Jack's Pre-Baptism Photo Shoot

Jack will be turning 8 soon!  The age of 8 is when children are eligible to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Jack has chosen to make this commitment.  I wanted to have some good pictures of Jack at the temple, just as I did for Cat before she turned 8, to be used for the baptism.  I asked Jack which temple he'd like to use as the backdrop for his pictures and he chose Salt Lake, so he and I made a trip to Temple Square one Sunday evening and here's what we got:

I'm pleased with the way these pictures turned out, but it makes me laugh when I think about how it all happened.  You see, Jack really dislikes wearing neckties or bow ties.  He always has.  I thought it would improve the pictures so much to have him wear a white shirt and tie that I offered to make chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting if he'd wear a tie.  Well, he decided to suffer through it for the sake of a cupcake, which he thoroughly enjoyed in the car as soon as we were finished.  It took a little bit of convincing for us to do his hair and for him to wear a belt, but in the end he was cooperative.

I hope that getting dressed up and missionary-looking was meaningful for Jack.  He is growing and maturing in so many ways, and I think these pictures represent not only these developments but also the direction he's headed.  He has a good understanding of the Gospel and a desire to be good, both of which seem to be increasing.

And, yes, he really loves to have a good time.

I sure love this kid and am so grateful to be his Mama.  I'm glad that he puts up with me, and humors me by letting me put gel in his hair every once in a while.