The Sacrament of Baptism

Ella Grace was baptized at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, in Plano, TX, this past weekend. As is tradition in our family, she wore the baptismal gown I was baptized in. Her Great Auntie Barb had a beautiful new bonnet made for her as well. Ella's Godparents are Jon's brother Rick and my cousing Emily. Rick was unable to attend due to some work obligations so Josh was kind enough to stand in him at the ceremony. Ella did great, she only cried a little when the holy water was poured over her head. Her are a few pictures from the event and reception. It was so great to have our family here for her special day. Grammie, Poppy, Papa Joe, Lala, The Chicago Duds, Uncle Josh, cousins and Aunt Virg made this little girl feel so blessed.

There's a 3 year old in the house....

Jack Ryan turned three years old on Friday, October 22nd. I can't believe he is three! I am consistently amazed by this little boy. He is so smart, friendly, funny and sweet. God truly blessed us the day he arrived. I remember thinking that I had never seen anything as beautiful as he and the love I felt for him was overwhelming. Jon and I began a great adventure when he was born. We were blessed to have family from both sides join us in celebrating his birthday. We took him to the toy store to pick out some special gifts, had lunch at Dave & Busters and that evening we celebrated Papa Joe's 60th birthday. Jack had so much fun with his cousins, aunt, uncle and grandparents.

Happy Birthday to you....

Fall Fun

Well it's finally cooled down in the Lone Start State and that means we get to play at the parks and do things outdoors. This past weekend could not have been more perfect! Friday night after work we took Jack to the park to play. Jon and I were absolutley astonished that nearly all the parents there were busy on their cell phones instead of playing with their kids. While I understand that after a certain age kids no longer find it cool for you to ride down the slide with them, but maybe just maybe you should at least pay attention to them. Is it too much to ask that parents put down their phones to engage with their children? Do these parents think that at 2 or 3 their kid isn't paying attention to them? Wake up! They are! And if they could articulate it, I am sure they would ask you what was more important- them or the phone. Okay, I am stepping off my soapbox now.

Saturday we continued with our tradition of visiting the Dallas Arboretum. For the past several years we have been taking Jack to see the pumpkins at the arboretum and snap some cute pictures at the same time. This year was Ella's first trip and we got some great photos. Jack had a great time until he managed to get soaking wet. Jon took him over to play in the fountain and right as we were about to leave and continue on our walk he stepped into a drop-off in the fountain and soaked his pains and shirt. Of course I didn't bring an extra set of clothes...he was miserable. We patted him down as best we could and hoped the sun would help to dry him off, but a short time later we ended up leaving. A wet and hungry 3 year-old + 2 hungry parents= end of trip. Plus it was a great football watching day! Baylor had a great game against Kansas- Sic 'em Bears! It's been along time since Baylor has had a better record than UT.