Hunter's Baptism Weekend

Hunter was baptized on Sunday, January 23. We had some of Kyle's family come in from out of town to meet Hunter and attend the baptism. Kyle's mom, Linda, left Michigan early Friday morning to drive down here and arrived at our house around dinner time Friday evening. She stayed with us until Monday morning when she left to return home. We had a low-key dinner of tacos and before we knew it, it was Hunter's bedtime, so we put him upstairs. Kyle had a basketball game at 8:00, so he left around 7:20. After dinner, Grandma and Peyton played for a little while, but then it was his bedtime too. Kyle got home from his game a little after 9:00. I think Linda was tired from the 12 hour drive, so she chatted with Kyle and me a little longer and then she and I went to bed as well.

On Saturday morning, Grandma gave Peyton and Hunter their Christmas gifts. Yes, more Christmas gifts! Spoiled, I tell you! Hunter got the Stack and Surprise train.


Peyton got a parking garage and auto complex and some little cars.

She also made little stockings for each of her eight grandkids. Peyton got a little Mini Cooper car and lots of candy.

Hunter got candy too, but I think Kyle and I will have to eat that for him. Oh, the sacrifices we make as parents. Haha. He also got some small books about colors, letters, and numbers.

We just hung around the house Saturday afternoon and then Kyle's dad, Mike, his wife, Becky, and her son, Derek came over in the early evening after they got into town from Michigan. This was the first time that they met Hunter too. One guess as to what Grandpa brought with him. Yup, Christmas presents. I need stock in a toy store, for real, because with all of the stuff that the boys got this year, it seems our family is single-handily keeping them in business.

Hunter got My Pal Scout. Look how focused he is on his gift in the first picture.

Peyton got some puzzles. Two were large floor sized puzzles; one was the alphabet and the other was numbers 1-10. He also got a four pack of puzzles all with pictures of animals - his favorite.

Peyton and Grandpa played with the puzzles for a little while, then we ate dinner. We had chicken quesadillas, which might not have been the best idea, since there were seven of us eating, and we only can cook one quesadilla at a time. Oh well, we sort of ate in shifts, but it worked out. After dinner, Peyton chose Derek to do more puzzles with him. Thanks for being a good sport, Derek. Hunter got sleepy around 6:00, so we put him to bed. Peyton needed to get a bath, so I took him upstairs to do that. Mike hadn't left yet, so I let Peyton come back downstairs until they went back to their hotel, then Peyton went to bed too.

Here is some random Hunter cuteness.

Ryan and Becky drove down from Indiana on Saturday. They were staying at Kate's house, since she and Dave were on vacation in the Caymen Islands (lucky!) Hunter missed Aunt Kate and Uncle Dave, but we did get to see Noah though, because Ryan and Becky brought him up on Sunday to the baptism.

Sunday morning we were all up bright and early to get ready for Hunter's baptism. He was baptized at 10:45 mass at St. Bernadette by Father Jim. My cousins Kim and Bo are his godparents. Here is Hunter before we left for church. I couldn't get him to smile for me because he was too focused on just looking at the camera. Still super cute, though.

Peyton and Hunter before church.

Hunter was baptized during the mass. Our family and Hunter's godparents had to sit in the front row. The rest of our family sat in the next two rows behind us. After the homily, we were called to the altar. Kyle and I were asked if we would raise Hunter Catholic and we agreed. Then Kim and Bo were asked if they would guide Hunter in Catholicism, to which they said yes. Kyle, Kim, Bo and I all made the sign of the cross on Hunter's forehead. Then Father read some blessings and the entire congregation renewed their baptismal vows.

Next, Father moved down to the baptismal font to bless the water. He invited all of the children to assist him in blessing the water. Peyton, Dougie, and Lindsey all helped with the blessing.

Then it was time for the actual baptism. Water was poured over Hunter's head.

The chrism was then applied to his head.

Finally, a candle was lit and given to Bo to hold for the remainder of the baptism.

We returned to our seats and the mass continued as normal. Kyle and I were able to choose people to carry the gifts to the altar. My mom, Kim, Bo, and Dougie did this. I tried to get a picture of them, but they were practically running down the aisle, so it didn't turn out well.

Hunter was so interested with the remainder of mass that he fell asleep. He even slept through some of the pictures that we took after mass. (By the way, why didn't we get any pictures with Nadean, Vester, Austin, and Aunt Bev?)

Our family

Grandmom and Pop-Pop

Uncle Jeremy and Jill

Godparents Kim and Bo, and Dougie

Uncle Ryan, Aunt Becky, Lindsey, Sara, and Noah

Grandma

Grandpa

After mass, we had a party for Hunter at Damon's. In addition to all those that were at mass, Mom-Mom, Uncle Donald, Jessica, Heather, Aunt Marie, Uncle Jay, Aunt Donna, and Uncle Tom attended the party. The food was actually quite good. We had barbecue chicken, Italian sausages with peppers and onions, and sliced turkey for the main courses. The side dishes were macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli, and a tossed salad. Grandmom and Pop-Pop brought the cake for Hunter.

We sucked at taking pictures at the party... as in, Kyle took one of Noah, and that was it. Boo. After the party, Ryan, Becky, Lindsey, Sara, and Noah came over to our house to play with Peyton and Hunter. However, everyone was sleepy from not getting naps, so they couldn't stay too long. It's nice to see the cousins play together because it doesn't happen very often. I wish we all lived closer.

We ate lasagna for dinner and then opened Hunter's gifts. We were all tired from the busy day and went to bed after the football game was over. I just want to thank everyone who came to Hunter's baptism and party. It means a lot to us!