Vacation Wrap-Up

Almost a month after we got back home, I am finally wrapping up my vacation blogging! Cheer!

There were just so many fun things that we did, not to mention great photos, I wanted to cover as much as possible. In between all the events, there were also some fun times just spent hanging out.

 

Jam sessions.

 

Face painting.

 

Naps. Or attempts at naps anyway.

 

Horsey rides.

 

Reverse horsey rides.

 

Horsing around.

 

Holding babies.

 

Cute, cute babies.

 

Eating. Oh baby, was there eating.

 

Letting it all hang out. Especially after eating.

 

Big cousin story-time.

 

Tree-climbing.

 

Bird-watching.

 

Wheelbarrow rides.

 

More fun for some than others.

“Can I be done now? Please?”

 

Admiring nature. Because Arizona is brown.

 

More babies.

 

Custard.

 

Visiting with old friends.

 

Playing with fire.

Or fencing. Not sure which.

 

Learning.

 

Playing.

 

Wisconsin, we miss you. Can’t wait to visit again.

Baptism and Beyond

Sunday was the baptism for Rachel and Andy’s new baby girl.

 

She is so precious!

 

Big sister and the godparents.

 

And then…the party!

 

Some of the kids found this fun bush to hide out in.

 

Learning to jump rope.

 

They needed a little rest. There was a lot of running around and playing.

 

Picking flowers.

 

We told him to smell it, and he took his job very seriously.

 

Back to home base!

 

Watching the duckies.

 

She didn’t keep her flower garland on for long. How can you see it if it is on your head?

 

Two can play this game.

 

Follow the leader.

 

How does this work, anyway?

 

Telling a story to Daddy.

 

It must have had animals in it.

 

Look!

 

An impromptu pruning lesson, perhaps?

 

Tree-climbing, an activity loved by all boys.

 

 

And some girls, too.

 

A fun gathering for a great occasion. Congrats baby Emma on your baptism!

How Do You Talk?

Today my nephew asked me how I talk. So I gave him my best British accent. Which would probably make British people laugh. It made my nephew laugh, too.

“What is that?”

“It’s a British accent.”

“Oh. What is an American accent?”

“That is how we always talk.”

“Oh.”

“So, how do you talk?” I asked him. To which he responded:

 

“Hellooo. Goood Mooorning. I’m speaking Spanish!”

My other nephew got in on the fun, too.

“How do you talk?”

 

“Like a dragon!”

Rar.

Sparkly, Shiny Soul

Jacinta joined the ranks of the baptized yesterday on Saturday. I am a little behind on my blogging. I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

She looked pretty cute in her little white outfit.

I’m not sure what they were looking at, but it must have been…inspiring.

Lined up and ready to go.

Already glowing, and not even baptized yet!

The sign of the Cross.

Veronica wanted to do it, too. She didn’t get the whole thumb thing though.

Donovan also got a turn.

Listening to the “homily”. I wonder if this is before or after the “Lady Pope” joke. If our faces are a guide…I’d say after.

She didn’t care for the oil.

She didn’t care for the water, either.

Ahhh, that’s better. “My soul is shiny and new! Oh, and I am hungry!”

More oil. Not like her hair needs it.

Veronica needed some help sitting still. And staying out of the fountain.

Reach!

Way to keep the flame alive candle lit, Steve!

Michael and Donovan keeping Clint company. Good thing they were there to make sure he didn’t misbehave.

Cleaning one’s soul of original sin is very exhausting.

Final blessing.

Her soul is so shiny, it shows right through!

He looks excited. Maybe Jacinta’s sparkly soul was infectious. Or maybe he was just glad it was over.

“I was crying, but I am taking a break now.”

Daddy and Mommy love their brownie bit.

Cutie pie!

Her white garment is about to fly away with her.

Uncle Steve and Aunt Becky, the Godparents.

Her namesake.

“Awww Dad, why are you doing this to me?”

Veronica is not sure what to make of this.

I guess she isn’t used to not being the center of attention.

A family picture with Omi, Opa, Papae and Mamae.

Felicity was excited about the whole thing.

She looks asleep, but she was really trying her darnedest to locate sustenance.

The glow of shiny, new soul is irresistible.

Thanks to Omi for making the beautiful cake!

Happy Grace Day, Jacinta Marie!