What a beautiful day we had for Annie's 1st Holy Communion. Okay so the weather was bad, it was cooler than we thought and we had no umbrella for the downpours heading into church but everything else was perfect.
Every once in a while you meet someone and you just know you are going to hang out together for a good long time because you laugh, talk and have fun whenever you are together. When Molly started dance I was a loser mom who sat in the back with my head buried in a book trying to avoid everyone. Then Molly and Meghan started hanging out and I met her Mom and realized my life just got a lot more entertaining. She also gets me - totally. No need to text everyday, no need to chat when you're in a rush but if we have a few minutes we are all in. When I texted Dawn in a panic after realizing that Communion hair was a big deal and I was not prepared she sent a text back - "be there at 8 am - have Annie send me some pictures and I'll get it done." This overwhelmed mom could not have loved he more at that moment.
Annie and her stylist - Mrs. Flynn. She loved her curls and Lizzie and Molly even got in on the action.
Meghan came along for moral support!
The other Littles got leftover Easter dresses from Kohl's that could not have matched their personalities more perfectly. They are looked adorable.
And here she is - the star of the show in her custom designed and made dress by Auntie Ann. It took 4 prototypes and more than a few sleepless nights for Auntie Ann but the end result was just beautiful and fit Annie's personality to a T.
She wore her hair the same way I did and wore the veil that Grammy and I wore on our 1st Holy Communion.
And all these years later here she is in front of the tree that Abby gave me on the Mother's Day before Annie was born,. The card that came with the tree said that she could see us taking pictures in front of the tree on the new baby's 1st Communion Day. Because of the odd weather the tree bloomed very early this year and it was literally pouring rain but we got our picture!
My girls - how did we get so lucky? Peter was staying in the hospital for a few weeks and missed the big day. He was very disappointed but the next day when we went to visit for Mother's Day he had a teddy bear for Annie that he had convinced someone to go buy for him so he could have something to celebrate with her. It was very touching and Annie hasn't stopped sleeping with it.
Daddy and his girls.
I loved that Annie was not nervous or afraid - she was just thrilled to be headed to church and ready for her big day.
Mrs. Aggelotti has spent a lot of time preparing Annie and her class for their day. We were not allowed to take pictures during the ceremony but I made sure to get one with Mrs. A. before we went in.
Grammy and Annie designed her pew banner.
Processing in for her 1st Communion. Annie also did a long reading and brought the gifts up - she was amazing.
The proud grandparents. My kids are so lucky to have such involved family and such great role models of how to live the Catholic faith.
Mom and Dad were so proud of our girl. Papa took this picture - not sure why he stood a mile away!
And surprise - Uncle Ed flew in for two days so he could be here for Annie's important day. Ed lives in Utah and could only get away for a short time but Annie could not have been happier to see him when she walked in. I was very touched that Ed took the time and effort to be here - it meant a lot to all of us to spend some time together and for Ed to show Annie how important her faith is to him and to her. Auntie Karla is a rock star godmother too but she got a little overshadowed by Ed on this occasion!
And then there was Graham who is the highlight of every party. KK couldn't resist letting Annie get some time with Graham on her big day.
And then everyone wanted in!
And guess what? Auntie Beth was home for the big day too. What an incredibly lucky kid, Annie is to have so many people love her and support her in growing up Catholic.
Father Mike and Auntie Ann were tired after a long week of practices and preparation but we needed one last picture.
Sisterly love.
I can't believe how much Eileen and Molly look alike in this picture.
Taking a picture of Brigid and Joe and then..
The goddaughter had to get in on the deal too!
Another of my favorites from the day - Auntie Kate and Annie!
Graham Cracker had the cutest hat on - I couldn't resist another picture.
And then we stopped for a few on the way out since there were downpours on the way in and - did I mention we had no umbrella?
The kids table!
I always take a picture of the food - no idea why!
Annie was so lucky to have so many people come and celebrate with her.
Uncle Joe and Auntie Meg - Auntie Meg canceled a race to be with us all day.
Then there were these hooligans who were not great at posing.
But Uncle B - as always - outdid himself.
Abby always has this look on her face when her Dad is acting silly. You would think she would be used to it by now.
Auntie Brigid posing with Graham and Lila.
Trying to get a couples picture but someone was not cooperating - I wonder if you can guess who?
Still not quite there yet.
Kk and Uncle Brian
And Uncle Pat - making another funny face!
Ella was great all day - helping with food and presents and hanging out with the little ones. We always love having her around.
Happy First Communion Day, Annie. Auntie Ann outdid herself once again with a beautiful cake that everyone raved about and Annie tried to hide in her room when we got home. We did let her take a piece of the chocolate to school on Monday to show her friends.
Ready for some cake.
Our girl! We are so proud of this munchkin and her love for God and for family. She amazes me every single day and I couldn't help but remember back to my 16 week ultrasound when they thought they saw an irregular heart beat and then my blood tests showed a possible Downs Syndrome gene. It was a pregnancy filled with complications and little scares and the whole time I just knew we were going to be fine. Even inside of me she was a calm and happy little person!
Papa and Graham. Papa tried to feed him a brownie but I think we caught him in time. As for the cucumber I think he got a good long taste of that.
The older girls looking more mature and beautiful every single day.
Lisa and Eileen - always happy to be together.
Miss Pat and Miss Susan - we are always so happy when they can be with us to celebrate special days.
A KK photobomb!
So cute - and Patrick actually smiled normal! It must be Annie.
More Auntie Beth snuggles.
Abby and Papa sharing a moment.
Can you tell that both Annie and Karla were done with my picture taking?
Auntie Sue and Uncle Steve! They got to the church early, brought food for the party, cooked pasta when the restaurant forgot to send it, cleaned, got drinks, took pictures and just generally made the day hassle free. They made Annie feel special in every way and took care of me so that I had to do nothing!
After the party, as in 3 days after, Annie and I got a package from Auntie Sue and Uncle Steve with framed pictures for me and a photo album for Annie of the day. It was wonderful to have it so quickly - Annie took it to school to show all her friends and I put the pictures up immediately. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful Aunt and Uncle.
Papa and Auntie Meg spending some time together. The day was made ever more special for me by the fact that no one rushed to leave. Everyone ate and had dessert and just hung out talking and having fun. It was a really great day for our family, with just a hint of sadness that Peter wasn't with us.
Ella helping Annie open her presents.
Auntie Beth getting snuggles from Katie!
I have thank you notes ready to go out but I'm not sure I have the words to express our gratitude to all the people who made the day so perfect. My mom and dad cleaned, prepped, shopped, took Annie to CCD classes and Communion Prep Saturdays and held their daughter together through a rocky week leading up to the day. They visited Peter so we could be with the other kids and made everything seamless - they were amazing! All of our family and friends who came out to be with us during a busy time of year. Beth and Ed who flew home and took such joy in being a part of the celebrations. The list goes on and on but has to end with Auntie Ann who has been one of my spiritual inspirations growing up. It meant so much to me to have Annie prepared for such an important day by Auntie Ann and to have her beside Annie on this day. The dress and the cake and everything else were wonderful but the time and effort Auntie Ann took to make this day a truly memorable event for Annie were priceless. We are so blessed!
GNM - ILY!
