Marr Reunion 2013

Note: Photos on this post were not taken by us. Most are courtesy of either Shannon or Jon, so a big thank you to them.

D: We had the most wonderful time bonding with the extended Marr family in San Jose over Fourth of July week. Probably everyone's favorite part of the reunion was getting to see Everett and Axel, and they were way too much fun.

On Monday we all headed out to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Everett really enjoyed the seahorses, and kept trying to reach out and grab them. He also enjoyed the tide pool (area where you can touch starfish and such), but more because he liked the feel of the water. This trip was the first time I have seen the octopus out and moving. It had its suction cups up against the glass and everything.

A: I loved the jellyfish!! And the giant tank. The hammerheads were chasing the little fish around. Just for fun.

D: For dinner we got to go to Bubba Gump's and enjoyed delicious seafood. Axel kept the other table entertained. Everett wasn't quite in a mood to entertain (he just wanted to eat... everything). Both boys fell asleep on the way there, while there, and on the way back, at almost the same time.

On top of being there with my Dad's side of the family, we also got to see my uncle Guy and cousin Clayton. Clayton is stationed down there right now (Marines) while learning Arabic.

The rest of the week was full of swimming, candy Texas Hold 'em, Balderdash (lots and lots of Balderdash), and really, really good food, courtesy of Uncle Joel and Aunt Staci. Alicia got a game of Reverse Charades going on one of the last nights we were there. That turned out so much sillier than any of us could have imagined. Dolphin impersonations. That's all I need to say.

Independence Day turned out to be an amazing day. The whole week had been rather hot. That evening was the first we were able to all eat outside. My dad took some time and taught us about our Marr and Williams family histories. Through much effort, we got enough of a fire going to roast some marshmallows for s'mores. Then we enjoyed one of my favorite Marr family traditions: singing. Julie and Rachel were the stars (both have beautiful voices), and Jon as well. Aerin, my little sister Aerin, even joined in. She sang a duet of "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars with Rachel!! My jaw was on the floor; she sounded so good. Everett wasn't able to sleep between the noise we were making and the fireworks going off, so he was out partying with us.

In case anyone was worried, we did watch a terrible movie. It was the Mystery Science Theater viewing of "Prince of Space," an English-dubbed Japanese movie about aliens attempting to conquer earth and being thwarted by PRINCE OF SPACE!!!! YOUR WEAPONS HAVE NO EFFECT ON ME!!! Good times.