As A Little Child...

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:13-16 (King James Version)

Earlier this month, as you all know, I traveled to Sandy Eggo. I've posted some pictures of some the places we visited but have yet to reveal exactly why we went there.

It all has to do with that young lady in the opening photo, she is Your Humble Scribe's youngest granddaughter, the newest member of our extended famiglia.

We traveled from Michigan, from Little Rhody, from Virginia, and from parts further north in California. On a warm Saturday morn, in the waters of San Diego Bay, we boarded the mighty aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. (It was the first time we'd seen the kids, their spouses, and all four grandkids in one spot. Only The Sealawyer missed the trip, for he had classes to attend and a sick pooch to babysit.)

The TR, as she is known in the Navy, CVN-71.

She's tied up to have some work done on her, her crew was mostly ashore on that fine Saturday. We had her pretty much all to ourselves...

The Flight Deck

Father Bill, the former chaplain of the USS Ronald Reagan, and who also provided spiritual support and comfort to the men and women of the USS George Washington on her recent trip around South America, had agreed with my son-in-law to perform a baptism of Big Time and The WSO's youngest. The wee lass I like to call L'il Sweetie.

So on that morning, we gathered in TR's chapel, to celebrate the christening of this gift from God.

Godmother and Babe

Big Time read a passage from the Gospels.

Father Bill instructed the parents and godparents.

And the family of Christ received the babe into its loving arms.

While in some traditions the baby is christened either under the ship's bell or using the ship's bell as a font, here a simple brass font was used. My granddaughter's name will be inscribed upon the ship's bell and she will be a part of TR for all it's days.

Note the names inscribed on USS Normandy's bell.
Boatswains Mate Seaman Recruit Marcel Cochran shines the ship's bell aboard USS Normandy (CG 60). (U.S. Navy photo by Midshipman 1st Class Seth Chung/Released)

It was a day to remember. Yesterday was a day to sing of those who went before, today is a day to sing of this young child, may her future ever be bright. As bright as the ship's bell, as bright as that lovely day in San Diego Bay.

The proud grandparents.

The proud parents, godparents, and big sister.

Posing with Father Bill, who performed an excellent service. Even the kids didn't fidget.
Much...

The godparents with their godchildren.

And again...

The smiles were many that day, though Little Bit seems ready to go ashore.

The proud godmother with her goddaughters.

Big sister and the cousins contemplate the events of the morning.

Sandy Eggo skyline.

USS Midway in the sun.

Proud grandpa strikes a pose, trying to look all salty.

Hey Big Time! What do staff officers do on cruise?

It was a lovely day, nearly perfect in every way.