Let me go back in time a little.. Thanksgiving and Baptism

In the busy season of preparation for the Holidays, I never really did give proper description of our Thanksgiving holiday that we spent in Pennsylvania, during which time Cecily was Baptized.

It is a very long trip with two young children from West Texas to Pennsylvania, but every minute was worth it to have the privilege of spending ten days with Greg's extended family (and some of mine too!)

We first arrived in New Jersey, where stayed overnight with Greg's youngest sister.  There, Geneva got a quick tour of the campus of Princeton University, where she was assured she could attend if she were to get lots of scholarships :)  She enjoyed the marching band that happened to be going by at the time.

After a quick visit in Princeton, NJ, we headed for Nana's house in the center of Pennsylvania.  We spent several days there before and after Thanksgiving.  Geneva relished in the loving arms and playful spirits of her grandmothers, cousins, aunts, and uncles.  Cecily met Greg's extended family for the first time and found many a cozy lap and shoulder to rest her head upon.  

Cecily's first time meeting her Great-Nana

Geneva was so happy to get to see her Nonna, Great-Nana, and Gram.  Uncle Nate and Great-Aunt Debbie drove from Illinois also.

Cecily had no problems finding comfortable shoulders.

While playing with Gram, Cecily discovered that her toes are delicious.

Cecily and uncle Nate

With Gram and Great-Aunt Debbie

Aunt Bethany is silly!

Bowling baby!

Cecily was passed from lap to lap.  With cousins Ashley, Christine, Stephanie, and Nicole.

What a special Thanksgiving!  So much to be Thankful for.

A little Thanksgiving Pumpkin.

After all of the Thanksgiving, we quickly transitioned into Christmas-preparation mode.  Santa Claus even made a visit to Nana's house!!

Cecily's first Santa photo

Nonna's girls

Geneva didn't want to say goodbye to "Uncle Mattie"

During this trip, Cecily was baptized at the church where Greg was baptized as a baby.  It was a really beautiful ceremony and a very special day.

The godparents dressing Cecily.  Uncle Nate and Aunt Mary Catherine.

How special to have so many loving family members to be present and part of Cecily's special day.

After the Baptism, we had a special luncheon at a local historical site/house.

Lemon baptismal cake- an Italian tradition.

Family picture afterward.

Besides the Baptism and Thanksgiving, we also travelled to see Greg's grandfather and my cousins.

We took the girls to Hershey, PA to have a visit with my cousin and her children.  The kids enjoyed spending the afternoon at Hershey World and we had a great time catching up.  There was even some hotel swimming involved! :)

WOW! Just remembering and writing about this trip makes me feel a little tired.  Since we don't make it over to the North East very often, we wanted to see all the family that we could.  We are so happy that we got to visit with everyone!