Sophia's Baptism

Sunday morning we drove up to Wayzata, Minnesota to go to the baptism of Todd's cousin Anna's baby Sophia.  It was a long drive close to two hours long, but the kids were good in the car and calm when we finally got out at the church.

Anna and Daniel proudly held Sophia during the ceremony.

After Sophia was baptized, the pastor walked her around the church as part of the ceremony in including 'the village' in watching over this baby and in linking her to a life with Christ.

And then she was handed back to her parents.  Sophia was a good baby and in a good mood throughout the ceremony.  She never cried.

Afterwards, Chloe hung out with Anna to stay close to baby Sophia because Chloe absolutely loves babies.

We took family pictures of Todd's Aunt Stephanie, cousin Martin and his girlfriend Nicole.

After cake, Uncle Jeff opened up the door to the courtyard and our kids were out in a flash!  Chloe had been asking and asking to go out there to explore.

Afterwards we drove over to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lenore's house for a big family picnic.  It was also a birthday celebration for Lenore.  

There was tons of delicious food and the kids gorged on fruit.  Owen had a blast playing soccer out in the backyard with Daniel (who is in the states from England on a soccer scholarship).

Daniel didn't even change out of his church clothes to play soccer with Owen!

Owen had to climb into the neighbors' bushes to get a few balls.

When Owen wasn't eating, he was playing soccer and petitioning others to play with him.

Chloe moved around from one group to the next at the party.  She was comfortable eating with the grownups and answering their questions.  She talked to all the teenagers and college kids.  She played with other kids close to her age.

And she chilled with baby Sophia.  How sweet does my Bean look all snuggled up under her favorite blanket?

I love sleeping babies!

And happy babies!

There were a few sprinkles earlier in the day, but the sun peeped out around clouds throughout the picnic.  It was such a gorgeous day!

Todd and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with his cousin Martin.  Plans were made for Todd to fly back later in the year for a weekend with Martin and their Uncle Jeff to attend multiple hockey and football games together.

This was a long day out, but oh-so-much fun!  We had a wonderful time getting to hang out with Todd's aunts and uncle and many cousins.  It was a day for picking up where we left off a year ago in face-to-face conversations, the giving of hugs and stealing of kisses and celebrating the life of a new baby, just beginning.   I can't imagine a better day with family than this :)