the special dress~

The hubby traveled all week so we were excited to have him home late Friday night....

Saturday we packed up a cooler to bring lunch to the nearby park with miss Elle. Little did we realize how hot and humid it was but we still enjoyed an hour watching Elle take a few bites of food and run fast across the grass......now I am seeing the benefit of a nice lawn and yard....maybe next year....for now, I am enjoying this lovely neighborhood we have.....

This weekend was Mel and Nick's daughter's baptism and we ended up not going back since Ted got home so late and traveled all week and we actually will be in MI this upcoming weekend to help celebrate Aydan's 7th birthday (which is crazy by the way). I was bummed... but we were so honored to surprise miss Mckenna with the Olszowy/Greiner baptism gown that has been in our family for over 50 years......Melissa wasn't able to find her gown she wore as a child so I thought this was a special thing to do so I confirmed with my Aunt who graciously refurbished it for Elle- if it was okay. After she said absolutely, I overnighted the dress to arrive as a surprise. It's a special dress. I remember feeling sad getting Elle dressed on her baptism day thinking how my parents put the same one on me and how they were surrounded by their parents and all of their loved ones....30 years ago. I wanted my Mom and Dad to watch us get Elle dressed and watching us at church so proud to see Ted and I as parents. But I am positive they would have been so proud and happy to see Elle wearing it and then equally thrilled that McKenna, who is family to us anyway, proudly wear it as well. 

So we couldn't be there but we, as well as a piece of my entire family and traditions, were present in spirit.....

pictures above are Miss Elle and then McKenna wearing the special dress almost exactly a year apart from each other. 

Missing my mom and dad and thanking them for passing along strong values and traditions that live throughout so many of us......Melissa