Christening2005

The Christening

July 17, 2005

A Very Special Thank You to Ahnya, Larry, and Danielle for taking all of these GREAT pictures!!

The Christening Ceremony took place aboard the Angela Louise, an electric Riverboat in Newport Beach, California.
As most of you know, I used to always want to get married aboard Mark Twain's Riverboat, so since I didn't do that, I figured
the next best thing was to have my children christend aboard one!!

Have you ever seen a more beautiful group of kids??
L-R: Cindy, Austin, Sam, and Kate

Kate- wanting desparately to get out and crawl around!

Cindy, Austin, and Sam waiting to board the boat.

The ceremony was officiated by my Aunt, the Reverend Kathleen.

It was such a beautiful day!

Despite the fact that Kevin INSISTS Amazing Grace is for funerals, we sang it anyway. Afterwards, all the Godparents lined up-
and there were a lot fo them!!! They promised to love and cherish the children and offer them loving and honest guidance throughout
their journey through life.

On the table, which was covered with an heirloom tablecloth belonging to my grandma Margaret, as well as rosaries belonging to my Grandma Rose,
there were 4 crystal pitchers. Each one contained water from a place close to our hearts.
There was one from the Wells of Lourdes, One from Lake Michigan (Where Toby's family is from), One from the Long Island Sound
(Where my family is from), and One from the Pacific Ocean (Where we are raising our children).
The Godparents for each child poured one pitcher into a large crystal bowl containing water from the River Jordan
where Jesus himself was baptized.

Cindy is Christened
Margaret Cynthia Rose Todd

(Photo to Come)

Sam is Christened
Shawn Abraham Matthew Todd

Austin is Christened
William Austin Henry Todd

Kate is Christened
Sarah-Elizabeth Yoshiko Kathleen Todd

Toby and I are blessed as we begin our journey as parents.

Here we are, a happy family. This is also a great shot of the special things that graced our table.

After the service, we all enjoyed a tour of Newport Harbor and a nice Chicken Luncheon.

Uncle Aaron, Sam, and Uncle Carl

Aaro

Aunt Becky (Godmother to Cindy) James, Patrick, and Kevin

Danielle (Didi- Godmother to Austin)

Didi and Austin

Sean (Godfather to Austin) and Austin

Austin just watching the water- this was such a beautiful moment. He truly loves the water.

Now, he realizes he was being watched... LOL

Austin, caught again just watching the water.

Sam on the spiral staircase.

Uncle Carl (Godfather to Austin) with Austin, Larry, Uncle Kevin (Godfather to Cindy)and me.
In the background you can see Kevin's mother, Barbara, Uncle John, and Aunt Amy's father, Del.

Uncle Carl (Godfather to Austin)

Papi and Aunt Kathleen (Kate's namesake)

Didi, Sam, Grammy, Nonni, and Uncle Joel (Godfather to Kate)

Anita, Uncle Aaron and Uncle Carl (Godfathers to Austin)

Janice, Papi, Grammy, and Nonni

Juanita (her son Tom is a Godfather for Kate, he was away with the Navy) and Evan

Papa, Cindy, Sam, Grammy, and baby Shawn

Nana and Uncle Lyn

The Redwines!

Nonni, Uncle Joel, and Sam

Papi and Cindy

Sam and Baby Evan

Sean, Daddy, and Didi

Uncle Jeff and Sam

Uncle Joel and Jordan

Uncle John (Godfather to Sam)

Larry and Kevin (Godfather to Cindy)

Sam, Cindy, and Austin

Aunt Julie with Goddaughter Kate-
Sadly, KAte was in the heighth of her stranger anxiety and separations anxiety phases at this time so
basically, if anyone who did not live in our house trued to pick her up, she just screamed.
Even with people she knew.

Finally, I had to hold her and you can see that she is still worked up.

Captain Rick was a gracious host, and we love his boat!!

I love this picture. Ahnya took it. It is the ladies room of the riverboat.

Here I am finally able to sit and eat.

It was a great- but long- day- especially considering that the Luau was the day before.

Thank You for all the people who shared this day with us and made it so memorable.

I would also like to Thank the 4 Godparents who were not able to be there, but sent their love.

Cindy's Godmother, Annie, was hit by Hurricane Dennis only days before the Christening.

Kate's Godfather, Tommy, was deployed to the very dangerous Wisconsin with the Untied States Navy. We are so proud of the sacrifices he makes

on behalf of our country.

Sam's Godmother, Dawn, was unable to be there due to prior commitments, but joined us in California 10 days later.

Kate's Godmother, Amy, was unable to get here from Alaska due to previous commitments, but her parents were gracious enough to stand in for her!