The Marvin Family

Catching Up Post #3 (Anna Claire's Dance Recitals and 8th Birthday)

This year Anna's dance recitals were in June. She loves getting to dress up, wear make-up and get her hair done every year for the recital. I think at her age I would definitely have had stage fright, but not Anna. Her ballet recital was in the afternoon and her hip hop was in the evening. She had a blast!

Pretty Ballerina

Lizzie and Anna

Anna, Lizzie and Kayleigh Jo

She did so good!!

Gigi always brings her a bouquet

Love my girl

Gracie liked to watch her sister dance!

Oh my..

Sassy girls

Watch out!

We may be in trouble in a few years

Anna's 8th Birthday was also in June. She had a sleepover with some of her besties and a pool party (her 8th one) at the neighborhood pool with the family. She chose a Hawaiian theme for both parties and requested a double decker cookie cake. Here are some pics.

Playing Catching Post #2 (Branson Trip and Swimming Lessons)

At the end of May we went to Branson for a long weekend trip. The kids love Silver Dollar City and White Water, so we packed up and headed out. Hannah came with us which really helped when we needed one person to wait with Gracie and each kid needed an adult to ride a ride (plus Hannah likes SDC and WW and we like Hannah a lot). The first 4 pictures are an example of the joy of taking pictures of multiple children... Enjoy.

Brrrrr

When we got home from Branson, we started swimming lessons. It was nice to do lessons before I went back to work. Swimming lessons can be difficult when you have to run back and forth to work (especially when you're doing mommy and me). The kids did great! Gracie loves to be in the water, Anna is a fish, and Trey wasn't scared at all this year. We love the Swim Ranch!!

Gracie putting her face in

You can do it!

Closer..

Almost there....

Yea!!

Nothing like a backstroke

Good dive!!

Brrrr

No Fear!

Playing Catch Up Post #1 (Work shower and Graduations)

Ok, so I'm waaaay behind again. We're gonna play some quick catch up, so we can get to Gracie girls Birthday post. He're we go.

Not long after we got back from China, the girls from work had a shower for Miss Gracie. Everyone that I work with LOVES Gracie and were so ready to meet her and shower her with some gifts. Gracie hit the jackpot with a super-cute kitchen, all the fixins (food, dishes, etc), a cute monogrammed apron and many other special gifts. No day goes by at our house that Gracie doesn't play with this kitchen!They made a special lunch of Chinese food just for us! I feel so blessed to work with a great bunch of people who are sooo supportive of adoption.

The Spread

The Loot

The Girl

Cookin'

In May my cousin Cole graduated from the U of A. It's hard to believe he's a real grown-up now. I'm starting to feel really old. I definitely remember the day he was born. We are so proud of him and all that he has and will accomplish.

Cole

Momma, Nana, Cole and Oma

Cole and Hannah

Trey, Cole and Anna

(Gracie's hiding)

We had another BIG graduation in May. Trey graduated from Kindergarten! I thought with the second one it would be easier..... I think I would make it if it weren't for the slide show at the end with all of the tear jerking songs (come on people)! We made it, though. We are so proud of Trey and love him so much. He is a sweet, sweet little boy who definitely has his Momma's heart!