...Our Russian Angel: First Holy Communion Celebration!

For the last two years, Kristina attended Sunday CCD classes in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. I knew that being the sentimental one I am, this would be a very touching day for me. And Kristina knew it, too.

* When we were in the dressing room at Sears trying on dresses, I teared up.

* When I decided to make her a veil and I put one on her in JoAnne's Fabrics store, I teared up. "Oh, mooooommm - are you crying again?" Kristina asked, accompanied by a hug....

After trying on 9 dresses in 3 stores, this was the one that put a tear in my eye.

Two pics of the veil I made for Kristina. Not sure what possessed me....like I had so much free time on my hands??? I was very happy with it in the end and it held up through the entire ceremony.

Grammy and Poppy flew in from FL for the big day so this made it even more special to have both sets of Grandparents see their only granddaughter receive the Sacrament.

We knew that it would be crowded since there were more than 120 children participating...with lots of family members toting cameras, iPads, etc. - ready to capture the moments. Luckily, I found all our family and friends in the church's plaza as we waited for the 8:30am mass to conclude before we could make our mad dash to find the most desirable spot in church. I thank my friend, Tere, for having the foresight to enter the church through the side door in order to snag some seats up in the front of the church (so we could look at the faces of the children instead of the back of their heads). Mission GRAB-SEATS-IN-THE-FRONT-ROW accomplished! :)

It was a very nice mass and even though we were all instructed by the priest not to take pictures during the mass, every parent still had their cell phones and cameras quietly snapping photos of their precious children making their First Holy Communion. Bless me Father, for I have sinned....I took photos of my daughter receiving her First Holy Communion...and I would do it again.

Here are my favorite photos from this glorious day!

We ran out of the house and already I'm snapping photos!

Our next door neighbor, Uncle Marc, abandoned his garage sale for one minute to take a pic with his biggest fan.

Avery and Kristina have been going to school together since Kindergarten!

This was a precious moment I wish I had on video as each girl was complimenting each other on their shoes, hair, veil, gloves, purse.....

Meeting in the classroom with teacher, Ms. Maria, prior to Mass.

The first 6 girls practicing their angelic poses!

Receiving the Body of Christ

And the Blood of Christ

After the ceremony, Kristina was greeted by BFF Gaby (Kristina's first friend upon coming home)...

...and here they are the week beforehand when Gaby made her First Holy Communion! (Same church, but Gaby goes to the Catholic School so they held their Mass on a different weekend.)

Cousin, Alex!!!

Running to see the Grandmas!

Our Family photo!

With Nana and Grampa

With Grammy and Poppy

With Uncle Bryce, cousin Alex, and Michelle

With Aunt Zoe and Uncle Don!

With cousin, Joe!

Kristina with Gaby and Tere

Kristina with Gaby and Andrea. Next year it will be Andrea's turn!

Kristina with our wonderful neighbors, the Gonzalez family. It meant a lot that they were able to come by.

Couldn't pass up saying a prayer in front of The Holy Family...

...where I prayed for years to be blessed with a family. And here she is!

No matter what, always my little angel...

They did it! Beautiful girls!

A very special photo -- with all the Grandparents!

For two years, while the girls were attending CCD for 90 minutes each Sunday morning, Jon and Zoltan would go for coffee talk...or whatever guys talk about...

Daddy and his not-so-little girl!

After the extensive photo shoot at church, a small group of us got together along with Jasmine's family at Rosie's BBQ for a luncheon. It was a delicious meal shared with wonderful family and friends!