Hiccup's Baptism

The day after the ship's commissioning we had Hiccup baptized onboard.  Years ago I had read somewhere that you could have your child baptized on a ship using the ship's bell.  Your child's name would then be engraved inside the bell.  With Hubby assigned to a brand new ship and Hiccup in need of a baptism, we jumped at the chance.  It worked perfectly that the baptism was the same weekend as the commissioning so both our families could be there for both events.  My good friend agreed to take pictures for us so we took family pictures before the ceremony and then enjoyed a nice reception in the ship's wardroom afterward.

Before the ceremony, enjoying the views on the foc'sle

Wardrobe change

The ship's bell ready for the baptism 

During the ceremony

We had several friends and neighbors attend Hiccup's baptism.  Our good friends, who are also Mr. R's godparents, stood in for Hiccup's godparents who were in Texas and unable to attend.  Two of our neighbors came with their families and enjoyed getting to see the new ship.  Right after the ceremony four Marine helicopters that had been used as displays for the commissioning launched from the ship and flew right by us.  The kids were all very impressed, especially when we told them we arranged for a fly-by for Hiccup's baptism.  Hahaha, kids are so gullible.

Friends and family after the ceremony

CH-53 flying over

Commissioning Day

Hubby has been working tirelessly preparing for the ship's commissioning ceremony since he came home.  As the commissioning officer it's his job to see that it goes off without a hitch (no pressure!).  The day finally arrived and I think we were both looking forward to it being over so he could relax and take a little break.  My mom, Hubby's parents, and Hubby's sister and her husband flew in for the event.  His ship is a 9/11 memorial ship so they had the victims' families from the Pentagon at the ceremony.  The ceremony was perfect!  The speeches were touching, the manning of the rails was impressive and the ship looked amazing.  I enjoyed being there watching a part of history being made and I was so proud of the great job Hubby did running the whole thing.  

Manning the rails

The newly commissioned USS Arlington

After the ceremony it was controlled chaos.  Everyone wanted a tour of the ship and they had brought in all sorts of displays to see.  Once we made it inside the ship the kids had a blast looking inside tanks, amphibious boats, Hummers, and various types of helicopters.

On the back of the flight deck we took this picture of this lovely family.  Wait a minute! Those are our kids!  Apparently they have forgotten who their parents are.  They do seem to fit in well with their aunt and uncle though...

Family pic!

The whole crew

Once the kids had grown bored with the ship and crowds, Hubby was able to get away from the ship so we could head home.  It had been a long day full of excitement and missed naps, so we headed home for a nice relaxing dinner with family.

Grandma and Hiccup in front of the 9/11 mural on the ship