It was absolutely beautiful. It was held on July 30, 2010, at 6:30 PM in the Sunken Garden of Olbrich Gardens. Kate was an absolute gem; she was so good throughout the whole ceremony (it was only afterward, when we were trying to do the photos, that she got a bit cranky, but she's entitled, since mosquitoes were starting to appear about then). The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Ralph Tyksinski, a Unitarian Universalist minister, and he did a fabulous job of keeping the ceremony very spiritual, but not religious. Tracy & Dan (two of Kate's godparents) sang "I'm Glad that You Were Born," which is from the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. (Well, Tracy sang, and Dan played his guitar). It was so beautiful; I got teary as they were singing, because the words epitomize so well how I feel about this precious baby girl: Through your eyes skies look brighter Grass more green, clouds are whiter. When you're close cares grow lighter, I'm glad that you were born. Through your eyes hills stretch higher. When you smile you inspire hearts to sing in a choir. I'm glad that you were born. Born to laugh, born to dream Born to spread your light. Through your eyes I see clearer You bring God so much nearer. Life has grown so much dearer, I'm glad that you were... born.
Tracy has a beautiful voice, and Dan Hines plays guitar so well; it was just perfect.
Instead of doing the traditional water and "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," Rev. Tyksinski dipped a rose in water and touched her head (so she may always have wisdom), her hands (so she may always have fulfilling work), and her heart (so she may always know love).
Still at home (laying on our bed) just after we put her dress and bonnet on. I absolutely LOVE this picture
Showing off her dress
Her baby ring, which is engraved with a "K"
Her shoes; how sweet!
One of my favorite pictures ever with my little girl. Aren't the flowers in the background gorgeous?
Kate trying to eat the rose he blessed her with.
Hey, uh, why'd you take that rose away?
Dan's holding her now; she is so heavy we had to switch halfway through!
The water and the rose
Tracy & Dan performing
The whole group. From L-R: My grandpa Fred, grandma Juanita, my dad, Dan & Kate, me, Austin, my mom, Katrina, Matthew, aunt Chris, Kirsti, Tracy, Rori, Roberta (Dan Hines' mom) and Dan Hines
Kate with her great grandparents
But, Nana, there are mosquitoes!
Is this garden not perfect for a christening?
The performers
My aunt Chris (who is my godmother) and my cousins Katrina & Matthew
Dan, Tracy, Kirsti & Rori (my little godchild!)
Austin, my dad, and my mom
My mom, me, and Tracy
Tracy with two of her godchildren
Three generations
The proud grandparents
You can see her cute little locket in this picture (that was from my mom, naturally!)
The three godparents in attendance: Austin, Tracy & Dan
Hmmm, this looks interesting
Our little family
Rori acting mad at the mosquitoes; she had a citronella bracelet on her head, and it was supposed to keep the mosquitoes away, but it didn't, so I told her to "act mad" at the mosquitoes. I love this picture because she looks so mad, but yet you can see a smile wanting to break through at the same time. I love my goddaughter :)
Afterward, we had a party, which was so much fun! I spent days baking and preparing (with lots of help from family, especially my mom!) and it turned out perfectly!
The Menu:
- Mini-Quiches (spinach & swiss, and bacon & swiss)
- Creamy chocolate cream cheese crescents
- Meltaways
- Chex mix
- Parmesan cheese bites
- Fruit pizza
- Water punch
- Mint tea punch
- Veggies & dip
- Cheesecake
- Merlot
- Riesling
The flowers my mom picked out; so beautiful!
The table (although we later replaced the flowers in the center with the roses shown above)
The colors were pink and green, and I love these plates I found
My mom's delicious meltaways... so good! Dan & I gobbled up the leftovers within two days.
Yeah, I know, I'm not much of a cake decorator, but I didn't want to spend tons of money on a decorated cake, so I bought some cheesecake and did it myself :)
Four generations
Katrina, her boyfriend Nick, and aunts Tracy & Chris
My mom, aunt Chris & Kate, who is getting tuckered out and fussy at the end of the night
Dan with his daughter and goddaughter. Tracy & her family gave us this beautiful engraved brush/comb set, so Dan was brushing Kate's "fuzz" with it
Opening the engraved cup/spoon set from my mom & dad
Standing on this adorable chair that she got as a gift from Aunt Chris; I can't wait to put it in her nursery; it'll be so cute!
