Photos from Ana's Christening

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1. Ana puttering around with "Rebyonok" ("Baby") in our house an hour before the service. We had her wear the "Ana" dress since Christening represents a child's being awarded his or her Christian name.
2. Ana, Robin, and the Godparents.
3. The Dutch side of the family! Can you tell???
4. The Hammonds (minus Aunt Helen - I I think she was helping set up for the post-baptism dinner at that point).
5. Isabel, Keegan, and Ana playing during the post-baptism party.
6. Grandpapa Philip and Ana.
7. Aunt Helen and Ana.

[Robin]

Ana was very excited about the Christening. We think this is because Phil told her that we were having a party for her. When she got to the church, she just squealed with excitement to see all her cousins, friends, and family members. She stood up on the pew and pointed at everyone. Nevertheless, she (to our great relief) was on her best behavior during the service (minimal squirming!). This was accomplished by sandwiching her between Isabel (our Goddaughter and a very mature six year old) and Godfather Spott. They kept her entertained and "shushed" her appropriately. And, Linda gave Ana the sweetest lace gloves and pearly handbag for the Christening, so she spent a good deal of time trying these on and off during the service. When we got back to the house we had a great time enjoying one another's company. The grown-ups in the upstairs with drinks in hand; the kids downstairs with juice. Ana was thrilled to see everyone there--the Williams family (Godparents), Aunt Helen, Godmother Carmen, Godfather Spott, Phil's Dad and Linda (Grandpapa and Memama), Phil's Mom and Baxter (Baba and Papa Baxter), Phil's Aunt Beth and Uncle Skip (B & Skip), my Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa), and my sister Tina and her kids. Phil's mom made "rebirth" cookies with butterflies that were all the rage at the event.

[Phil]
Basically, the adults stayed upstairs, ate Time Out fried chicken, had some cocktails, and watched football. The kids were sort of a dim roar from the basement rec room. At one point they were playing some game that seemed to be "Run Away from the Toy Mop!"

It was a great time overall, and Tammy at Chapel of the Cross did a great job making all of us feel relaxed. And thanks to the Waters and Brown families for coming to the service. We're sad that you couldn't make the after-party. Believe me, there were a lot of biscuits left!