Ethan's Baptism Weekend

This is the picture that hangs in the center of Ethan's nursery.  It was given to me by some of my dearest girlfriends before Ethan was born.  It says, "God loves Ethan," and the Scripture on it reads, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord." (Psalm 127:3)  I see it every single day, and it is a wonderful reminder that Ethan - and all of my boys - are a precious gift from God.

Before the baptism, I was trying to explain to Ryan and Kaeden what it was all about, and what came out was, "Baptism is when we celebrate God's promise that He will always be with us."  I think that's good enough for a 5 & 2-year-old, but it is also about a promise that we make as parents - to love Ethan and to teach him about God's love so that he too will grow to love the Lord and seek to glorify him.  The psalm that follows the verse on that print reads, "Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.  You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you." (Psalm 128:1-2).  As his mother, that is certainly something that I hope for with great expectations. 

We were so thankful to have my whole family in town for Ethan's baptism.  I was admittedly a little nervous about having 6 children ages 5 & under in the house for the weekend, but everything worked out beautifully.  My grandmother and aunt came from Illinois as well, and it meant so much to me to have them here as well.  I wish I got to see them more, but we cherish the visits that we have. 

Thankfully, Saturday was a beautiful day, so we were able to spend most of the morning outside.  Gwen is still not so sure about all of us, but Ryan was quick to reach out to her and try to make her feel more at ease.  He really is so sweet with little girls!

Gwen and Ryan, swinging together

Kaeden's usually happy doing his own thing

There was plenty of running around, chasing bubbles, and just exploring.  I don't get many chances to photograph Gwen, so I took advantage of our time with her as much as possible!

I love this one of Atticus as well!

Our first attempt at a cousins photo.  Ethan wasn't really feeling it.

It was also Courtney's 5 month birthday, so I had to get some pictures of her as well.  She was the perfect little model!

There was plenty of time to just hang out and visit... both inside, and on the front porch.

Ethan and Aunt Debbie

The older boys with Papa & Great Grandma

Kaeden "making cookies" with Aunt Mar

Gwen's not so sure about all of this - checking out baby Courtney

Papa & Nana with the babies

Bonding with Great Grandma...

... and Aunt Mar!

Snack on the porch

Attempt #2 at a cousins picture... still a challenge!

Ryan adores his cousins!

Sweet Gwen

Sunday was baptism day.  After church, we came home to celebrate and enjoy some more time together before everybody had to leave.

Blessed little boy

Gwen sharing with Ethan...

... and wearing his teether as a bracelet :)

Courtney and Nana

Ryan reading with Uncle Dain

Ethan & Papa

Gwen visiting with Great Grandma

Ethan was even excited by his present!

Best friends, whether they like it or not!

Kisses or an attack?

Reassuring him that she doesn't mind with some hand holding

Before everybody left, we had to get some group photos.  It's even harder to convince babies to look at the camera when there's no person there to get their attention.  Oh well.  I'm so thankful for all of these people and for their presence last weekend. 

Papa, Nana, and all of their grandkids!