Merritt Memories

I was called as the Young Women's camp leader and sports director. I was totally scared to take this calling because I'm not the best leader. I'd rather be told what to do. But, I worked hard. Our camp theme was "The Happiest Plan on Earth." Each ward chose a Disney movie to represent them. We were Brave. It was fun to use that movie. We wore Scottish tartan for our handkerchiefs. We also had it displayed on our flag, which was a coat of arms.  To kick off our theme, we did The Highland Games. The girls participated in archery, rock throwing, balance walking, and tug of war. It was to represent this life and how sometimes we miss the target, or don't perform as well as we hoped. We don;t have to get down on ourselves. They plan was that we would come here work hard, fail, and because of the Atonement we could try again. We also wouldn't be alone in those challenges.  Dustin, Grace, Kate, and I went. My brother and his family kept Becca and Britten...

Kate participated in her first year of softball. Her team did really well and made it to the championship game. She played against one of her really good friends. Her team, unfortunately, did not bring home the gold. But, they did bring home the silver! They were a young, new team. And we know that together they can go all the way next year!! Way to go Pink Flamingos!

Our Taylor reunion is always Memorial Day weekend. We usually usually find a place that accommodates all 60+ of us. This year that place was in St George, UT.  On the way down, Alissa and I met at Cove Fort. there was an accident and the kids had all waited very  patiently in the car. We ended up in traffic by each other, so decided to let the kids out for a break! We loaded back in our cars and finished the drive. For dinner, we ordered pizza. Dustin thought he was ordering from St George, but ended up ordering from a pizza place in Hurricane. So, we drove and got our pizza and ate a park. Our family reunions really are low key. We played in the pool and hot tubs. We played games, and just hung out. It's all about being together. Family time is the best time!!

Dustin's work sponsors a lot of activities in the Salt Lake Valley. We get to enjoy those benefits! This night it happened to be a Bees game. It was Britten's first time, and he loved it! He loved riding the train, he loved hugging the mascot, he loved watching them play. We had a fun night. There was a little rain. Lightning shut down the train and the  play ground, but we still had fun watching the game, catching foul balls, witnessing the sky do some amazing things!

 So, my kids' school always puts on a mile-marathon at the end of the year. they kids practice all year long working on their running. Our family really aren't runners. Well, Dustin has done an actual marathon before. I heard he did really well. we didn't know each other then. But, my kids all inherited my running gene. It's not a very good one. We do think, however, that little Britten will be a runner. He's fast and has an unlimited amount of energy! Anyway, I went to the high school to cheer Becca on. I happened to be off work and was able to go. I was proud of her for finishing something she knows she's not good at. Sometimes, that can be really hard. If we know we won't do very well, we often just choose not to try. But she did. She didn't come in last place, so we count it as a win!!

Another teenager!! I can't believe how big my kids are getting. I know I say that all the time, but it is so true!  Kate chose to invite a few friends to our local indoor trampoline park. She had lots of fun! They girls all live in our neighborhood and have become great friends the last few years. The girls were jumping and having a blast. I noticed Kate was struggling. She is like me, scared to death of heights. But, I was proud of her for doing all she could overcome it. By the end she was up on walls and jumping with everyone!! I did the annual birthday interview. Here are her answers: favorite food- steak favorite vegetable- broccoli favorite color- black and red favorite game- playing superheroes with Britten  favorite book- Middle School series favorite subject- CCA (College Career Awareness) favorite candy- Kit Kat favorite activity- softball favorite treat- cookies We are so happy to have Kate as...

My sister, Alissa, has recently moved back to Utah. I was so excited! We had our first cousin sleepover. The girls went shopping to pick treats for the movie. Ashlee and I are the only ones who wanted to watch La La Land. It wasn't my favorite. I ended up falling asleep. Poor Ashlee! The next day, went to the Clark Family Farm. They have a petting zoo every spring. My kids always enjoy it, so we thought they might too. Cutest little animals!! They also got to make their very own swords. After, we went swimming!! Thanks for coming to stay with us Wisers!