Merritt Memories

I have started mastering my new camera from last year, so I picture overload! We splurged this year at Christmas because it is technically Ryan's last Christmas with us. We had the kids do a scavenger hunt to find their Santa gift. It started with a piece of coal in their stocking as a clue. That lead them to the furnace outside...10 minutes later, they found a surprise in the closet. Going to Disneyland!!! After that, we opened gifts at our home and then traveled to Grandpa Russ and Grandma Lori's house. We ate lunch and opened more gifts. We came home and it had snowed on Christmas, so we played in the snow with some neighbors.

We rarely got out of town for Thanksgiving because of weather. We alternate with Dustin's family every other year. On the off years that his siblings are at their in laws, we always host Russ and Lori at our home. I love the fall! I love Thanksgiving! It's one of my favorite holidays. I think I like it better than Christmas because it is less chaotic.  We took photos for our Christmas card after dinner. And then we took some of Russ and Lori. I was grateful to get them. Pictures last forever. How else will anyone know you existed 50 years from now?

November 16th is my wedding anniversary. A happy day for me. 12 years ago, November 16, 2003, was a different story. Two days before, I had just got word that my dad was put in the hospital for dehydration. My father had been fighting cancer for 5 months. Two of my brothers, a sister-in-law, and I decided to make a quick trip from Salt Lake City to Vegas and surprise him. As I packed for that "quick" trip, I heard a voice tell me that this would be the last time I would visit my dad. The thought was not pleasant and I pushed it out of my head, thinking I was overreacting. I finished packing and waited for my brother, still thinking about the voice. He pulled in the driveway around 10 pm. ( yes, we were leaving that late!) We arrived early in the morning of November 15th. I don't remember who let us in and I honestly don't recall ever falling asleep. I do remember getting to the hospital pretty early, so maybe we went straight there. My dad was in bad shape. He ...