Last night we had an FHE lesson, and among the topics that we discussed were the things that we feared. Of course for me that is being lost at sea, and not living up to my potential. One thing I thought about today that scares me is forgetting how to speak Swedish. When I learned it, I struggled, and fought, and eventually I got to be pretty good at it. When I was in Sweden I was speaking it everyday and when I got home I associated with people who I could practice with, but nowadays that doesn't happen as often as I'd like. It would be a real tragedy if I forgot it. So in order to stave that off from happening I translate in my head read in Swedish and speak it every chance I get. (Keep this in mind)
Last week I went home to California for a very special reason. My sweet niece Bronte just turned eight years old and I was privileged to baptize and confirm her. I was a little worried about my hair and planned on cutting it but because I packed at 4:00 AM, I sort of forgot some things and had to do some shopping. I just sort of styled my hair differently and you really couldn't tell I had a mohawk. I also busted out my seersucker suit for the first time. I finally got one after four summers in Virginia.
Bronte was very excited to get baptized. She is an awesome little missionary and tells all of her friends about church and how important it is. That being said she was a wee bit nervous. She had seen her older sister Haydan baptized three years ago, but she wanted to practice a little bit. I showed her where to put her hands, and I showed how I would lightly stand on her feet to keep her from floating away. I think that helped because she wasn't so nervous by the time the baptismal service started.
The Stake has a baptismal service once a month for the eight year olds. Bronte and two boys were baptized that day. Cameron the boy on Bronte's right, has been in the same class at church as Bronte since they were in nursery. Bronte used to tell her mom after church how Cameron was naughty, and she with a little bit of indignation would say "Sameron" because at the time she couldn't say Cameron. I found this hilarious and more than fitting that they were being baptized the same day.
I was a little nervous too, and made sure that I had everything down pat beforehand. I made sure to articulate, and that Bronte was fully immersed. When Bronte came out of the water she squealed with delight "I did it!" I was so proud of her, and gave her a big hug.
Gavin wanted to wear his suit which he is a big fan of. He has a tremendous clip on tie. Despite his father's and my best efforts he will not subscribe to the "sometimes, always, never" philosophy to suit buttoning. He likes to have either all three buttons buttoned or none at all. Any attempt to to do otherwise is not acceptable to Mr. Basker. Haydan was the proud older sister and played the role of the old pro. She and I had done the same thing a few years ago. Jenn's family couldn't make it from Texas but they'll be in CA next month. And of course we missed our mom tremendously. She and Bronte had such a cute relationship that my dad talks about all the time. It is these moments where I still feel my mom close.
We also we favored with an international visitor. When I was in my second to last area in Sweden Husqvarna there was a family there who was very nice to me. The Thörn family fed my companion and I, Syster Thörn gave me my only nice haircut in my entire two years away from home, and Stephanie helped my companion Äldste Bodell when we taught a girl who was her same age. I was excited to find out that Stephanie would be in southern California for a vacation and I invited her to the baptism. I am not quite as confident in my Swedish as I once was but Stephanie assured me that I can in fact still speak and understand. I uppskatade that.
We had a fun family dinner at Senor Campos. I even activated my mohawk for good measure. We of course made some time to jump on the trampoline as well.
Because I am the world's best uncle, cousin and Swedish missionary I took the kids, the amazing Jacqueline, and Stephanie for some frozen yogurt and the grand tour of Whittier. We went all over town pointing out every significant and not so significant thing Whittier has to offer.
When I baptized Haydan, I started the tradition of going to Disneyland to get a "build a bear". Bronte was very excited about this particular tradition so we headed down to Disneyland for the afternoon.
Everyone was well behaved, well almost everyone. There was one guy who cut in front of the corn dog line. He didn't really speak English and was so bold and unaware all I could do was document it.
Bronte had to meet her Brownie troop so I took Haydan and Gavin. We went straight to Fantasyland as that is the least scary part of the park as far as Haydan is concerned. We went in Sleeping Beauty's Castle, rode the Story Book canal boats, and took a spin on the Carousel. No tears just fun and I really enjoyed spending the time with my niece and nephew.
I took Gavin with me to Splash Mountain. Gavin is by far the most adventurous of the Brenier siblings. He is just like his dad and has no fear of anything. My dear cousin Jacqueline was working on Splash Mountain and she arranged for us to go on the ride with her. We got totally soaked and it was really fun. I made sure that we got a picture with Jacqueline in her Critter Country finest.
After parlaying the relentless pleas to buy them things I had no choice but to open my wallet. Gavin got what is probably his fifth pirate sword from the Pieces of Eight store as well as personalized sheriff's badge to go with the six shooter I got him for his birthday. Haydan got a bracelet with her name on it. I guess they aren't big into ears anymore.
Both my sister and my brother in law anticipated there might be some jealousy from other parties, so Chrissi, Bronte and I headed to meet Stephanie at Build A Bear , whilst Don, Gavin, and Haydan checked out the Enchanted Tiki Room and enjoyed a pineapple whip.
Build a Bear is heaven for little girls. They get to make their own custom stuffed animal. Bronte settled on just what she wanted despite her mother's efforts to point her in the direction of a Hello Kitty.
Stephanie came from Tustin to join us for the festivities. I continued using my Swedish and asking Stephanie about all the people I knew in Sweden and what they are up to.
It was a wonderful trip, just a few perfect days of no drama, and family togetherness. Just the way it should be.
2 comments:
great post... and that should mean a lot coming from me; the world's best aunt (antioch auntie), sister and C1'er.
Uppskattade stavas med två t bara så att du vet ;) Annars var inlägget perfekt! Tack för att jag fick vara en del av din helg! Och jag har meddelat min mamma om hårklippningen, hon blev glad.
Post a Comment