24 April 2011

Grandma Linda and Grandpa Dan came to visit this weekend for Abe's baptism. Grandma showed us a new way to dye Easter eggs. Brandan donated an old silk tie for the project. Grandma cut the tie into squares and showed us how to tie the fabric around the eggs. We then boiled the eggs in water and vinegar.

When the eggs were cool enough to handle, we unwrapped the fabric. The pattern from the tie transfered to the egg with remarkable clarity.

On Saturday morning we had an Easter egg hunt. Here's Helen getting started.

 

Gibson thought this itty-bitty egg was hilarious. He used his plastic pointer finger to help him find eggs.

 

Sophie is taller than Grandma! 

We had scheduled Saturday pretty tightly: Easter egg hunt, soccer game, then Abe's baptism. As we came home from the game to change for the baptism, Gibson tripped and hit his face on the corner of a picnic bench, splitting his upper lip. The gaping V obviously needed stitches. The stake baptism program began in less than an hour (Abe needed to be there in 30 minutes.) To make a long story short-- and thanks to the goodness of many people in our ward and stake-- we were able to postpone the baptism 3 hours while Gibson was seen at the ER. A bit of grace-- Gibson held very still while his lip was numbed then got stitches. He did not need to be sedated as the doctor had anticipated for a child his age, which would have extended our ER stay. Gibson's composure made it possible for Grandma and Grandpa to stay for the baptism and meet their other obligations at home.

 

Back from the ER, Brandan hurried with Abe ahead of the rest of the family to the church. Our first view of them at the church was all in white, looking very ready for the baptism. Abe has looked forward to his baptism for a long time. Under the direction of Bishop Idiart, we enjoyed a very impromptu and still beautiful service. Grandma played the piano and gave a talk. Sophie led the music and gave a prayer. Becky gave the other talk. Brandan baptized Abe and Grandpa confirmed him. Abe's good buddies were able to attend the baptism and we felt their love and support.

 

Becky got a little teary when Brandan and Abe came into the room after changing out of their wet clothes.  They looked so handsome together in their suits.

 

The day turned out very different than we expected, but happily in the end. Sophie was a fantastic help, making lots of phone calls while watching Helen and Abe.

 

And hooray for Grandma and Grandpa! Helpful and fun through their whole stay, they were especially useful in our little emergency. Grandma drove with Becky to the ER, helping Gibson keep a washcloth on his lip and singing to him, then enduring the long wait. Grandpa went to the church after the stake baptism was over since the stake leaders cannot leave an unattended font full of water. Then they drove through the night to make it back to Utah for a baby blessing this morning. We're so thankful for their love and sacrifice.

 

So happy today for a quiet Easter Sunday! Gibson is doing great today. He needs to drink with a straw, but otherwise his lip doesn't bother him too much. Our kids seem especially sweet and dear to us. We're feeling very thankful for priesthood blessings, for the gifts of the Spirit, for saving ordinances, for the Savior who makes all these blessings possible, for the promise of eternal life. "He is not here: for he is risen."