Wesley was baptized on July 3, 2010, just one day after his 8th birthday. It was such a beautiful day!
Those who attended the Baptism included: Derek, Sara, David, Keller and Adam Jensen, Grandpa Ivan Keller, Nini (Grandma Judy Keller), Grandpa Jack Jensen, Uncle Burke Jensen, Aunt Debbie and cousins Jasmine, Garrison and Victor Paquette, Aunts Becky, and Chrissy Keller, Aunt Stacey and Cousins Abby and Spencer Thompson, Vaughn and Liz Stephensen, Teresa, Kylie, Hallie, Ester and Miriam Moldenhauer and Sister Erica Hill from the Primary presidency and Brother Andy Johnson from the Bishopbric. Uncle Nate (who was in Europe) asked us to record an interview of Wesley telling us his thoughts about baptism. I was so glad to hear his sweet testimony about why he had made this important decision and of the importance of baptism.
Because it was the fourth of July weekend, we had fun celebrating the holiday by going to the parade, eating out at Wesley's favorite pizza place and setting off some fireworks.
Some of our guests traveled very far to come and others came despite extremely busy schedules and car trouble. We felt so loved and blessed by each one who sacrificed to be there.
This year was our extended Family reunion At Bear Lake, sadly since I was in charge of planning it I kept so busy trying to make sure all was going smoothly that I did not take one photo of the event with my own camera. Fortunately we had many great photographers who captured some of our sweetest moments...
Each evening we gathered together and shared faith promoting stories about our ancestors.
The cousins got to know one another by participating in structured (and not so structured) activities together.
We spent a full day at North Beach boating and playing in the sand. One of our days was dedicated largely to mini-classes taught by family members who were willing to share their talents, one highlight was watching kids and adults participating in Andrew Ning's Taekwando class! The first arrivals treated themselves to a pizza dinner at the local pizza place. Between the three families we had nine boy cousins (and no girl cousins) sitting at our large table!
Many people have asked Derek for a list of his favorite films. We have spent the last 10 years watching great and not-so-great movies. Here are some (100) of our favorites. Derek says (paraphrasing Roger Ebert) a great film is one worth watching over and over again. If you have a favorite film, let us know.
1. Derek is a genius, but you don't ever feel intimidated by him. 2. Derek is calm and consistent in character (opposites attract!) 3. Derek is a hard worker and when he starts a job, he follows through. 4. Derek loves to have fun when the work is done. 5. Derek is the most devoted Cougar fan I know (he has been driving to Provo each year for the football games since we moved to Rexburg). 6. According to rateyourprofessor.com, Derek is "ridiculously attractive", I couldn't agree more! 7. Derek is completely loyal. I begged him to go one some dates while I was a missionary, I think he went on two or three the whole 18 months. 8. Derek excels at everything he does: sports, academics, music etc. 9. Derek supports me in all my dreams. with out his love and support, I would be able to do half of what I do. I can not thank him enough for his love and support. 10. Derek is stalwart, obedient, righteous and true. The perfect example to 4 little boys who adore him almost as much as I do!
Those who attended the Baptism included: Derek, Sara, David, Keller and Adam Jensen, Grandpa Ivan Keller, Nini (Grandma Judy Keller), Grandpa Jack Jensen, Uncle Burke Jensen, Aunt Debbie and cousins Jasmine, Garrison and Victor Paquette, Aunts Becky, and Chrissy Keller, Aunt Stacey and Cousins Abby and Spencer Thompson, Vaughn and Liz Stephensen, Teresa, Kylie, Hallie, Ester and Miriam Moldenhauer and Sister Erica Hill from the Primary presidency and Brother Andy Johnson from the Bishopbric.
Because it was the fourth of July weekend, we had fun celebrating the holiday by going to the parade, eating out at Wesley's favorite pizza place and setting off some fireworks.
Some of our guests traveled very far to come and others came despite extremely busy schedules and car trouble. We felt so loved and blessed by each one who sacrificed to be there.
