Mariana is Here!!

So on June 24th we got our new Au Pair, Mariana!! Sofia left to go home (to France) for vacation. She wasn't very happy here so we told her to stay there (we were her 3rd family in the states - 3 strikes you're out at Au Pair in America). Mariana was in re-match from a family in Atlanta. We could not be HAPPIER! She is more than wonderful - we are so very thankful to have her here with us! God sure does answer prayers. :)

We introduced her to my family over the weekend. We headed to Nana and Papa's house for swimming!

Marek snuggling with papa . . .

swimming takes a lot out of my little guy . . .

Swim Lessons

Both Madelyn and Marek started swim lessons in June. They did Infant Aquatics - the "swim, float, swim" technique - I would recommend it to everyone. It's 4 to 6 weeks, Monday to Thursday so it takes a lot of dedication but is so worth it.

Here is Madelyn showing off her skills . . .

Floating . . .

Swimming . . .

Swim Float Swim

A video clip of Madelyn's 1st week of lessons . . .

Marek's 1st week - not so happy . . .

Madelyn graduated early . . .
Madelyn's graduation . . .

My big girl . . .

Cousins

We love seeing our cousins. Now that we live further away and I'm working, it's harder to see them. We still find time on the weekends to get them together - wish it could be more. . .

Chasing the neighbors Guinea . . .
We're just missing Chase and Ashlynn . . .

Helping Daddy Shave

Look at the concentration on her face . . .

Daddy is awefully trusting to let her do this. . .

Madelyn's First Dance Recital!

Pre-Show

Madelyn and her friend Kylie . . .

Coloring to keep them occupied . . .


Strike a Pose!
My little girl looks too old here . . . freakin me out . . .

The Big Debut!

Big smiles!!

Post-Show
After the show - tired of smiling. . .

I got a little video clip - so precious . . .

The Simple Things

Cookies

Marek sharing with Mads . . .

Every last crumb . . .

Houston

We drove down to Houston for Brittanie's wedding and got to enjoy the beautiful weather while there!

Flying kites with Mimi . . .

Mimi, come back!!

Playing at the park . . .


(Check out Marek's crazy hair!)

Tongue out down the slide . . .

Anything Madelyn does, Marek can do . . .

Tongue out again, just like daddy . . .

Swimming in Mimi's pool!

What a great weekend!

Brittanie and Cameron's Wedding

Yes, this was back in June!! Madelyn's first flower girl debut. She was perfect - as pretty as a princess.

Rehearsal Dinner

My little flower girl and me. . .

The Flower girls behaved so well at the rehearsal dinner.

There was a live band and dancing at the rehearsal dinner!!

Lynn and Collin (Brittanie's mom and brother)

The finale to the night was fireworks and the "Brittanie loves Cameron" explosion!

Wedding Day

Mimi did Madelyn's hair so beautiful for the big day!

The finished product

Front

Back

Here is the bride with both Flower Girls . . .

Brittanie giving Madelyn her flower girl gift - a beautiful gold and pearl cross necklace.

Pictures before the wedding . . .

Bride's family (Clay, Brittanie, Lynn, Collin)

Almost all of the second cousins after the wedding . . .

Madelyn and Marek posing for a picture . . .Reception

The reception was at their house. They had an entire custom "tent/building" that attaches to their house complete with AC units - it was 3 levels, dance floor, band, etc. It was beautiful! They must throw a lot of parties . . .

Madelyn dancing with her second cousin, Jacob . . . They danced together all night!
Accept, of course, when she let Marek step in - so sweet . . .
Dancing with groom's parent's and Lynn - so much fun!

Lorraine (Dr. Oley's sister) and Mimi took Marek and Madelyn home so we could continue "socializing" . . .
Jessica, Gena, and me at the end of the long night!

Congratulations, Brittanie and Cameron!!

God Bless you both in your journey together!