Bailey was baptized

What better way to spend R&R than gathering family together for the baptism of a beautiful girl:

Bailey's baptism was a beautiful experience. We are so blessed that Erick could leave Afghanistan and meet us for R&R to perform this sacred ordinance for our daughter.

Erick and my beliefs on baptism: We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that baptism is required for salvation in the Lord's kingdom. We also believe that little children are exempt from this because they are innocent and are incapable of sinning. We believe that a child should not be baptized until he or she is old enough to know right from wrong. 

Bailey is now old enough to be accountable for her own actions. And she chose to be baptized.

I am so proud of her.

I felt the love of Christ fill the room during the baptismal service. I feel very strongly that the Lord is aware of Bailey and loves her very much. 

I had felt some concerns about having the baptism over R&R. Erick had not been in the most uplifting environment for almost seven months. I was worried that the battlefield and the roughness that surrounded him could have affected is ability to perform the duties of a Priesthood holder. My concerns were unwarranted. Erick did such an amazing job. I know that the words that came from his mouth were the words that the Lord wanted Bailey to hear. I also know that the Lord is aware of Erick and me and our little family. He is aware of our desires and struggles and joys. I'm so grateful to know that He is guiding us through life.

After the baptism, we invited family and friends to my brother's house for some food and fun. This day was Bailey's grandma's birthday, so Bailey and Grandma B got to celebrate with cake: 

We also had yummy cupcakes donated by my amazing cousin, Shayla. Aren't they cute? 

My dear friend Chanda showed up. She lives near me in Germany. She had come to the states for R&R as well and made a special trip from Idaho for the baptism. I was so excited to see her. She brought with her some of Idaho's best cheese. Manwaring cheese, owned and operated by the family of a mutual friend who also happens to reside in Germany. I love my friends!

I'd like to thank my brother Lee and his dear wife Tricia for allowing us to raid their house. Love you Lee!

I did not take many pictures unfortunately. But several members of my family and Erick's family were there. Here is Erick with his sister Kelly and niece Rees: