shopping there at the end of February).

Ella showing her "Happy Baptism Day" card that she made for Logan.

Logan showing off his new Liahona.  Due to his inner pirate, Logan has been fascinated with the Liahona for years as it looks like a kind of treasure to him.  He has asked many times if he could have one for a toy.  When Ella found one for sale tucked away in the back corner of the church bookstore, we knew that we had to buy him one!

Logan proudly holding up his new journal with a picture of Christ on the cover.

Logan modeling his new white towel with the letters CTR stitched on the front.  I asked our former primary president to do this for me since she had made Lia one for her baptism gift from the primary four years ago.  Luckily, she still is in our ward and was willing to do the work for me if I brought her a towel and some fabric.  I used some waves and anchor fabric from Logan's 10-year old quilt that my mother has already made for him and it turned out adorable!

The Hartland fam posing in front of the church after arriving.

A vertical shot of our family.

Proud parents with our about-to-be-baptized boy.

Daddy and Logan all dressed in white and ready to go.

Trenton and Logan standing together in front of the font.

The 8-year old boys with Garrett and Ron.

A group picture of the family afterwards.  Although Brent and his family were not able to make the drive out from Missoula, we were able to zoom the entire thing for them to see.  It was fun to wave at them through the computer screen a couple times during the program (while I was chasing Emmett to the back of the room) and at the end.

Ella, Logan, and Lia enjoying their dinner back at Trenton's house.

The boys were able to open up their baptism gift from grandma after dinner.  Although she normally gives some sort of religious gift after her grandchildren are baptized, she decided to surprise the boys with a Lego set this time around!

Grandma helping Logan open up his baptism card.

The boys showing off their Lego sets!  Grandma chose perfectly as Trenton got a Star Wars set and Logan got an under-the-sea set.  She sure knows these grandsons of hers.