A Day Like This One: Merrill

Showing posts with label Merrill. Show all posts

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Charlie's Baptism (January)

It has been a long, long time but I want to get back to posting memories here. First, however, I must make a few posts about the most important highlights since I last posted.

In January Charlie turned 8! He had made the decision to be baptized so on January 20th he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It was a dark, snowy and bitterly cold evening. Really terrible weather. The font water was not only really cold but really shallow as well (something had gone wrong with the drain). Charlie ended up having to go under twice but he did it. He was baptized and confirmed by Keith.

Granny B, Grandpa Joe and Keith's brothers and their families were there making it extra special for Charlie. Tragically the picture of the entire group was lost. (Mental note: always make sure an important picture is taken on two devices.)

Despite what the previous pictures look like, Jane was pretty excited for her brother.

We are proud of you Charlie and the great choices you are making. Sure love you my Charlie Boy!

Friday, August 17, 2018

Mexico part 6: Domingo y Martes

Sunday morning we said farewell to the lovely hacienda and drove further into the mountains for a brunch at the home of Sandra's father.

His house is nestled on a hillside surrounded by beautiful scenery and terraced gardens.

White-eared Hummingbird. This and Blue-throated hummingbirds were all over the big purple flowers that covered most of the hillside.

Close friends and family came for the yummy brunch. It was neat to talk (or attempt to talk) with so many of Sandra's family. They are all very warm and welcoming.

It was all so enjoyable that I hated the thought of going back to the city. It was a gorgeous day in a gorgeous place with delicious food and wonderful people.

Our flights back home were the next day and we had a 5 hour drive to get to the city, so unfortunately we had to go. Thanks Shawn and Sandra for such a wonderful trip. You guys make a great couple.

Mexico Part 5: La Fiesta

We woke up the next morning, stepped out of our room and were greeted by a gorgeous morning in the mountains. The hacienda where we stayed at for the reception, Hacienda Santa Maria Regla, is located in a small town but, due to the surrounding cliffs, it feels like it is completely isolated in a beautiful little world all it's own.

After breakfast we went exploring...

A hacienda could be compared to a large plantation of earlier times, complete with a church building. Think Zorro.

These catacomb like chambers were really fun to explore though I have no idea what their original purpose was.

Through the tunnels, on the back side, there is a trail that leads to the waterfall at the head of the small valley where the hacienda is located. It was so peaceful and lovely. I could have stayed for hours.

We had to head back though to get dressed up for the party! Once dressed we all were invited to hang out with Shawn, Sandra and her family as they got ready in Shawn and Sandra's extensive and beautiful suite.
This is how we hang:

Shawn and Bonnie practiced dancing to their song.

The photographer soon arrived to take the official pictures, but once Jenae, Paul, Keith and I were no longer needed we headed back to the catacombs to take pictures.

Because...

...we don't always get dressed up in formal attire...

...but when we do...

...it must be documented. (Do you like my photographer pose? I look legit, right? Right. Good answer.)

After a short cocktail hour (which only served mock-tails) there was a formal dinner. After that the fun began! It the dancing began with the newly weds first dance which included fireworks surrounding the dance floor. Didn't get a picture but it was cool.