Our little girl is blessed

We have the privilege of having our very own Deacon in our family, my sweet Uncle Jack. He married Steve and I in 1999 and baptised David in 2003. This past Saturday was Ava's turn. She was christened at St. Bart's Church. My sister Amy and our brother-in-law Rich stood as the Godparents. The ceremony was beautiful and very intimate. My uncle gave a very inspirational homily and included myself and Steve in the ceremony. It really made me feel so proud to be catholic and so proud to be Uncle Jack's niece. After church, we had a reception at the American Legion in Milltown and our friend Nick did the catering. The food was delicious and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Once that party ended, we kept it going back at our house. After all, there were 1 1/2 cases of beer to finish! Did I mention we're Irish?

God bless our Little Ava Marie.

Back from Orlando!

Due to some illnesses, this post is late.

Orlando was great! The place we stayed (Orange Lake Country Club) was beautiful. There was a lot to do there, but we only had time for 1 dinner, 1 swim and a round of mini golf. Otherwise, we were at the theme parks. Steve's parents met us when we arrived. They were excited to see David and meet Ava. We had dinner with them Saturday and went to Universal Studios with them on Sunday. My parents came to Orlando Monday and met us in MGM. They did Epcot with us Tuesday and stayed home with Ava on Wednesday when the rest of us did Islands of Adventure. Thursday my sister came up and we hung by the resort. Her husband Andrew met us at The House of Blues for dinner that night. Friday EVERYONE was with us and we did the Magic Kingdom. We had 2 character dining experiences that day. I love those. Saturday we went to the Animal Kingdom before heading back to NJ. It was a lot to do, but we did it and had fun. I think John enjoyed his first trip to Disney, and we really enjoyed having him. He was a HUGE help. Love that kid! Here are a few cute pictures.

David and a pharro

John, David, Stormtrooper and Darth Vader

Steve's 34th Birthday

Mommy, Ava and Alice

Wolverine

And away we go!

We are leaving for Orlando on Saturday afternoon. I am so excited - I LOVE DISNEY! This will be Ava's first trip, but also my cousin John's. When we decided to take this trip, I thought it would be great to ask John to join us and I am so glad he decided to come. I planned a lot of fun days and he'll get to see it all - as will Ava and David (who's been there 4 times already in his 3 years). Steve's parents will be with us a few days and this will be the first time they'll see Ava. I am sure they are looking forward to that. My parents will be spending Monday through Saturday with us and my sister and her husband will join us Thurs and Fri. I am also hoping that my cousin Christa and her 2 girls can pop over too. As you can see we'll be very busy. Look for a LONG post after we return!