Belmont Abbey on Friday

This morning I wanted to buy some baptismal gifts, so we visited The Catholic Shop at Belmont Abbey College. John was so well behaved while in the bookstore! Yes, I was speaking a mostly steady stream of reminders to stick close, be gentle, and put that back, but he always obeyed immediately at my reminders; the staff at the store were very impressed and so was I. After our shopping, we walked around the campus.

So many of my photos these days seem to be of John's back because he's on the move.

We stepped inside the church, where I found this amazing baptismal font.

I don't know why this photo continues to load vertically when I've reoriented it, but the plaque on the stone reads: Upon this rock, men were once sold into slavery. Now upon this rock, through the waters of baptism, men become free children of God.

Rolling up his sleeves to have splashing fun

Walking around the campus gave John the opportunity to ask what monks are and for me to try to explain.

Of various buildings, John remarked, "There is a castle!" and "That is the biggest building in the whole world!"

Taking a break (which he does often)

John doing a characteristic hop-skip-and-a-jump down the path

We stopped for a cookie in the college cafe before coming home and taking naps. Today I baked some delicious, soft brioche bread. Also I'm busy processing a big bag full of apples Chris brought home from New York state. I've already cooked two apple crisps (froze one) and today cooked a batch of apple sauce. (Every time I have cooked apple sauce, I wonder, why do we ever buy this stuff when it is so easy, quick, and cheap to cook?!) With the remainder of the apples, I'll make either an apple pie or an apple coffee cake to freeze.