Eli's Great to be Eight Birthday

On September 16th, our Eli Jameson Wheeler turned eight years old and was a baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This was an extremely important day for our little man.  He'd literally been counting down for months.  We went to Temple Square a few days before to grab a few pictures.  Definitely nothing like the professional ones you see all over Facebook, but hey, at least I tried.

Well-aware that my talent in cake decorating is lacking, I let Sam's Club do the baking.  Annika picked the ladybug theme.  :)

The day before Eli's birthday, we invited all sorts of friends and family over for a hot dog roast at the park down the street.

The kids had fun helping to decorate.



NomiAnn and Papa Kay drove all the way out from Omaha for the special occasion.  Their help was ever so welcome, as was the sunny weather.  (I worried all week that our party would get rained out.)

Our most valued guest, the birthday boy.


Talia, Kate, Brooklyn, and Ruby.

The cute twins who live a few doors down.

Annika was in heaven, having found a puppy to play with.

Brooklyn did an excellent job entertaining all the little ones (and there were many.)

Parachutes are so fun!

Another picture of the birthday boy, taken right before we sang to him.  Sure love that smile!

A glimpse from farther back.  Told you we were a crowd!  Let's see if I can remember who was there...our family, Justin, Brianna, Ruby, NomiAnn, Papa Kay, the Ondas, the Kidds, the Wrights, the Drages, the Browns, the Glass family, the Richins, Asher and Isabel from school, Asher from the bus stop, the Calderons, and at the very end, a surprise appearance from Ben and Christy.  Just thinking about it makes me feel a bit teary-eyed.  I was overwhelmed by all the love and support.

Waiting in line for cake.

Ruby with her popcorn ball.  Judging by the messy face, it was a successful party.

On Eli's actual birthday, we enjoyed a breakfast of overnight baked french toast, then headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Cecret lake.  Here's Papa Kay at the trailhead.

NomiAnn and I lagged behind, trying to convince Annika to walk by telling gory stories about wolves and puppies.

She's a strange one, but mighty cute.

Brooklyn's getting close to the top.

Nearly there.

Made it to the lake at last.

Annika wished she could swim, but it was definitely too cold.

Brooklyn and Talia explore the shore.

Congrats on making it to the top!

So many gems tucked away in these mountains.

Once we got home, we had to hustle to get everything ready for Eli's afternoon baptism.  These "Great to be 8" donut centerpieces looked better on Pinterest, but were still fun.

Eli was baptized and confirmed by his father at the Virginia Street building, just a few blocks from our home.  It was a beautiful and simple family service where both of his grandmothers spoke and his siblings sang.  Family came from all over to support Eli in his decision to be baptized.  NomiAnn and Papa Kay came from Nebraska, Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles from Hyde Park, Ben and Christy from California, Lance from Chicago, plus Justin, Brianna and Ruby from down the road.  Our bishop and stake president were there, along with Eli's first grade teacher and some friends from Primary.  So much love in the room, all for this special young man.

We celebrated afterward with root beer floats in the cultural hall.  Go Justin!

Love this picture of our little guy helping to clean up at the end.  Baptism is all about following Christ, and above all, Jesus taught us to serve.


Can't leave without family pictures!  Gathering everyone is always a production.

Ta da!  I thought it turned out pretty well considering how many of us there were.

Back at our place, it was time for dinner (Eli requested taco soup) and presents.  Good thing our living room fits a crowd!

A close-up of Uncle Lance.  His bow tie makes me smile.

Yup, eight really is great.


Aunt Callie, Uncle Adam, Eila, and Anders couldn't be there in person, but they sure sent the perfect gift: Star Wars Legos.  Thank you!

On Sunday morning, Eli got his last birthday wish.  Ever since we moved to Salt Lake, he has looked forward to the day when he would be old enough to attend Music and the Spoken Word.  Here he is walking to the tabernacle with Papa Kay.

Waiting for the broadcast to begin.

Eli's first time listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in person.  He loved it so much that he asked to go back again the next week.

Happy birthday, Eli!

Your smile and enthusiasm for life is contagious.  You are so wonderfully inquisitive, learning all you can about the world around you.  Our whole family has been inspired by your sincere desire to make good choices.  We love you, Cheesestick!