Preparations for Halloween

Pumpkin carving is hard work. Just ask Eric. He decided it was a job for his new crane he bought with his birthday  gift card from Papa Ralph and Nana Jeanne.

Noah knows what's up

Eric and Daddy are off on a two day camping trip to enjoy this beautiful Indian summer weekend. I asked Noah " where's Daddy?" He says " Ootball waatch. Daddy". He isn't right in ths.case but any other Sunday he would be right on.

Baptized and blessed pets

Baptized Holding a Dirty Baseball!

On October second Noah and Eric were baptized by Pastor Dave. The service took place outside in Pastor Dave's backyard (shared with the church). It was also the day of the blessing of the pets, which made it even that more special as dogs, chickens,a bird, and a lizard came to be blessed.

The day was sunny and bright and very special. We have been asked by some why we wanted to have a baptism for Eric and Noah. We are not "religious" so I guess this seems confusing to some. We are however spiritual and believers in something greater than ourselves. Having these two beautiful boys is proof enough for me that there is a God and from what I can tell the lessons God has for us help to seal in all that is holy: faith, hope, love, gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, self-lessness and compassion.

There is something so special about baptizing the boys at this age. Eric will always remember it being 5 and having a memory that is spot on. Don't ever tell him something thinking he will forget. He won't. He will hold you to it at some point. Even if you think it as been so long that he must have forgotten. He didn't.

Noah was baptized holding a dirty old baseball. He loves balls and if that was his only toy he would be happy and entertained always.

At this age they are old enough to participate. Baptism wasn't just something that happened to them. They were so interested and attentative and curious. They each watched the other closely as the seashell of water was poured on there heads. Eric went first so Noah had a clear picture that if big brother was doing it then it was just fine. Noah stood still when it was his turn and Eric leaned in to see the look on Noah's face. Precious.

Here are some photos:

We ride our bikes to church. The pet blessing also included the receiving of the cat you see here.