A Blessed Weekend

This weekend we were blessed to be joined by family and friends for Sarah Ellen's baptism.  Since we had family joining us from all over, we celebrated all weekend.  On Saturday, Donna and Ernie hosted a crab crack just as they did the day before Lily's baptism.  We feasted on crabs, hamburgers, and hot dogs and enjoyed catching up with all of our loved ones.  The baptism ceremony was held at our church at a rather bittersweet service.  Our minister resigned and his last service was the previous Sunday, so we had a new minister baptize Sarah Ellen.  Nevertheless, it was a sweet ceremony and both girls behaved beautifully.  God was ever present in our hearts.  We followed the ceremony with a luncheon at our home. 

Here are some pictures from this fabulous (as Laura would say) weekend. 

Family enjoying some yummy crabs (I say yummy for everyone else's sake.  Seafood - yuck)

Lily, of course, was going to join in the crab crack.  I haven't found too much that this child will not eat.  Once again, more poof that she is her Daddy's girl. 

Adam enjoying some Sarah Ellen time.  These girls love their big cousins.

 Anna and Sarah Ellen.  Anna flew in all the way from New York to join us for the weekend.  This means even more considering that her weekends are ever so precious.  She works about 80 hours a week at Goldman Sachs. 

Lily looks more like Kami and Richard's child than ours.  Lily and Austin are little soul mates - they have an amazing connection. 

Laura and Sarah Ellen.  Laura flew in all the way from Pennsylvania.   It was wonderful to have her back in Charleston with us, even if only for a weekend.  Laura was last here for Lily's baptism.  Laura's father, Joel, joked that we had to have another child so we could make this a tradition.  Ha-ha, not so funny.  I guess we will have to start baptizing our pets. 

Richard and Sarah Ellen.  I have a very similar picture of Lily (below) quite content in Richard's lap.  He has a way with his nieces. 

April 2006

Kami and Richard gave us a "payback present."  Thanks for the finger paints.

Four cousins: Adam(11), Sarah Ellen(2 months), Lily(2 1/2), and Austin(8)

Our family. 

Sarah Ellen's baptism dress was also worn by Lily, me, and Kami at our baptisms. 

Four generations: Grandmother, Mimi, Lily, Sarah Ellen, and me 

James and his uncle Joel.  Do you see any family resemblance?

The Weatherholtz/Baker families.  From left to right:  me, Sarah Ellen, James, Lily, Snookie (peeking out behind James), Donna, Linda, Anna, Laura, Ernie, Dennis, Kinnett, Joel, Ian, and Carolyn.

Papa and Sarah Ellen.  Sarah Ellen, Papa must really love you to take a break from the chicken salad sandwiches to hold you.  Not much comes between him and his food. 

Doncie and Billy.  We were honored to have Billy be the assisting elder for Sarah Ellen's baptism.  And Doncie, what can we say?  We couldn't have gotten through this pregnancy without you.  Thank you for your love and devotion to us and our girls. 

Lily with Pam, Sarah, Bird, and Rob

Thomas found a spot I missed.  Thank you Thomas for helping out and for bringing your amazing family with you to help us celebrate Sarah Ellen's baptism.

No you are not seeing double.  These are our good friends Pam and Sarah (holding Sarah Ellen).   Unfortunately, I missed getting a photo of my friend Angie.  She came early and helped to entertain Lily while we set up.  These girls helped us through both pregnancies with prayers, meals, and many visits.  They are all amazing women, and I am blessed to call them friends. 

Of course, it's not an event without our crew - the Clums, the Cranes, the Smiths (minus Jason - we missed you), and the O'Bradoviches (minus the twins and Derek home with colds).  I also missed getting a shot of Monica, Lee, Gabby and Maggie.  I barely saw the girls.  All the "big kids" were off playing together.  I cannot believe they are now big kids.  Thank you all for being a part of our family. 

Yep, the kiddos found the playroom.  This is actually much cleaner than I had anticipated. 

Bubba and Grandma

Mimi (aka the baby hog) managed to restrain herself and share Sarah Ellen.  For those of you that know her, this was not easy.  We love you, Mimi.

Sarah Ellen found a comfy spot with Grandma.  She must have known Grandma has had plenty of experience.  She has three daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grand children.  (Notice Mimi plotting how to get Sarah Ellen back).

Beautiful cousins:  Anna, Laura, and Kinnett

Once again, notice any similarities here?  Laura and Anna spent a summer with us in Charleston (crazy, long story for another post), and they both were amazed with how similar James was to their dad, down to the way they rub lotion on their hands.  

Finally Poppy got some Sarah Ellen time.  She was very content in his arms, and he was happy she was not going through her "frustration release program" (as he calls it).  Poppy has had to babysit too many times during the witching hour.

Aunt Kami finally getting to sit.  I never would have gotten everything done this weekend if it weren't for Kami, Richard, Adam, and Austin.  I cannot thank them enough for all of their help and, most of all, their love.

Whew, what an afternoon.  The lady of the day passed out in her Daddy's arms.

 

After the girls crashed for naps, we headed back over to Doncie and Poppy's for some fun in the sun.  Aunt Linda was enjoying getting a baby fix while we headed down to the dock.  This is what I call a win-win situation.

Lily Bean taking a dip with Daddy.

"Can Aunt Nette come in?"  What Lily wants, Lily gets.

Aunt Nette, Aunt Paul (inside joke), and Lily going for a cruise.  Captain Dennis enjoyed taking everyone for joy rides.

Is that Ian driving the boat?

Me, Snookie and Ernie.

Me and the bean.

Nothing like a water hose to cure a little boredom for a toddler.

Heading home

Sweet kisses

In her sleep deprived delirium, Lily was our late evening entertainment.  She put on an amazing show and had all of us rolling.

 

As we were heading home this evening, James and I marveled at our unending blessings.  We thank all of our family and friends for joining us this weekend, whether in person or in spirit, to celebrate Sarah Ellen's baptism.  Our children are gifts from God, and we will do everything we can to raise them in His light.  I hope they grow to know and love Jesus Christ and reflect His love in all they do.