Natalie Kate's Baptism at Otter Creek

A day to remember...

Paola Hawkins and Natalie Kate Stafford

Paola and Natalie

Natalie, testing the water

Natalie Kate

Natalie on bank of Otter Creek

It's a lengthy one, but with good reason. Our little Natalie and her cousin Paola Hawkins (my sister, Cheryl's little girl) got baptized yesterday in Otter Creek. Why Otter Creek? It was our Grandpa Fletcher's favorite fishing hole. The girls wanted to be baptized together, but we knew it would have to take place on neutral ground. Cheryl and I hatched a plan to have it all happen at the Creek and they went along with it. (Yeah!!) After much planning and plotting, the day finally arrived. When we got to Otter Creek (right by Antimony, if that helps. Ha!) it was a beautiful day. It was just before noon and the sun was shining brightly. As we waited for everyone to get there, the skies darkened a bit and big raindrops began to fall. The boats started coming in off the water. We were right by the boat ramp where they had been kind enough to reserve us a few picnic spots with easy access to the water and the restrooms. Things got pretty busy there for a few minutes as we rallied our troops and trucks came down to haul up the boats. Soon enough, everyone was there, the rain ceased, the sun returned, the Creek was empty save for one small boat that soon disappeared out of sight. Coincidence? I doubt it. I think it was just Grandpa Fletcher's way of letting us know that he, too, had arrived.

And so began a very special day in the lives of two very special little girls:

Natalie Kate Stafford & Paola Annabela Janice Hawkins

Natalie Kate on the bank of Otter Creek in her dress that she sewed, with a little help from me. She did such a good job as I coached her to "Sew with confidence!!" instead of being so afraid to do something wrong. It turned out beautifully!

Gary, Trav, Jeanette, Uncle John, Grandma Fletcher, Uncle Bill and Aunt Rosie, waiting for us to get started

James and his Dad talk as my Dad visits with Bishop George "Porg" Thompson and his daughter and son. (Porg is both my Mom and Dad's first cousin.)

Little George took "Gramma" Susan on a nice little walk around the hill we were on while we weer trying to get everything situated and organized.

Aunt Rosie Fletcher getting ready for the music. She accompanied the opening and closing songs. She also wrote a song just for the occasion. It was so incredibly beautiful. How much more special can a baptism get than having a song written just for you! Aunt Rosie's amazing that way.

Jeanette, Marjean (almost entirely behind Uncle John's hat), Grandma Fletcher, Trav with George, Mom, and Aunt Rosie

Bishop "Porg" talking to the girls about the importance of what was about to happen. He also reminded them that while there were many family members and a few friends there to watch, he was certain that there was someone special there, who they couldn't see, but who was very proud of them: their Great Grandpa Fletcher (his Uncle Clele). It was so beautiful. Anyone who wasn't already crying on account of Aunt Rosie's song went ahead and started.

Our dear friend, Marjean Beaman made the drive up with her friend Jeanette Barela. She bought Natalie the shoes of her choosing to wear with the dress she made to be confirmed in. What a gem! We have decided to adopt Marjean as our own!

"Uncle Gary" Goodman and little Miss Natalie Kate

As she walked out, her flip-flops floated off her feet.

The look on her face says it all: that water was C-O-L-D! (What a good sport!)

Natalie, retrieving her flip-flops before returning to dry land.

James and Paola Hawkins

I love this picture of James and Paola entering the water.

I just think it's so sweet.

Paola, giving Aunt Rosie a well-deserved hug

as Grandma and Uncle Rex look on.

Aunt Ellie and Uncle Bill Steeves: They live in Elko, Nevada. Ellie gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost and gave the girls each a compass, a map and flashlight and a fuzzy blanket to remind them of all the Holy Ghost could do for them. They loved it!

Both Natalie and Paola were baptized in their daughter, Elke's baptismal dress. Elke passed away when she was only 18. It was our way of remembering her on their special day.

Uncle Rex Fletcher: He's the man in charge of all the fun! He brought his 2 Sea Doo's, life jackets and other assorted water-fun things. We've learned from past experience that, whether on land or on sea, it's always a good idea to put the fun in the hands of Uncle Rex!

Travis out on one of the Sea Doo's.

He and James kept themselves busy giving the kids rides.

Uncle Rex even brought a life-jacket that was just Claire's size!

She couldn't have been more thrilled!

Little Thad and Paola and Natalie getting ready to have fun

with a little assistance from Uncle Rex

Sam and Henry paddling around the shore on the Air Head

Little Georgie, walking up the boat ramp.

He's sunburned and his feet are prune-y. He's ready to go.

Porg and his boy, Shan, and their dog Boomer, talk to Paola and Trav after

the torrential downpour that followed our three hours of fun on the water.

Thunder, lightning and raindrops the size of golf balls.

(OK, maybe that last part is a slight exaggeration, but it was crazy how hard it was raining!)

Chelsea, waiting for her Dad (Porg) to decide if they are

going to wait out the storm or call it a day.

He doesn't look like he's going anywhere soon. But alas, he did.

It 'bout broke his heart to leave the Creek without any fish. Poor Porg!

All in all, it could not have been a more perfect day!

Thanks to all those who shared it with us, as well as those who participated in her confirmation today at Church. She was confirmed by our friend and Home Teacher since Natalie was just little, Heber Trunnell, accompanied by Brett Reynolds, "Uncle" Gary, Evan Cramer, Bruce Sanderson and the Bishopric: Bishop Ben Squires, Troy Olson and Brandon Dunbar. The Reynolds family (Brett, Tiffany, Bryson and Brooklynn) and the Mitchell family (Sky Scott, Jeremy "Moose" Mitchell, and Emma & Ashley) were all in attendance for her confirmation.

It was yet another wonderful day!