Father's Day Weekend

We kicked the weekend off with a thoroughly tepid yard sale. Thankfully, the weather was amazing, so we got the most of sitting outside and chatting with neighbors. We have just barely less stuff than when we started. Anyone want a coffee table?

Sunday, we drove to Geneva to Grandma Rand's church, The United Church. We ran a bit late (surprised?) so as we walked in the front, the congregation had already started their community announcements. There were lots of murmured 'aww's, that did well to assuage my embarassment.. Nana and Papa were already waiting to meet us in the pew. The girls were just perfect through the ceremony, seeming to really delight in the singing and clapping. And especially the ceiling fans. When the time came, we all trooped up the front and the girls were baptized. There may be a few of you who are cocking your heads, puppy-style. Fair enough. I'm not one for church, really. But this is the church of William's youth and his mom still faithfully attends. And this day really was magical. Everyone, from the pastor, to the choir director, to every member of that congregation, was so warm and gracious. They were just thrilled to see the girls, as they had been praying for them since they were born in November. And Lillian and Naomi just ate it up. Naomi busted into the biggest grin-and-kick-dance as Pastor Bob touched her head with the water. They smiled at everyone, dozed a bit through the rest of the service and turned on the charm again for the after-service coffee hour. We all returned to Grandma Rand's for a delightful lunch and conversation.

I was much too overwhelmed to remember to take pictures, but Grandma Rand had her head on straight, so she will be emailing some to me.



Here we are, the shiny happy family. I've got Naomi, William's holding Lillian.



...

I went up the stairs the other evening, and captured perfectly in the door frame, William sat with Lillian on his lap, reading her a story, as the sunlight splashed on the wall behind them. Naomi just lights up everytime he is near. Yesterday, he sat with her on the couch while she giggled at the dog, and his share of the joy was so obvious.

These tiny moments are only the pinhole view into the full picture of his dedication as a father.

I am so blessed.