Avery's Baptism

Avery's baptism was July 10th!! We were lucky enough to have Grandma Carolyn, Papa Ernie and Avery's two Godparents, Aunt Donna and Uncle Dan and Aunt Donna's boyfriend Nelson join us for this special day. Grandma, Papa, Aunt Donna and Nelson all arrived a few days early so we were able to enjoy a few days together before Avery's big day.

On Friday, we all planned to visit Frankenmuth. Grandpa Ernie and Nelson were eager to visit the Frankenmuth Brewery and Grandma Carolyn , Aunt Donna, Avery and I were just excited to walk around the cute Bavarian town. Papa Ernie and Nelson were so eager that they left before, us girls were ready to go, big mistake!! Once us girls were on the road we saw a sign that there was bad traffic on the highway due to an accident. Rather than get on the highway I decided to find a different way to go to Frankenmuth. Well Papa Ernie and Nelson were not so Smart. They got stuck in the traffic and did not move for an hour. Finally, they turned around and headed back to Midland and just went to Logan's for beers....not quite the same as the brewery:O)

Grandma Carolyn, Aunt Donna, Avery and I had fun walking around the Frankenmuth downtown and visiting all the cute little shops.

Lots of pretty flowers in Frankenmuth

Aunt Donna as Little Bow Peep

Playing dress-up

Avery, Aunt Donna and Grandma Carolyn

We took a picture of the brewery for Papa and Nelson

Avery with the cheese haus sign

After our fun day out we headed home an back out for dinner.... guess where??? Logan's. Papa and Nelson became such good friends with the manager while they were there that they got coupons for two free appetizers which Papa Ernie insisted we use despite my strong dislike for Logan's. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the food we really enjoyed our time together. A little after we headed home Chad returned from the airport with Uncle Dan.

The next day, Avery's Baptism day the boys all headed out to golf and us ladies went for pedicures (the Baptism wasn't until 5pm). Once everyone got back we were all busy getting ready and headed out to the church around 4:30.

Avery and Aunt Donna ready to leave for church

Unlike other baptisms I have attended our Church in Midland fully dips the babies bodies in water. Due to this we were instructed to not dress Avery in her dress before the ceremony. Once we got to the church we had to take everything off her except her diaper and wrap her in a towel. When it was Avery's turn we quickly took off her diaper and brought her over to the Baptismal Font and handed her over to Father Pete. He placed her in and out of the water 3 times and Avery did great. Once she was done he handed her back and we went to the front of the altar and waited to all the other two children to be baptised. Following the baptisms Father Pete placed chrism oil on the top of Avery's and the other children's heads. After that we walked the children around the church for all the congregation to see and they applauded for all the kids.

We then headed to change Avery into her dress, while Father Pete continued with the rest of mass. The mass concluded with the lighting of the baptismal candle. The church really performed a beautiful service for the baptism. We were so lucky to have our family and neighbors the Theriots there to share in this very special day with us.

Happy family

Avery in her pre-baptism attire

Avery being baptised by Father Pete

Avery's baptism candle

Avery and her Godparents

Avery's first crush

Aunt Donna Nelson and Avery

Grandma Carolyn, Papa Ernie and Avery

Following the baptism we headed out for dinner a drinks. After dinner we returned to the house for a very special treat. Since I was a kid my favorite cookie has always been the rainbow cookie, especially the ones that are handmade by my Aunt Donna. Well, Aunt Donna made a very special batch of pink rainbow cookies for Avery's baptism. She even got letters to personalize them and lined the plate with white rose petals. As always the cookies tasted amazing!!!

A special treat

Avery was very excited about the cookies!!

Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to everyone on Sunday :O( This is always the worst part when people visit. Even though we were sad to see everyone go, we felt so fortunate that Papa Ernie, Grandma Carolyn, Uncle Dan, Aunt Donna and Nelson came so far for Avery's special day. Avery is one lucky girl to have people who love her so much!!!