Pictures from the weekend

Rio's Baptism

Dear Rio,

It took 10 months but we finally had you baptized.  We were thankful that Grandma Mandy and Uncle Cristoph could be there.  I was dreading having to entertain you and your sister during the hour long mass but you both did amazing.  You didn't cry at all when Father John held and baptized you.  All the children in the congregation were called to circle around the baptismal font to watch.  It was very sweet and a wonderful day.  After mass, we had a reception at our house.  Aunt Heidi, Uncle Steven, Audrey, Jack, Jacqueline, and Mateo were all there to celebrate.  You might not have noticed that everyone was there for you since you slept through most of it.  We are proud to welcome you to the Catholic community. May God always shine his light on you!!

Love, 

Mama

Lily's 3rd Birthday Party

Dear Lily,

As per your request, the theme of your 3rd birthday party was princesses.  You had a princess cake and we played princess games.  We had a good time (except for the pinata freak out).  Here is Audrey making Rio crack up while playing with balloons.   

You wanted to open your presents first.  This seemed like an okay idea, but I now realize why they are traditionally opened at the end of the party.  You can't stop to play with your new toys if you open them first.  All your friends helped you open them.

Grandma Mandy brought you some amazing (and many many handmade) gifts.  She brought you a butterfly in a jar that looked so real that everyone was surprised to learn it wasn't.

She gave you a special tiara that was hers when she was fifteen.  She even made this box for storing it.  Grandma Mandy spent countless hours building you a baby bed and sewing blankets and pillows for your baby dolls.  

We played pin the crown on the princess and a Princess and the Pea game.  You had to find which pillow the "pea" was hidden under.  

Then there was the pinata.  You were very excited for your first pinata.  But then you freaked out.  It took us a few days to understand the cause of the freak out.  It turns out you wanted to hold the bat backwards.  You kept saying you didn't want to hold it like that but I had a hard time understanding what was going on.  In the end, you missed most of the pinata action this year.   Maybe next year it will be better.  

You recovered well and was enthusiastic about that princess cake.  Who wouldn't be right?

It was a nice party.  Happy Birthday my big girl.

Love you oodles,

Mommy

Lily's first trip to the dentist

Lily,

You had your first trip to the dentist a few weeks ago. We know you really well.  Therefore we knew it was best for everyone if you were very prepared for what was about to happen at your dentist appointment.  You did FANTASTIC!  Could not have done any better.  You followed the dentist's directions and did everything they asked.  I was a very proud Momma!