My Kind of Town (Chicago Is ...) Part 2

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Part 2: The Big Day

The very next day it was time for Faye's baptism, as you can tell from the shot above with Aunt Kathy doing the godmother honors. The day started off with the obligatory photos, first the proud parents and grandparents ...


Then the godmother photo (Kath at this point should we get you a ring to kiss?) ...


And then finally the group shot, because we only get these once a year if we're lucky ...

(Note Daniel and Big H have the same look ... like they're not really sure if they crapped in their pants or not, but are still thinking about it.)

The cousins, meanwhile, were starting to wonder when the party was going to start ...


Next, it was off to the church for the grand event, Faye's indoctination into the Christian community and the Roman Catholic Church. Andy and Sarah did an exceptional job paying heed to the priest's words and Faye was the model baby the whole time...


...then The Godmother had to move in and do her thing ...



And then lo and behold! The baptismal candle was lit and Faye was the newest member of the Catholic community.



I want to thank Andy and Sarah for inviting us up and letting us share in the special day. It was great to see everyone and have a few laughs and celebrate a big event. Faye and Ella have truly special parents and we look forward to our next visit to Chicago. Can anyone say Cowboys at Packers? I know I'm looking forward to it ... so long as I don't have to sit next to this guy ...


Coming soon: Potpurri Chicago candids/afterparty

My Kind of Town ... (Chicago Is ...)

PART 1: THE ARRIVAL

Well it's been a while since I've posted, I know. It seems as soon as Summer hits it's just one crazy weekend after another; but nothing kicked off the season better than our new niece Faye's baptism up in Chicago. The trip didn't get off exactly as we planned, with a weather delay in DFW. By the time we got into the Windy City, it was 1 a.m. So we spent the next day lounging aroung and catching up with family, with some intense games of "cornhole" to spell the humid afternoon...



Of course, the cousins had to catch up, too. Here's the obligatory group photo on the couch. Notice how no one is actually sitting next to each other, Faye's look of terror, Daniel's vigilant eye for Blue (who is probably outside at this point), and Ella ... fixed into the zone:


Next up, bath time ... with all the helping hands around, Faye was squeaky clean and ready for the big day that awaited.




Meanwhile, some of us were still catching up from the previous night. Even Blue the Beagle was ready for a little shuteye! By the end of the day, most of us were beat but excited for the celebration that lay ahead.


Next up: the big day!

Take me out to the Ballgame

As the dog days of summer approach, what's better than a ballgame to beat the heat? Last night, Daniel and I took in a Rangers game against the Cleveland Indians, and we had some great father-son time as we always do at the ballpark. The first Tuesday of each month, the Rangers have an excellent deal where you buy one ticket in certain sections, and the kids' ticket is free, so last night we sat out in right field in the front row ... not bad the two of us for 25 bucks. These photos, taken from my cellphone, don't do the seats or the night justice. We were merely feet away from the right fielder ...


Daniel is a riot at these games. First thing he'll do is see what seat number he has, then equate it to the appropriate Red Sox player number ... so he was in 18 (Dice-K), and I had 17 (Manny DelCarmen). Then we wolf down some hot dogs, peanuts (a mainstay) and chase it with something cold to drink, as we take in some Major League action. Last night's game was a laugher, with the Rangers putting up 12 runs in the victory. By the 5th inning we were already pushing 3 hours, and feeling a little stir crazy ...


... so we called it a night. Nothing beats a night at the ballpark, at any level. Get out there and enjoy the pastime if you haven't lately, and remember the peanuts.