Baptized and Set Free

Nolan getting dressed for his big day.

Collin preparing his baptismal candle. His baptismal birthday was May 8 and Aaron's is July 15. Shine your light brightly, Collin...so that "others may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."


The big moment.


The Baptism Party...from left to right, back to front
Back: Great Aunt Linda, BaPa Minnows, Uncle Ryan, Sarah Bernardson, Great Aunt Maxine, Uncle Terry with cousin Tyler, Auntie Alysha, Uncle Reid, BaPa EIO and Grandma EIO. Front: Grandma Honey Honey, Daddy with Collin, Mommy with Aaron, Auntie Ruthie, Nolan, Great Grandma Darlene.

Our growing family...

Nolan's sponsors...Auntie Ruthie and Uncle Terry.

In a couple of weeks we will be outnumbered...what are we thinking?

Great Grandma Darlene with a napping Nolan...I've been saying all along that he would love her aggressive bouncy ways.

Collin inspecting the stuffed squirrel from the Wabasha cabin...

and getting an explanation from BaPa Minnows.

Aaron...dumped right out of his lawn chair.

Terry "fighting fires" with Tyler.

Terry said Tyler put himself in Maggie's kennel...can we believe him?

Grandma EIO and Nolan, wearing the sun hat from Grandma Honey Honey.

BaPa EIO with his only granddaughter, Maggie.

It was a fitting day for a baptism. In the presence of family and friends, Nolan's spiritual journey began on the day the church commemorates the gift of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost. After this sermon, https://f1.ctsmemberconnect.net/garoupdb/O-0000000672/G-0000015643/audio/05.31.09%20Can%20These%20Bones%20Live.pdf, Pastor Stephanie baptized Nolan. Unfortuately, he had just fallen asleep as she began sprinkling water over his head. He wasn't impressed...and cried during his baptism and the blessing. He turned on his charm, though, as Pastor Stephanie introduced him to the congregation.

During offering, I sang "Baptized and Set Free" for my sons.

"Take this child, make him yours, make him part of your family.
From your love he has come; in your love may he always be.
Let not time or age take him from your family.
May he grow, may he stay close to you.
To you, dear Lord, we praise thee for the blessings of your perfect gift.
To you, dear Lord, or heartfelt thanks.
We lift our voice in praise."

The afternoon was spent in the backyard enjoying the beautiful weather. In between bean bag games, BaPa Minnows entertained everyone with his side kick, a stuffed squirrel from the Wabasha cabin.


Aaron attempting to get his shovel back from the squirrel.


A taxidermy lesson from BaPa Minnows.