The statement holds true... It really is great to be 8! My precious Tess Abigail Butikofer was baptized this past Saturday. She had been anticipating this day for quite some time. July seemed to come and go in a complete flash and before I knew it she was turning eight and getting baptized all in the same week. Since Tess is quiet by nature, she normally doesn't get overly excited about things BUT she had the countdown going from the time we got back from Bear Lake and was completely going crazy by the time Friday got here and her "Grandma by the Temple" and Idaho cousins and Aunt showed up.
It was such a wonderful experience to see her all in white with her glowing skin and charming smile. There were two other kids from our ward who were getting baptized as well. When we went back to the font and Brother Spencer told the order which they would go, Tess was the first. Her little hands started to tremble and she told me she needed to use the bathroom. Once we got that over with a she proceeded through the doors into the font, a peaceful calm took over as her daddy reached for her hand. Once she came out of the water, the smile on her face spoke volumes about what she was feeling. With so many loving Uncles, her Grandpa Earl, Brother Spencer, and Tim placing their hands on her head to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost my heart was pounding out of my chest knowing how lucky she is to have that much love and priesthood support. 
There are times in your life that you can reflect on and see the "bigger" picture. I know this was one of those days; surrounded by family... witnessing the beginning of a young and beautiful girl's future!
