Smooth Flying

New Brighton, MN

Hello,

With photo ID in hand it does not take so much skill and angst to get on a plane. The flying was good, but the first landing was a bit of a jolt. I personally think we were going too fast, but I realize that I was not the pilot. Or perhaps it was just that the ground was not where it was anticipated to be. It was nice this time because the plane was not so full. Consequently Leroy and I had three seats for the two of us.

I should go back to DC and tell you that Natalie’s baptism was a blessed affair as seven other infants and toddlers were baptized on the same day. Natalie, at one month, was the youngest. Leroy and another clergy grandfather participated in the baptism with the grandfathers putting the water on their grandchild’s head. Leroy told us that the water was cold, but not a single child cried.

Even though there had been snow the day before in DC, it was clear with a warming sun. It was so nice that Leroy walked the two miles to church and back. I did not have the right walking shoes to wear to church so I reluctantly did not join him in this trek. He said it was very nice to walk.

Later in the afternoon, Leroy and I walked in the cemetery. Unfortunately on a Sunday the office is not open so we could learn where the interesting residents were buried. However there were people around and some of them had on fancy black clothing. Leroy finally realized that it might be because of Halloween. At that point we came upon a party with quite a group of these dressed up celebraters.

Stephen’s parents were also present for the baptism as was his brother and spouse along with a sister-in-law. So Natalie had quite a few loving people witnessing this special event in her life.

We expect to stay a few days with Brian’s family before we head on out west again. We want to be in SLC for Thanksgiving and Leroy is nervous about driving through the snow that he believes will be in the mountains.

Paula