Alex and Vivian

This past week Wednesday October 22nd through Monday October 27th we spent in Southern California combining a trip for Vivian's baptism with a Disney outing for Alex. Wednesday evening, Dan, Carrie, and Vivian met up with Frank, Alex, and me for dinner in Downtown Disney at Naples restaurant. The weather was balmy and very pleasant and we ate outdoors.

Naples is in Downtown Disney and specializes in pizza and Italian food.

I brought along the Counting Monkey cloth book I'd sewn for Vivian, inserting crinkly paper within the pages. She was really into it and also loved the monkey I'd bought to go with it.

Vivian absolutely loves those infant toys that make a crinkly sound
so she was a real live wire reaching for and turning the pages of her new book.

Vivian is loving her new monkey. Alex is loving Vivian. I am a happy bystander.

We reintroduced Alex to Vivian. He had paid minimal attention to her this past June when she visited at two months old and again in August when she visited us at four months old. At dinner tonight at six months when she was very lively he showed more interest and attention and gave her "loves".

Alex reaches to hug his niece, Vivian.

Alex is content with a nose to nose kiss.

On Saturday we reunited with our southern California clan for Vivian's baptism. Carrie's mom, dad, and brother had flown out from Ohio, too.

I love the scrolls and tiny pink cross on Vivian's baptismal announcement.

Vivian was as good as gold during her christening. She was quite interested in the deacon's prayer book and the candle absorbed her gaze. She flashed the deacon a huge smile several times during the ceremony and actually seemed interested in tasting the holy oil on her lips. She made not a whimper when the water was scooped up and dribbled over her head.

Vivian is reaching for the prayer book.

Hmmm. I wonder what if this is what they mean by
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."

Not one peep out of Vivian... and that holy water from the baptismal font was cold!

Alex on the other hand was not quite as cooperative. There were several minor skirmishes where we needed to intervene so he did not blow out the small hand held candle or the tall church pillar candle. After the ceremony the deacon kindly took the tall candle from its stand and lowered it to Alex's eye level. He patiently held it while we all counted "One, two, three...", and Alex gleefully blew hard.

Dan, Carrie, and Vivian pose near the infamous candle that Alex repeatedly tried to blow out.
Vivian is wearing the same christening gown that her father wore
when he was baptized over three decades ago!

Carrie, Dan, Vivian, me, Alex, and Frank gather for a post-christening family photo.

Alex was quite happy to hold Vivian on his lap. Vivian seems to be OK with it all, also.

Afterwards we gathered for a celebratory brunch at the Sapphire Laguna Restaurant on its patio with a view of the ocean. It was a gorgeous, balmy, day and the food was great! It felt good to be with family on such a happy occasion.

Yes, that is a view of the ocean straight ahead beyond the palm trees.