Ringing in the New Year

     We left Florida Wednesday morning, December 28th,  at 6 am and drove to my son's home in Maryland, arriving at 10 pm. My husband and my daughter, Marie, took turns driving and I helped to occupy Hallie & Aiden. Hallie was extremely good on the long car ride and Aiden was pretty good for a 2 year old. In Maryland, we finally got to see our new grandson, John Paul, who was born November 20th. We exchanged Christmas presents and John D. gave us gifts he brought back from his trip to China. Thursday night we went to see the festival of lights they have at their botanical gardens.  It was very cold walking around the gardens, but the beautiful lights were worth it.  Hallie & Aiden had a great time. 

Cousins

Hallie dressed as a Chinese Princess

John J., John D., & John Paul

     Friday we drove to my daughter Ruth's home in Pennsylvania and there was just enough snow left for me to help Hallie make a snow man and a small fort. We couldn't believe how much Lorelei has grown since we saw her at Thanksgiving. That night we rang in the New Year with Ruth & Jimmi and some of their friends. 

     On Sunday, January 3, Lorelei and John Paul,  were baptized  at a special mass concelebrated by a priest who is a friend of our family, Fr. Jeff Rott,  and a priest who is a friend of my daughter-in-law. I played my renaissance guitar at the mass and my niece Dominique played with me on some of the songs. I brought the renaissance guitar because it was easier to fit in the car with everything else we had to bring and it's unique sound was a nice touch for the mass in the chapel.  After the mass there was a nice celebration in one of the church's meeting rooms with lots of food for everyone.

John Paul's Baptism Gown is from Assisi, Italy & his blanket made by Sara's Mom.

Lorelei's Baptism Gown was made by my Grandma Sausner

I made Lorelei's sweater and hat.