Merritt Memories

Our neighbor is part of a blogging group called, "Dating Divas." They come up with fun, creative dates that will help your experience be the best that it can. They were crafting some murder mystery plots. Dustin and I were invited to join the fun, and then give a review.  The mystery was set in the roaring 20s. We had to dress the part. So, we scoured our local DI to see what we could find. This is what we came up with. The mystery was pretty fun. A lot like the game, Clue. At the end, they gave awards. Dustin won for the best costume: I was told, later, that it was his socks that put him over the top. True Dustin fashion!

Britten is so photogenic and he really likes being in front of the camera. So, I take advantage of it! He's 2 and 1/2!! I can't believe it!!

It's been a really warm summer. Britten has been getting bigger, so we are needing more things tt entertain him with. We bought him a little pool to splash in. Pretty soon Becca and Kate were joining him in this little pool!  I love that I only work half days so I can spend the rest of my day with my kids. At times, it''s really  hard working. I don't like trying to keep everything organized and life get pretty hectic. But, I'm grateful I have such awesome kids who take care of one another while I'm gone. I know it's not easy for them either. We try to keep busy with summer activities. Playing in the water is something everyone loves! We do make it to the big pool too. I'm glad I have Britten who will still let me take pictures of him!

We always enjoy our time when we get together with family! this year the Merritts camped at Hyrum Reservoir, It was nice weather, and the water was lovely. I didn't get in, because I don't do lakes. But, the kids had a blast!  Ryan, Aaron, and Jeremiah all loaded into the canoe. They got out pretty far and then:  they tipped it! They would spend the next hour trying to pull the dumb thing in by themselves. I was having a heart attack. I hate my kids in water and I was sure someone was going to drown. they didn't. they made it back.     They were absolutely exhausted! I am grateful they are safe. We played games: But, mostly played in the water: We loved eating Popsicles. It was hot and they were a cool treat. When we made it home, I realized I had lost my wedding ring. I was so heartbroken. 19 years that's been on my finger! I found it a few days later, tucked aw...

My kids got out of school right before Memorial Day weekend this year. That's pretty early for us, but I kind of like the idea. We always leave for the Taylor Family Reunion that is always over the holiday weekend. This year we rented some cabins at Bear Lake. We were the very first family there, so we took in some sights because we were so early. I have to tell you I fell in love with the idea of one day owning a vacation home there. The lake is beautiful, the beach is sandy, and they have the best shakes you will ever have! My favorite was the chocolate brownie, but Ryan's was cheesecake. They took a whole piece of real cheesecake and blended it up in the ice cream. Too much for me, but he loved it! Yes, I could visit there often! Our views were to die for! We sat right over the harbor, looking over the lake. We had rain the first day, Friday, but sunny and clear the next two. We were able to visit the lake on day #2. It was nice to spend some time outside. The cousins love...

Allstar Lanes runs a free summer bowling program in the summer. We've always taken advantage of it. My older kids have loved it. This time Britten got to go bowling for the first time. He's just like the rest of us. We love it! His smile says it all!

I'm always grateful for Mother's Day. I get to honor my own mother, whom I adore! but, it's nice to get a little love from my family as well. We went to Russ and Lori's to have lunch. We do it every year. When we got home, I tried to call my mom. With 10 kids trying to make contact, it's usually a wait. I ended up calling her the next day! I'm so grateful for all the moms in this world! And I'm grateful that I get to be a mom to this bunch: