The Lonely Goatherd

Elsa's Baptism

On February 5, 2011 Elsa Corrine was baptized.

It was a special day, full of family and friends. We were particularly honored to have Melanie Donahoe, my aunt and one of my godmothers, perform the baptism. Melanie helped us design a ceremony that was uniquely ours, as pictures below will show.




The church.

Reid (Elsa's godfather), Drew, and Ryan (my brother) lead worship.

Clara, me, Elsa, J, and Stephanie (Elsa's godmother).
(Note: J and Elsa are just 8 weeks apart. How neat to have "god-siblings" so close in age.)


Lots of people came to celebrate with us.

My uncle John, cousin Brad, Aunt Chris.

Paddy, Nona, and Grammy.

Cousin Evan, cousin Lauren, Nana.

Baby Boy Bootz.

Uncle Sean and Auntie Coco read passages for us.

Steph, Reid, Drew, and I have been friends for a long time. So great to have them down for this.

Reverend Melanie.

One of the most meaningful things that Melanie suggested: Drew, Reid, Steph, and I helped baptize Elsa. So did Clara.

Clara also bravely and earnestly told the whole group that we were baptizing Elsa because we love Jesus.

That's right, my girl. You've got it.

Our family.

Presenting Elsa Corrine for the Sacrament of Baptism.

Elsa studiously examining the baptismal candle.

She wore the same dress Clara did. I wore it when I was baptized too. It's been passed down for five generations now.

Drew is so proud. Oh, how I love this photo.

What a joyful day.

A breath of fresh air...

Hello blog.

It's been a while, and for that I am sorry.

I could make excuses, like how two kids are way more hectic than one, and how my new job as Artistic Director of CYT Santa Cruz is crazy, and how I just closed a show with 27 kids that went well but almost ate my head, but I won't. Instead we'll just breathe a new breath, and move along. Shall we?




Fairy and Princess. Something tells me that there will be many more pictures like this in years to come.

Gardening: tough girl style.

A walk along West Cliff Drive. Yep, we are legit with our double bob.

Grammy came up to visit.

And brought Christmas presents from Uruguay!

Elsa is rolling around like a champ.

And loves to stand.

Fancy Clara playing play-dough. Apparently earrings and tiaras help.

Yeah, she's fancy.

You might remember the galloping jumperoo from when Clara was wee.
Elsa loves it equally as much.
She also loves to drool...

Clara playing "violin" (on her ukulele with a drumstick).

Clara on the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Elsa and Daddy flying a kite.

Reid, Steph, and J flying too.
(Note: Elsa's baptism pictures are above. The Hellekson clan came down for that as Reid and Steph are Elsa's godparents.)

Beautiful Santa Cruz sky.

Sisters rockin' their new purple fleeces. Thanks, Grammy!

Highland's park.

Clara took this picture.

Clara took this one too. I love it.

Clara riding "Dinah the Dinosaur" as she has been dubbed.

Elsa joined in too.
(Note: Clara chose her outfit that day. We just roll with it now.)

Happy E.

Auntie Coco came up during tech week. She was a lifesaver!

Clara and her buddies watching my show. Clara will tell you she got to see it 3 times.
We have to reenact the entire show everyday. She has most of it memorized.

My cousin Mike and his fiance, Daniela, came over for a visit.

Clara had fun.

This is how old Clara will be in a week! Yikes!

St. Patrick's Day.

Elsa rockin' the green shirt.

Clara sporting her green banana slug shirt.

And finally, green cake (inside and out).

See one more new post below. We've had lots of adventures.