Nyles' Baptism

On Saturday, August 15th at 11am we held Nyles' baptism at our church building.  Since Covid-19 is still spreading, we were only allowed to have about 20 people attend in person.  Everyone else was able to attend via Zoom (video conference).  Everyone who attended was also asked to wear a mask the whole time.  They asked us not to use the piano, so they didn't have to clean it, so I used my phone to play the songs as accompaniment.  Jeff came and helped get us set up w/ the computer for the Zoom meeting, then left.  Rob then took over and ran it throughout the program.  We were asked not to have a musical number as well and keep it under 40 minutes.  Some of the details were a little different than other baptisms we've attended, but the Spirit was still strong.  We are so proud of Nyles in his decision to be baptized and follow his Savior.  We appreciate all the love and support from those who attended and those who attended via Zoom.  Here are some highlights.

The program.

Steve and Nyles ready for his baptism.

All dressed in white.

Everyone who attended in person- Back row: Mark Atwood, Steve McGrath, Chris and Pauline Grayson, Rose, Sophia and Ali Van Moorlehem, Phil and Stacie Monson, Diane, Joann and Dave McGrath, Carrie Hammett.

Front Row: Rob Daniels, Penny McGrath, Charlotte, Lincoln, and Ezra Grayson, Nyles McGrath, Conor and London Claire Monson, LuDean McGrath (in wheelchair), Lynsie Hammett and Carter McGrath.

4 generations: LuDean, Dave, Steve and Nyles.

Steve, Diane, Nyles, LuDean and Carter.

Family picture.  I'm just over 38 weeks pregnant :)

Cousins who attended- Back row: Lincoln and Charlotte Grayson, Ali and Sophia Van Moorlehem, London Claire Monson, and Lynsie Hammett.

Front row: Nyles and Carter McGrath, Ezra Grayson, and Conor Monson. 

The brethren: Rob Daniels, Dave and Steve McGrath, Chris Grayson, Phil Monson, and Mark Atwood w/ Nyles.

Steve and Nyles.

Dave, Steve, Nyles, Me, Carter and Joann.

Nyles colored his pillow case he received from Dave and Joann.  He did a great job!

2nd Week of August- 22nd Week of Quarantine

We had an eventful week celebrating Nyles' 8th birthday!  It was also my last week of work before the baby comes.  I had my Dr appt this week (38 weeks pregnant).  Everything went well and we are scheduled to be induced on the 20th.  We were praying the baby wouldn't make an early entrance before Nyles birthday or baptism on Saturday, and thankfully he didn't.  I am so relieved to have made it through the week w/ work and all our activities.  Here are some highlights:

We got a HUGE bowlful of pears from our tree.  Now to let them ripen!

Silly Piper.  She likes to rest her head on our laps, especially to get a treat.

I took Wednesday off for Nyles' birthday.  I had my Dr appointment at 8:30am, then we went to the Aquarium.  Nyles wanted to go to the Aquarium, so we reserved our spots the night before and went over in the morning when they opened.  They require masks now the whole time you're in the Aquarium, so we definitely feel more comfortable going.  Plus they limit the number of people in the Aquarium and stagger when people can enter, which is great.

Nyles and Carter w/ some birds from Asia.

The boys showing how old they are.

Looking at the Tortoises. 

And a wood duck in the Utah section.

When we got home I made crepes for lunch, one of Nyles' favorite meals.  Then we made Nyles' birthday cake.  He wanted it camo w/ Army guys on the top.  I also wanted to make a figure 8 since he turned 8, so we did all of it!  Here is the 3 color camo cake, then chocolate frosting, and then Steve did the decorating on top w/ the Army men. 

We wanted to throw Nyles a surprise party, so we came up w/ a plan.  Nyles wanted to have ribs for dinner, another one of his favorites.  We prepared them that afternoon, and said we were going to go eat dinner w/ Dave/Joann that night.  We got everything loaded up and went over to their house.  Steve then told Nyles that while Dave finished up the ribs, he was going to take him to find a new fishing spot.  Since we had our car loaded up, we asked Dave if Steve could take his car, which he did.  Steve then left w/ Nyles in Dave's car, while we loaded up the last few things, then left in our car.  We then went over to LuDean's house and finished setting up for the party.  Steve took Nyles to a creek nearby then called us to make sure we were ready.  He then told Nyles that he needed to use the bathroom, and since LuDean's house was close by, they were going to stop for just a minute, then be on their way back to Dave/Joann's place.  He talked Nyles into coming inside, and then we all said "Surprise!"

LuDean and I waiting to say "Surprise!"

Cute Nyles w/ his birthday hat.  He was only a little excited and of course surprised!

Diane was so sweet to decorate and make really cute signs for Nyles.

Happy Birthday Nyles!

Nyles enjoying his rib dinner.

After dinner, Diane had a fun game of fishing for us all to play.

The fish and some prizes inside the fishing pond.

                                                    First the boys had to get their fishing licenses.

                                             Then they had to get worms so they could go fishing.

We then took turns catching a fish (using a magnet).  After a couple turns the boys each decided what "prize" they were going for and they both peaked so they could get the right "prize."  Silly boys!

Taking turns.

After the game, we sang Happy Birthday to Nyles and had cake and ice cream.

He was just a little excited!

Nyles used a plate to blow out the candles in order to keep his breath/spit away from the cake.

After getting the fireplace debris removed, Steve got the ground ready (removed extra dirt), then put down weed barrier, and went and got wood chips.  Good work Steve!

Now we have a designated spot for plants (more to come) and the boys' sandbox.

It's been hot, so we got out the swimming pool again.

Pauline dropped off a few things, including these Paw Patrol slippers.  Carter immediately wanted to wear them, even while riding his bike in the heat.  Silly boy.  At least we have more shade w/ the sun shade now.

Typical cute Carter face.

More swimming!

Then sharing a sherbet, while trying not to let Piper get it.

Good quote.

Next I'll post about Nyles' Baptism.