Day Three highlights: 1) We had a baptismal celebration for Clare at the lake. She was baptized at St. Paul Catholic Church in Eugene, Oregon by Father Steve on July 10th. Our good friends John & Shea were the Christian Witnesses for the beautiful baptism of Clare. The godparents live in the midwest so we had a baptismal celebration during our visit. The Godfather, Ben Bruns (Steve's nephew), is a Lutheran pastor for a parish in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He gave a beautiful sermon on the sacrament of baptism and the spiritual roles the godparents play in Clare's life. His wife, Kim, joined in the celebration, as did their son Roman, my cousin Jill (the Godmother), her family, and our parents. We then joined together for mass at St. Gasper's and had a yummy BBQ dinner outside. It was a beautiful day!

2) Clare got a tutu! She now has three tutu's in her closet. They are so cute. I'd put them on her more often if only she didn't stick 'everything' in her mouth ...

3) Clare is generally fussy after 6pm and being at the lake was no different. It just started earlier, I think because she was over stimulated from having family and friends holding her from the time she woke up. Well, Emma caught on to the fussy stage and the fact that Clare puts everything in her mouth. She looked up at me one evening and in her sweet little 8 yr old voice said, "Kris, I'll put my finger in Clare's mouth anytime she gets fussy." It was hilarious. I thanked her for the offer and said I'd let her know. She said, "Ok. Just come get me." How sweet is that?

4) Jill & I made Zucchini cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a treat after the baptismal celebration. Yum! I even learned a baking tip from Jill. If you only have enough cake batter for six of the twelve spots in a muffin pan, fill the empty spots with water so the muffins bake evenly. (This tip is coming from a girl who then almost set the house on fire because she got the marshmellow too close to the flame on the stovetop, which was a quick way to make smores for the girls since the fire pit outside was filled with water and debris). I give her an A+ for creativity.