Nana

On Thursday Michael's Nana passed away. After almost 10 years of marriage, she feels like my Nana too (I don't think she would mind me saying that). Nana was one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I have ever known. She loved her family and demonstrated this love in many ways. One of my favorite ways was through cooking. She was such a good cook and she always made plenty for everyone. Once when Trey was asking for another piece of angel food cake, I encouraged him to make sure everyone else had one first. Nana laughed and said to give him another piece as she brought out another cake! At my bridal shower at the Marvin's, Nana gave me a handwritten cookbook full of special recipes, stories and pictures. I will treasure it for the rest of my life. It was also evident through her words and actions that she was a woman devoted to the Lord. While this week has been difficult for Michael and I, we were soooo lucky to have been blessed with wonderful grandparents! We love you Nana!

Grandpa Smith

Today at 12:00 the heavens rejoiced, but my heart was saddened at the death of my sweet grandfather. Everyone that knew him loved him and thought of him as a friend. He was always just a phone call away and would drop everything if you needed him. He was a hard worker. Up until just a few months ago grandpa could work circles around a man half his age. He loved to be outdoors-fishing and hunting. He loved little children, especially his grandchildren. Tonight after her prayers Anna Claire said she would always remember Opa tickling all the kids at Nana's house. Yesterday, Trey brought home a card for Opa from his school with all the children's handprints on it. They loved him so much. Above all, grandpa loved the Lord. Knowing this is the most precious gift he could've ever given me. Tonight I can sleep in peace knowing my grandfather is in a better place. I love you papa.

My Snaggle Tooth

Anna Claire started the 1st grade this year. She is really growing up! The 2nd week of school she lost one of her front teeth (she had already lost a few on the bottom). The top tooth is really a big deal!!! The pulling of the tooth was quite dramatic, but once it was out Anna was really proud. She got $5.00 from the tooth fairy. When asked what she was going to buy with her money, she said she was giving it to daddy to help pay for her baby brother. I now know I have the sweetest, most thoughtful 1st grader ever!!!!!! Love you Anna Claire!

Seagrove Beach

We went to Disney World for our big family trip this year and decided that we weren't going to the beach. One night I decided that I really NEEDED to go to the beach. So we threw a last minute trip together with Brad, Jessica and Mary Ella and I'm sooo glad we did. We always have the greatest time at the beach. At one point Anna Claire asked "Could we stay here forever?" It was also fun to be there for Mary Ella's first beach experience. This was our first time to visit Seagrove and we really enjoyed it. It was much more laid back and quiet that Destin or Panama City. I would describe it as being quaint. Here are a few pics.

Anna and Trey chillin'

Some beach yoga

They could do this all day!!!

Anna Claire

Beach Picture Night

Aren't they cute???

Jessica, Mary Ella and Brad

My cuties

The three amigos

Marvin Family at Sunset

Mary Ella's First Birthday

Soooo.... I'm way behind on my blogging. I have definitely thought about just forwarding you to Jessica's blog for the month of August and starting again with September, but I won't. A very important event was at the beginning of August- my sweet niece Mary Ella's first birthday!!! Since most of the family (ok all of the family except Brad, Jessica and Mary Ella) live here, they decided to load up the party and bring it up to all of us. We had a great time celebrating at Pinewood Neighborhood Pool. Here are the pics!!!!

Cupcake Birthday Cake and pics of the girl

Jessica and the Birthday Princess

Crawling through the paper

Cole, Anna Claire and Hannah

Opa and Trey

Ooh, looks yummy!!

Little help please

May have overdone it!!!

Hosing her off

The happy family!!!

Surprise Visit.

Today at work I was diligently writing notes when I looked up and Michael walked into my office with a big smile on his face and papers in his hand. I instantly knew...... we finally got our CIS approval letter! I signed, he signed, got it noterized, went straight to FEDEX and it has been overnighted to Kate in New York. She will then send it off to get it authenticated. This is the last step before it goes to Washington, DC. We will soon be on the waitlist!!!!!

Lake Dwellers

We spent the past weekend at the lake with Gigi, Papa, Ranjo, Lindsay, Reese, Eli, Aunt Jessie, Mary Ella, Oma and Opa. We stayed at "The Dive" which is a lake house near Aunt Nancy and Uncle Leonard's. We were excited when we found out that Janet, Bailey and Mark were in town visiting. The kiddos had a blast tubing, swimming, going for boat rides, fishing and throwing rocks into the lake. It's so much fun to watch children enjoy nature!! Anna Claire and Bailey had a blast and had a sleepover! They have decided to be pen pals and send one another letters (they both enjoy getting mail).

Miss Mary Ella

Bailey and Anna eating some smores

Reese and Ranjo

Cousins

Trey and Reese

They rode the paddle boat all over the lake

See ya later!!!

Anna, Bailey and Mark

Captain Trey