Special Weekend!

We had such a great weekend! It started late Thursday night when Nikki and Baby V flew in from Anchorage! We had the gift of their company until Monday morning.

Sunday morning of this weekend Miss A was (finally) baptized.  It was a special time and very smooth with Baby V (13-nearly 14 months) and A at Mass. Father Jim was laid back and encouraged their happy noises as we sat up front.

The two girls met one another 3.5 months ago but this is the first time they've had "quality" time together with parallel play and interactions. Baby V is obviously mobile and we took our first stab at baby proofing the house. She loves to say "Hi" and I loved saying "Hi" back!

However A was not as friendly. If Baby V tried to get close or touch her A would melt down. Obviously some personal space issues!

Baby V got to explore around our little house.

Poor gal was just visiting Miss A when she had to watch this reaction!

I always wonder why I don't take more pictures. Shame on me. We had a couple of days of rain together but got out on the Cajun Queen nonetheless. At one point both girls triggered each other and we had a double meltdown going on. It was hard not to laugh at the situation! But Baby V spent time on the ocean and her mama caught a ling cod that was all head waiting for its body to grow. Andy even plucked a tiny halibut out of the water.

The rain disappeared for "brilliant sunshine" on the day of the Baptism. Hurray! What a gift and a chance to also go walking and hang with friends at the beach later in the day.

As I said, Fr. Jim was just great for the sacrament. He didn't flinch when A tried to take his Baptismal reading booklet from him as he read (he even offered it to her), and he seemed to enjoy when A and Baby V talked back and forth at one point.

Miss A only cried out once a couple of scoops of holy water dribbled down, but once she was patted dry all was well again. A seashell with "Peace" inscribed was used for the scooping and pouring of water. Pretty neat and appropriate for here.

 Her lovely and special gown was a gift from Grandma Judy and Grandpa Tom. It fit perfectly and I'm happily surprised she didn't mess with the bonnet.

 Thank you special friends for joining us!

Sunny Day! Thanks for the scenic memory, Nikki. 

It was perfect for visiting with friends on the porch after the service.

Miss A managed to swipe a bit at the cake frosting and maybe got a little to her lips. Not sure, but we didn't offer cake to the newly baptized. In fact, she went down for a nap a bit after the activity. It's tiring joining God's family! We are happy.

We miss you, Nikki and Baby V! I'm glad we got in some adult Euchre playing once the babes went to bed. Can't wait to see her walking soon.

*Amy

33 and Colors

Andy's birthday was this past Tuesday and we had some fun with it, even with some massive rainfall. From big burritos at lunch to an impromptu, small hot pot for dinner, and other treats throughout the day.

I asked him what he thought?

He says he got lots of good stuff and was spoiled, and got to spend time with his wife. (which we've been doing this weekend as we ferried to Juneau for power shopping)

Well, after dessert and some clean up that day I discovered with delight that Andy was spending time with one of our little dinner guests.

He's testing out a new Colors book Auntie Stephanie gave us for Guppy Gorn. I think it's a hit already!

A pretty sweet way to end one's 33rd birthday, I'd say.

*Amy