Grady's baptism

Grady was baptized June 9 at Scotia First Reformed Church, and we were blessed to be able to have Andy's parents, my parents, my Grandma and Grandpa Hoogeveen, Ashley, and my cousin Sarah attend the baptism. Amazing, right?! Tom and Bonnie arrived a couple days early to help with preparations and to spend time with us before the whole gang arrived. Everyone else arrived the night before Grady's baptism, and my parents and grandparents stayed for a few days following the baptism so we could spend time with them. We loved seeing everyone and it was incredibly amazing to have so many people at the church with us. This would not have happened in Switzerland :). So yay for being back in the US!

Mom and Dad's first time meeting Grady! 

Almost the whole group :).

Baptism! 

Our pastors

Some Grandma Bonnie time.

Aunt Ashley makes Carsten smile a LOT! Possibly the biggest smile ever for Carsten.

Grandpa and his grandkids.

Mom and Grady!

Grandma and Grandpa Hoogie brought a tee ball set for Carsten and taught him how to use it!

Grandpa Tom taught Carsten a few things too!

So remember the advice most people give about putting the baptism outfit on infants early? Well, we tried. But despite that, Grady still had a blowout with Andy's baptismal outfit, so he was baptized in the extra outfit I had brought along just in case (so glad I remembered this). Actually, he ended up matching Carsten's outfit just by chance so that was really cute :). The baptism itself was really nice and both Carsten and Grady did amazingly well. Grady actually didn't cry at all which we were thankful for since Carsten cried most of his baptism.

My Grandparents and parents were able to stay for a few days after the baptism, and it was wonderful having them around. My Dad was Carsten's playmate and Mom had a ton of fun caring for Grady. We also enjoyed playing cards, and doing a few touristy things in Albany like the NY State Museum and the State Capitol Building. We loved spending time with family! Thanks for coming everyone :).

Dad playing diggers with Carsten.

Carsten had so much fun!

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Hoogeveen with the boys.

Dad with a sleeping Grady :).