Parish festival

We had a fun day at our Parish Festival again this year. After fear that my favorite part of the festival (the morning 5k to start it all off) was getting too small to continue offering it, I decided to step up and help with the planning of it to see if we couldn't liven it up a bit. Thanks to many awesome helpers, we had a great morning with music, food, a great DJ, prizes and even a kids obstacle course! Though still smaller than I would prefer, the turn out increased this year and we're hopeful that more will start to take part in this St. Matt's tradition!

One more run with my favorite boy by my side...

Making sure Bernie was ready to roll for the kids run and medal ceremony for the top finishers!

Bernie had quite the fan club...but he had to quickly lose them after the festivities as he definitely needed a drink of water after running a 5k in 80 degree weather. It ruff being a dog. 

Then it was on to the carnival games! It seemed so strange now that Grace is a middle schooler and she was volunteering to help with the games instead of play them. Banking those service hours!

These 4th graders were loving the cake walk. They polished off an entire cake between the 5 of them...thank goodness the winner shared instead of keeping it all to herself!

Delicious lunch, music, friends and weather...what more could you ask for!

Emma's First Communion

Sunday was such a blessed day! With gorgeous weather, tons of family and my beautiful Emma dressed all in white, we witnessed her take her First Holy Communion. Fr. Beckman did such an amazing job helping them understand the importance of communion and getting them excited for their big moment. Emma's faith has always been one I admire, as she questions everything to learn more, but never questions her blessings. 

After her ceremony we headed back to the house for cake and presents. She was so excited to get a Bible with her very.own.name on it. 

Lots of family and prayer partners helping her celebrate. 

Don't let this sweet bunch in white fool you...there is a lot of mischief behind those smiles!

Parish Mission

Our Parish hosted a Parish Mission this week, bringing in keynote speaker John Leonetti Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to speak. Providing dinner each night and childcare it was a family friendly way to get to know others in our church and deepen our faith. Monday night Jubliation Choir opened the evening with music, so Emma and Grace were excited to sing to a completely packed church. 

Norah and her friends liked holding down the front pew watching their sisters sing!

Welcome to the church

For the past 9 months Mark has been spending his Thursday nights at St. Matthew learning the ropes of Catholicism. Though we haven't liked his absence, it has been awesome to watch him grow in his faith. These Thursday's have sparked some awesome conversation for the two of us and it has been a great opportunity to model for the girls the fact that learning takes a lifetime. Though they weren't too excited for the 3 hour mass, they were really happy to be there when Mark got to take communion for the first time.

Apparently purple was the color to wear! Matthew, Josh, Mark and Dave. 

Mark couldn't have asked for a better sponsor. I knew as much as I look up to Mike at school, Mark would love having Mike as a sponsor.

Looking good for 11:30 at night. Emma caught a few z's during mass, but they all did a great job.

Showered with Catholic gifts!

So excited for daddy.