NC Christmas Part I: Ben's Baptism Weekend

Kent and I took a long trip back to the US for Christmas (Dec 16 - Dec 29), and I wanted to break the post into two parts - mostly because there are so many great photos to share! We spent the entire time in Raleigh, NC (direct flight! no onward journey! how relaxing!). Thanks so much to Matt and Jen for putting up with us for so long. It was great to spend so much time with you guys - and Ben!! Sooo....this post is about the first weekend we were there....

Kent and I arrived on a Thursday and had a day to get over the jet lag before it was time for the main event: the Baptism of my adorable nephew and Godson, Ben. The rest of the family joined us - Mom & Dad, Adam, Jenny & Amelia as well as Matt's Mom and Stepdad - all ready for the big day on Saturday. Here's a cute pic of Ben with his Baptism whites on (handmade by a member of Matt's family). Such a little angel!

Off we went (in 3 cars!) to the same church where Jen & Matt were married in 2008. The same priest was even able to perform the ceremony. Ben did well and didn't even make a peep when they poured the water over his head. Amelia was also a good little girl during the service. Here are a few pics of the proud parents, Godparents (Adam and I) and the entire family:

Back home, Jen and Matt had planned a nice dinner to celebrate. Here's a cute pic of Ben having his celebratory dinner....the boy is a good eater! :) My contribution, a vanilla almond cake:

Sunday we celebrated our Cone family Christmas, complete with a nice brunch and the 12 stockings hung by the chimney with care!

We had a great time opening all of the presents and watching Ben open his first Christmas presents (Amelia showed him how it's done). Here are a few pics from the day:

Proud Grandma and Grandpa Cone - notice all 4 are smiling!

Jenny, Adam and Amelia

Ben getting a little assistance for his first gift - cool dinosaur puppets!

Aunt Karen with Amelia and her favorite activity - reading (or flipping through) books. :)

Adam and mini-me with their British hats
Uncle Kent lounging with Amelia

Matt cheering on Ben as he gets in a little leg workout. Walking is so close!

Amelia opening her new swing - she loved it!

I forgot to add this last photo - our Aunt Ruth cross-stiched each of us this wall-decoration that my grandmother had made exactly the same for each of her children. I remember where it hung on the wall growing up!