The Grand Adventures of Avery and Mason: Dispatches from the Chaos: Baptism on the Beach

While we were in Florida for Rachel's wedding, somehow the idea came up of having Avery baptized at the same time. While it seemed crazy at first -- baptism is not something people are generally spontaneous about, and the Steiner side of the family would be missing -- the idea quickly grew on us. The minister who performed the wedding is a family friend, and something about the idea of an informal ceremony on the beach with so much family there seemed to be appropriate for us. So we decided to have Avery baptized with less than 36 hours notice. In the short spare time we had on Saturday before the wedding, we all fanned out in search of a white dress -- and Aunt Dana saved the day. Paired with some hot pink bloomers we already had, it made the perfect irreverent outfit for an impromptu baptism.

Sunday morning was clear and sunny, and the ceremony was beautiful. Cathy (the minister) found some shells on the beach, including a perfectly formed scallop. She told us that scallop shells were used to perform the first baptisms back in biblical times. She said a few words about baptism, then asked us to promise to bring Avery up on the straight and narrow. Rachel took a glass down to the ocean to get some water, and the scallop shell was used to sprinkle the ocean water onto Avery's head. Then we all sang a song about how we will love and protect Avery, while Cathy carried her around to greet everyone. It turned out to be a touching ceremony, and I think Avery felt all the love that surrounded her there on the beach. And it was very gracious of Rachel (the oldest grandchild) to share her wedding weekend with Avery (the youngest grandchild).