Izzie's Welcome Home Weekend, 4/17-4/19/09

As promised, here are some pictures of the events during Izzie's Welcome Home Extravaganza, which took place a couple of weekends ago. Almost everyone from our immediate families came in from out of state to help us celebrate, and we had lots of local friends and extended family here also. I was a little worried that it would all overwhelm our little girl, but she just soaked up the fun and had a great time.

FRIDAY: The Kron side of the family arrived fairly early in the day. Jaimie and I wanted to serve homemade tamales at our big party on Saturday, so we put the family to work on a tamale assembly line. (The tamales turned out GREAT!) Everyone was then rewarded with a cookout which included bratwurst and metwurst (or "tube meats," as my brother apparently calls them) "imported" from Cincinnati by my mom and dad. Sorry, Texas, but the tube meats from Cincinnati really are superior. It's a German thing...

SATURDAY: The big party, complete with bounce house, pinata, and Guatemalan food and beer. Izzie had a blast and we were thrilled that she got to spend time with her new friends and cousins, both local and from Ohio.

So, why is Jonathan jumping so high in the above picture, you ask? Because this 20-something learned to ride a bike that day (see video below). Congrats, Jonathan!

SUNDAY: Izzie got baptized at our church by our friend, the Rev. Jay Cole. Afterward, Jaimie's cousin Steve and his awesome wife Tracey hosted a lovely reception at their home. They are also responsible for the adorable yellow dress you see Izzie wearing at the party.

So, needless to say, we were exhausted by Monday, but we had such a great weekend! It was pure joy to be at home surrounded by many of those who helped us to finally make it. Thank you, God!