A Big Day

Today was a big day in our house. John John turned 12 on Wednesday. Today he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of a Deacon. John with his dad and Grandpa Fewkes who flew in for the occasion (and for the Primary Program).

All of the men who stood in the circle to perform ordinance. Incidentally, this is all the men who hold the priesthood in our branch (minus one who was working and one who is semi-active) plus a member of the high council who was visiting. From left to right - Brother Hipp (High Councilor from Wichita), Roger McGee, President Case, Carson Hopkins, Grandpa Tim Fewkes, John Layton, John John Layton, Elder Stafford, Justin Gardner, Elder Espinoza and Juan Lara. It was really neat for me to witness all of them men stand up and put their hands on John's head. This branch has come a long way in just 17 months. When we moved here in May of 2009 there were only two active Melchizedek Priesthood holders - Brother McGee and President Case. Also, JJ is the only member in YM and there aren't any YW. We travel to Hutchinson (55 miles one way) for YM and Scouts (and Activity Days for Kelly). JJ will attend the Priesthood meetings with the men each Sunday. After January he will attend the Gospel Essentials class for Sunday School. Life in a Branch...

Pictures of our family.