Hailey Makes Her First Communion

It was the last First Communion for our immediate family as Hailey received her third sacrament this past weekend. She had her reconciliation on Tuesday evening and was well-versed in her Act of Contrition and her sins that she was going to tell Father (hitting her sister and not listening to her parents).

But it was time to celebrate her on Saturday and receive "the snack" as she often called the host when we would go to Communion and she wasn't yet old enough to go herself. Well on Saturday she got her "snack" and deemed it pretty tasty. Papa said he thought the host was a bit crunchy but I'm sure they have different places that make the hosts hence the variety in texture and a bit in taste.  

Anyway, her awesome older cousin came over early to do her hair and she put on her new white dress and shoes that we bought her since she didn't fit into Peyton's First Communion attire at all (plus, I think she wanted her own stuff which was fine - I actually liked Hailey's First Communion dress better than Peyton's anyway). She did, however, wear the same veil that Peyton wore which was nice since I think that thing cost more than the dress and shoes for both girls! Not one to dress up much, I was surprised Hailey didn't complain about the very girlie outfit. She did say it was very fluffy though.

She was ready for this special occasion and had practiced with us before even the 4-hour rehearsal/workshop so she knew just what to do when it was her turn to receive her First Holy Eucharist. She also got to bring up the gifts so that was pretty cool since our other two kids didn't get to do that. 

We were at a different church than where she was baptized and where Austen and Peyton had made their First Communions since we had to switch parishes so the older ones could make their confirmation in 8th grade instead of 10th. It was a smaller group which was nice and Father Raphal made it as quick as he could. I think the homily was like 7 minutes max! We had a lot of guests too so I think Hailey was feeling pretty special. 

After First Communion, we ventured over to our country club for a nice lunch. We took pictures on the patio, had some drinks, opened presents (some of which were non-holy gifts which Hailey appreciated) and then we went home to change and road trip to Indiana for an early soccer game the next morning. (Austen was not in attendance at the Communion since he had two big soccer games in Indiana that weekend.). Hey, when you are the third child, the parents kind of relax requiring everyone to be there and totally get it when people can't. You do what you can do. Still it was a special time for Hailey and next time she goes to church, she'll be happy she can get the snack!