Our Time at Grandpa and Grandma Merritt's

I can't believe it has been three months since writing last! We have been truly blessed in our time without our own home. We are so grateful to the families that have taken all 8 of us in. That is not easy!!

I thought it would be fun to write down the kids' favorite memories of staying with their grandparents over the summer. We moved in May 17, 2013 and moved out August 17, 2013. There were lots of things to choose from, but here were the top runners.

Ryan-

1. Sleeping in the trailer. For those who may not have known, the girls, Dustin, baby, and I all slept in the house. The boys slept in a trailer in the driveway. I know they enjoyed having their own privacy and a place to get a way.

2. Painting the birdhouses. Grandpa and Grandma's birdhouses in their backyard needed some refreshing. Our kids were up for the task and it turned out to be a good memory made.

3. Going to the movies. Grandma took all the kids to the movies, so Dustin and I could have some quiet time. They saw Despicable Me 2.

Aaron-

1. The food! Grandma is a good cook! He loved her homemade mac-n-cheese.

2. Building the birdhouses. I would say Aaron helped the most out of everyone. he really enjoyed being in the shed with Grandpa.

3. Making my quilt. Aaron was able to make a new bedroom quilt for his bed. He wanted something outdoorsy. He even helped tie it! It has bears on it and is black and green.

Grace-

1. A dessert every night- yes, I gained 8 lbs at Grandma's. Her favorite was her chocolate bundt cake.

2. Making my young Women's quilt. Grandma helped her tie a quilt with all 8 values represented and even had her name embroidered on it.

3. Going on lots and lots of field trips to the store.

Kate-

1. Going to the library and completing a reading challenge. Grandma took them out for shakes after they completed it.

2. Playing Hang Man. Was a nightly favorite. One time her and Grandma ended up with the same word. The topic given was names. They both spelled out Suzanne. How funny is that?!

3. Painting the birdhouses. The girls didn't help make them, but they all got to paint one!

Becca-

1. Grandpa's smoked meat- my kids like to eat! Her favorite was the smoked pork shoulder. Yummy!

2. Just getting to spend time with them at their house.

3. Going to Lava Hot Springs- a post will come soon!

Britten-

1. Learned to sit up. When we moved, he was only 4 months old. He started sitting up about 5 months.

2. Started eating baby food. He is an awful eater! He does everything, but eat!! He earned the name Bucking Bronco.

3. He was almost crawling when we left. When we left, he was 7 months old! They grow so fast in that time!!

We are so grateful to Russ and Lori for taking us in. It was nice to spend time with them and I love that my kids made their own memories. Here are a few snapshots.

 We spent a lot of time in the backyard. In the evening we were in the shade, so it was nice and cool.

 

 What Britten looked like when we moved at 4 months old.

What he looks like now.

 We had concerts put on for us. The Evil Twins were performing on this night.

 

 We spent time in the front yard too. On this day we watched a baby bird learning how to fly with his mama.

 They were able to provide service. We helped put welcome packets together for a battered women shelters. The packets were going to the one in Kaysville. The organization was call Hearts Knot Together.

 Tying quilts

 Grandpa, Britten, and Aaron

Lava Hot Springs