Baptism

William was baptized on August 16th.

We had some very historic pieces we used during his baptism, the baptism gown and the baptism bowl.

My grandmother, Maxine Huggard sent me two baptism gowns, only one fit.  It had a note pinned to it that said ... "BABY DRESS WORN BY MRS. H.M. ROYAL 100 YEARS OLD"

 I did a little research... Mrs. H.M. Royal was Isabella Johnston Royal (my great, great grandmother) born in 1867.  So if this gown was truly hers, it was 147 years old!!  Pretty incredible!  Here is William in it.

The baptism bowl came from Sean's family.  It was used to baptize Sean's grandfather, John Benedict Forrest in 1909, his mother Patricia Duff Forrest in 1945, his brother Donal 1975, Sean in 1971 and William on Aug. 16, 2014.  A span of 103 years!!

It was an amazing day!!  We had both Sean and my family in town for the blessed event.  The service was lead by Deacon Mike

 The Grandparents were beaming :)

My Dad stood up with us and was a god-parent. 

Both my sister and Sean's brother participated in the ceremony..

Mark and Krista Rogers (pictured below with their children Connor and Keagan) were chosen as William's god-parents 

Parents & Godparents

We are so blessed to have so many great friends and family that came out for this blessed day.  William is truly a lucky child.

Smokin'

For those of you that don't know Sean has really gotten into smoking.  He and a couple friends Stephen and Brady Hypes have created a BBQ team "Still Workin' On It".  We have attended 3 BBQ competitions this summer. We are still learning what the judges like, but I have to say these guys have done a great job!!  And I have enjoyed sampling :)  Here are some pictures....

This was our first competition in Cannapolis, NC

 Free babysitter :)

 BBQ competition in Covington, VA....

Galax, "Smoke in the Mountains Barbeque Competition"

Our smoker ready to go :)

Stephen and Brady Hypes getting the meat ready the night before :)

Sean working on Brisket.

William trying his first biscuit :) He LOVED it!!

For more pics check out our facebook page, "Still Working on It"

Michigan

We recently made a trip out to Western Michigan (Shelby), where I spent my summers growing up.  It has so many very fond memories for me and Sean and I wanted to start making some with William.  Unfortunately it was a little cold and William was not a fan of the water, but I know that will come :) Here are some fun pics from our trip...


Getting ready for the day with great grandma Max...

  

Hanging out in Great Grandma's front yard, enjoying the sun and green grass...

Hanging at Great Grandma's :)

Quality family time :)

With Great Grandma Max

Our good family friends Dick and Chris dropped by to give us fresh cherries just off the trees!  Such a treat!!

Fresh cherries!!

Breakfast on the porch

Lake Michigan

Our good family friend Sharon stopped by to say hello AND dropped off a delicious cherry pie!!

William with our good friend Sharon

The drive home... 

We had a wonderful trip, but it was way too short!  We are looking forward to our next trip!

New York

We finally made a trip to New York on the 4th of July weekend.  It was unfortunately shorter than we would have liked, but were so thankful to have time to spend with Sean's family!  William was almost 7 months old!!

William was quite fond of Uncle Donal!!

Lounging with the family ...

Cousin's Ethan and Jacob

Callum

Grandma & Aunt Abi with William

Uncle Donal and Aunt Abi

Lunch with Grandma

The family together infront of "The Collins Home" 

As you can see William has mastered sitting up!!  It was a great visit with family and it is safe to say William Loves NY!!! :)  We are looking forward to our next trip :)

P.S. William's bottom two teeth have come in!!!