Baptized!

With Father Dick's help, we got the Ellie Bean baptized today. It was a really lovely afternoon and a wonderful ceremony in our backyard. Ellie wore "the dress," making her the fifth generation to do so. Father Dick used the baptismal font that belonged to Grandpa Thiel's grandfather (though sadly, Jake filled it with cold water.) And most importantly, we had a huge group of family there to celebrate with us, and to promise to help us in raising Elizabeth.

Here are some of the highlights. I gave my friend Judy our new camera and asked her to snap a few pictures. 200 shots later, we have a pretty full picture of how the day went!'

Since Grandma Rosie has been there for eight other wearings of the baptismal dress (including her own) I figured she should help us get dressed and ready to go.

The proud parents and godparents

The rest of the fabulous congregation that joined us.

The moment of truth!

Tim showing her off to the assembled group.

Ellie with the Thiels (minus Gramps, who had to stay home due to a fever.)

Ellie with all of the Fords and Father Dick

Oh man, getting baptized is tiring. She fell asleep on my arm shortly after I changed her out of the dress.

Thankfully, mama was able to eat some frosting... err... cake... to refuel. See that piece in the lower right corner? Yeah, I saved that for myself.