Baptism, Family & the 4th of July

This has been an awesome weekend.  Aiden was baptized, the Hellen's were able to make it in from the ATL and we spent our first 4th of July together ;-) 

When picking a date for Aiden's baptism, July 3rd was not my first choice, but if I had to choose between holiday weekend and family being able to make it, I choose family all day long.  Mom & I have been planning Aiden's baptism for a while now and for such a short event, I feel a lot of preparation went into it.  First the godparents, got it... my sister Sandy & brother-in-law Steve.  Second, the celebrant, easy... my Uncle Ernie.  Next the invite list, also easy... just our closest family and friends.  Can't forget the reception... not as easy, what to serve?  Finally the baptismal gown... this was the hardest part. 

My family is very rich with tradition, one of which was the baptismal gown that nearly everyone had been baptized in.  Problem - the gown had gotten so old, it fell apart and Aiden was unable to wear it.  Solution - make a new one, but can it be as special??  Absolutely!!!  My most gracious Noni allowed us to create a new baptismal gown out of her wedding dress!  How much more special can it get?!?  In the end, after calling 3 cake lady's, a couple seamstresses & finally settling on a menu we got it together and it was a very special day for the sweet baby boy =)

We finished up by celebrating Steve Hellen's birthday, swimming, cooking out and watching fireworks.  Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!