Baptism weekend

I know it was the Fourth of July, and a lovely holiday it was. But, for our family, my niece's baptism took center stage instead. I started out my vacation with a visit to sweet little Annika, made a stop in Iowa, then rounded out the trip with some time in Kansas City for Dayla's baptism.


She has grown so much since I saw her last, and looks even bigger to me after my time with Annika.




Big girls have to look after their animals and take care of their farmyards.




And now that she's eating some solid food, she wanted to skip straight to the lefse. The girl knows her stuff.




The baptism was joyous, as is always the case when Christ claims another child as his own. Dayla wore a dress that has been in my sister-in-law Sarah's family for almost 90 years, and has been worn by at least 36 people for their baptisms, so that was quite special.




And her other sponsor (besides me, that is), Sarah's brother, came prepared with baby goggles just in case full immersion was the order of the day. Turns out Dayla didn't need the goggles for the baptism itself, but how could we pass up a photo op like this afterward?




The family convivium after the worship service was beautiful as well, and Dayla had a grand time being passed from one loving person to the next.




She made a wardrobe change for her party, of course. It's only befitting such a princess. (And who wants to take chances with a 90-year-old family heirloom?)




It was a glorious weekend, and now Dayla Elizabeth is raised to new life, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever!