A Slumber Party With 10 year-olds

Grace turned ten!

I promised her 2 years ago when she turned 10, she could finally have a slumber party. She never forgot that promise. She was so excited! That excitement faded, however, as one by one each mother called to let me know their family doesn't do sleepovers. After a little talking too, she was happy again. We made the most of her late night birthday party, and 2 girls were allowed to stay the night. That made her happy!


sleeping bag race

making a wish

Grace is turning into such a beautiful young lady. She is such a big help around the house and with her sisters. I am amazed at her ability to be obedient. She is ten and never misses a night reading her scriptures and having her personal prayers. I can ask her to do something and she does it. She reminds me so much of her dad. She is very dependable and responsible. I am so grateful for her!







Happy Birthday, Grace!

September

The month of September always sneaks up on me. I'm sure it's because of the summer rush. I'm always happy to see it, September that is, though it brings with it more busyness in the Merritt household.

In this month we celebrate 3 birthdays. Not 1, not 2, but 3!!! If I was a mom who threw my kids a friend birthday party every year, holy cow! No time, no money. Good thing I'm not that mom. It's not because I don't want to. If I had the means, and let's be honest, the ENERGY, I totally would. After recovering from school shopping, the idea of throwing a huge birthday party with screaming, wound-up kids doesn't thrill me. So, I do it every other year. And I like that.

This year was an off year for Becca. She was so sad not being able to have a friend party, so we did this to cheer her up:










Her own personal photo shoot. Who doesn't like feeling like a super model? And it was fun!

She chose to bring cookies for her class to celebrate. Sugar cookies in the shape of apples with red sprinkles.

Her Grandma Lori took her to dinner. She chose "circle pizza" at the Target concession stand, that's what she wanted. Oh, an she had a Slurpee. She had to have a Slurpee! After eating, they went to pick her gift, Squinkies and a handbag she gets to color and decorate herself. She's finished it. It's "gorgeous".

From Aunt Taryn and Aunt Shandi she received a gift card and money. We have another shopping trip planned this week.

From Mom and Dad she got a scooter. She picked it out. And we still have yet to have cake and ice cream, but we will. Birthdays last all month long around here.

*Grace and Aaron were born in this month too. Their birthday updates will follow. We are still planning their friend parties. We're late, but that's how we roll when September comes around.

The Not Bummer Summer

My kids are in year-round school. This has its advantages, but definitely comes with some disadvantages. One {dis}advantage is the short summers. We have three weeks before the next school year starts.

I try to cram a lot into those weeks, hoping it's a successful summer. My plan usually includes two outings a week and then lots of park days. Our park days were few because of the crazy weather pattern this year. Our Summer actually felt like Spring. It would've been really nice if it had not been for the amount of rain we got. I'm not complaining, I know others were lacking in water, but when you're trying to fill the {long} days of Summer, it can be a little frustrating.

We were able to do some fun stuff though. Our outings included: bowling, the movies, the library, and swimming. We went swimming every Friday and we would do one of the other activities on another day of the week. I always forgot my camera, so I have no pictures.

We did however have two really fun trips. We went to the Bingham Copper Mine and we took a hike up to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Here are some pictures from those trips:

The Bingham Canyon Mine



The open pit

We road on great big tour bus from the parking lot. It was about a 10 minute drive. The kids loved it!





So notice in these pictures Becca is getting all cuddly with what ever we are taking pictures of. The tire picture I made her turn around, but thrust me she is still trying.



This is what she looked like when I asked her to stop. I just ruined her day.


Donut Falls Hike

It took us about an hour to hike and come down the trail. We really enjoyed being out in nature with our good friends, the Corderos. The kids all had a good time and there was no complaining!



We saw a moose on the way up. I couldn't get the greatest picture. I really didn't feel like getting charged.



The wild flowers were everywhere!



Can you see the water fall in the back? The water was high so, we couldn't hike in.








We enjoyed our summer break. It went fast, but it seems to go faster every year!