4th of July!

On an ordinary Wednesday, Bryan went to work and the kids were home with me during their school holidays between terms 2 and 3 of the school year.  It's winter here and the weather outside is cold and rainy, with a high of 55....so it is very hard to believe it is the 4th of July!  It doesn't even seem like July because of the weather - the seasons are off for us and it truly feels like November around here.  We were lucky to enjoy the 4th with our American friends and Irish friends in our neighborhood.  We had good ole American hot dogs for dinner and the kids lit sparklers at the end of the night.  Happy Birthday America! I truly am so proud to be an American and so very blessed, lucky and thankful to call America our home. 

Anna's blessed day!

     I would like to share the wonderful news that our precious Anna was baptized today!  We were very blessed to have some good friends, Chris and Betsy, along with their children Emma Katherine and Graham join in the celebration.  We were so happy to have Anna baptized, but also sad that none of our family could be here with us to enjoy this special day for Anna.  Luckily with computers and technology, we can share the pictures and experience pretty quickly.  It's just not the same though.  Rob and Rachel, Anna's Godparents were greatly missed, as well as the grandparents and the rest of our families.  2 weeks ago we had a baptism presentation at the beginning of mass, where the priest introduced our family and Anna.  Today was the actual ceremony and it was at 12 noon, just a special ceremony for baptisms.  A set of twins were baptized alongside Anna, so it was very small compared to what we experienced back home at St. Anthony's with Claire and Will's baptisms.  Our church here is a small church and it is very quaint and charming - we really like that about it.  The priest is very friendly and we really like his relaxed demeanor.  Father Martin performed the baptism and it was a nice ceremony.  The kids watched intently and seemed to enjoy being part of it all.  We celebrated with a long lunch at the Groove Train with our friends.  It was a special day indeed.....“I praise you, for I am wonderfully made!"  (Psalm 139).  Happy Baptism Anna Elizabeth!