Today Ava Saw Family

You had a busy day today.

Uncle Joe came over today and hung out with you for a bit in the afternoon to start it off. 

Showing Uncle Joe how my toy works.

He's in town because tomorrow you'll be Baptized at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Shelby, Ohio and we tapped him to be your Godfather. 

Your mom and I chose her home Church for your Baptism because we were married in my home Church. We thought it a great way to incorporate her home Church and hometown into your life. 

Your mom relocated to Canton from Shelby for college and remained here for me once we met during her senior year. Being a few years older than your mother I already had roots established here - a full time job at the Hall of Fame. When you read this, ask us the story of how we met. It's an interesting one. All you need to know right now is that it revolves around a game of shuffleboard. 

We'll fill in the details someday.

Anyway, back to your Uncle Joe, being a pilot in the US Air Force, he's vary rarely home. We had to postpone your Baptism once because he was sent on a two week mission and couldn't guarantee his presence for the Sacrament. 

Well, this time it worked out and he drove up from his home in Charleston, S.C. to see you. He stopped over this afternoon and we grilled some burgers and brats, hung out and caught up. 

I'm very close with my brothers, we talk and exchange text messages daily. It's difficult having them on opposite sides of the country, so when either or both of them are home I try to spend as much time with them as I can. 

He's becoming more comfortable with you. You should have seen him the first time you met, he was rigid, stiff as a board, fearing he might break you. This time, it took a few minutes but he came to understand that you're pretty tough. After all, you are your parents daughter, strong in stature and in will. 

Hanging with Uncle John and Aunt Kelly.

Once Joe left for the day we packed you up and headed to Shelby for the evening. Rather than wake up early and risk forgetting something before your Baptism we felt it would be better to head out this evening and stay the night at your Grandparents house. Before settling for the night though, we grabbed dinner.

Uncle Joe wasn't the only out-of-town guest arriving for your special day, your Great Uncle John and Aunt Kelly came in from Saratoga Springs, NY. A 9.5 hour drive for them.

We - along with your Grandma, Aunts Casey and Holly along with Uncle Shawn - met them at Cheddar's for dinner. 

After dinner, it was time to crash, due to the news from yesterday your mom and I didn't sleep much the night before. 

Sleep well kiddo, you've got another long day ahead of you tomorrow.