Emily's 1st Communion - Reception Pictures

We continued Emily's 1st Communion celebration at the house. We had such a big crowd of friends and family at the house. It was quite a party! I was very glad I had planned so diligently to have enough food! I had ordered these beautiful wraps from our local bagel place so everyone could eat right after church. I made a lasagna and had plenty of fruit on hand. After all that though, I think the Double Daves pizza and pepperoni rolls I ordered for the kids was the biggest hit. Keep it simple, right?

Aunt Debbie, Cousin Ben, Andrea and Great Grandma

Emily and Elle

John and Madison - so glad they live close now!

Grandpa and Nana

Tony and Leisa!

Rebecca and Emily

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to help make this day very special for Emily. We are very blessed to have you all in our lives.

Emily's First Communion - Church Pictures

Emily received her first holy communion on June 26, 2011 at the 11am mass. On the way to church, I asked her if she was nervous. She said, "No Mommy. Of course not. I have been waiting for this day my whole life! "
You can see her receiving from Father George here. I didn't take pictures during the mass, but another sweet family took pictures of all the kids and shared them with us. I am very thankful to have this picture.Emily shared her day with 4 other first communicants and Father George called them up to the alter to honor them. It was very beautiful. Abram, our God Child came to celebrate with us and we can't wait to see him receive next year.And look how big Baby Jude has grown! He is 4 months now and so happy. He was like the cutest table centerpiece ever in his bumbo chair and nonstop smiley face.Here is Emily with her Great Grandmother. We were so honored she could share this blessed day with us.

Lots of family came! My cousin Ben and his wife Andrea, Great Grandma, Aunt Elaine and Aunt Debbie are pictured here. And we got many more pictures at the reception.

Family picture!

And Emily's Godparents, Lowell and Cynthia, from Austin. What a beautiful day.

Emily's First Communion Cake

We had big plans for Emily's First Communion celebration and we wanted to make a special cake for the occasion. In my mind, I was thinking a simple white cake with a cross. Emily wanted a rosary... in the shap of a heart. I think we did pretty well. All 5 decades are there. Pearl sprinkles were lovingly placed for each and every Hail Mary and Our Father for each mystery.

Jazz Recital - Professional Pictures

The night of the big show, we were able to enjoy the performance knowing that we would purchase the video later so we could watch it again and again. I was absolutely thrilled to receive these professional pictures after the show. We were seated really far away and could never have taken pictures like this. And even if we could have... I would have missed watching it! This first picture is at the beginning of the song when everyone ran out on stage together.
Ms. Traci choreographed lots of stage entrances and exits. This part was really fun with the girls on their Daddy's shoulders.

Here is the Daddy solo. They were all jammin' out and the applause for their "number" was really loud! It was awesome.

Here are the Daddy's dancing with their daughters... a little swing number.

And the final pose. Bravo!!!!

Emily's Nana and Grandpa came out for the show. Our friends Peg and Emma came too.

I am so proud of Chris and Emily. Well Done!!!

Jazz Recital - Dress Rehearsal

Emily took Jazz I this year and was very excited to perform in her very first dance recital. Her dance was a Daddy/Daughter routine so they both had many practice sessions and were excited to rehearse on stage the morning of the show. It looks like their dance instructor, Ms. Traci is giving them the thumbs up sign. Their routine was choreographed to the Beach Boys, Surfin' in the USA. The Daddy's wore Hawaiian shirts and it was really fun.

Miranda's Graduation and Medical School Plans

May 21, 2001
Here is my beautiful and SMART cousin Miranda on the day of her graduation from The University of Texas at Austin. Not only did she graduate with an Honors Degree in Biology with Highest Honors... but she was the commencement speaker for her class.

She was also a Dean's Honored Graduate and received the Goldwater and Presidential scholarships!
When you are the commencement speaker, you get front row seating for your family at the Erwin Center. We felt so honored!Miranda plans to attend theUniversity School of Medicine in St Louis, MO for a Doctor of Medicine in the fall. And here we are singing the Eyes of Texas. Hook 'em Horns!

May 20 - Congratulations Tony and Leisa!!!

Congratulations Cousin Tony!Welcome to the family, Leisa! Just Married!!! - May 20, 2011
Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

We wish you a lifetime of happiness!