Ringing in the New Year!

New Year's Eve!

We spent the night in doors together while enjoying some games, popcorn, a movie (Elf) and a midnight cheer!

The kids actually look forward to this night and get excited about each activity!

I received this popcorn machine for Christmas and figured tonight would be a great night to break it in!

YUM!

These two are getting so big and losing teeth like crazy!

And midnight is probably their most favorite part of all (isn't it for everyone?)

Most of all because Daddy gives them fancy glasses with sparkling grape juice in it!

CHEERS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!

A Bit of Snow

Sunday, churches were cancelled and the news was telling people to stay inside and to not go on the roads unless there was an emergency.

This 'snow day' meant the kids and I stayed inside and Rog was out most of the day shoveling and helping others with their driveways.

After doing our drive twice and about 6 others, he came in looking like this. 

Bundled, wet and tired.

You have to love the winter and all of the wonderful snow it gives us! 

It's just not Christmas break without a little cold and snow! 

This snow and brutally cold weather gave Rog two snow days from school and the kids, one day off. 

The Monday after this was so cold we threw boiling water out into the air and it immediately turned into snow. 

Their is something lovely with every season!

Ringing in the New Year!

It was another year of this Merritt clan staying in doors and enjoying the final night of 2013 by playing games, watching a movie and cheering in the new year. 

Well, some of us did all of that.

 A few of us couldn't stay awake long enough to enjoy the countdown. 

Either way, it was a nice, loud, relaxing night, being a family of 6 and making memories.

Oh and it isn't a night together without someone wanting to take a picture or two...

...with a silly face in the mix.

And then. The moment they waited all day and night for...

...Their bubbly drink! 

And if the day wasn't exciting enough, Luke lost another tooth!

Thanks to being a boy and bouncing around on our bed, he lost it without realizing it.

Then, at the end of our night, these two were so tired, they just couldn't take it any longer.

Sometimes they act so much like twins it's crazy. 

I will be so sad if there is ever a day these two can't stand each other.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

HaPpY 4th of JULY!!!!

 Another year, another 'the 4th of the July' as Liv has been saying today. Wow was it a HOT day but a great one spent with family! 

Before losing my children in the family mix, I grabbed my mom as soon as we arrived to her house and had a few family photos taken. Not sure why I dress my kids when all we do there is swim but I did and so glad I got a few memories of today before the hot, sweaty, pool saturated, chlorine mess. 

AHHH! done and so thankful they were cooperative. *wink

Today was extra special because we enjoyed the day with cousins that we only see every so often. It was so great to have Andy, Amy, Alexa and Mya here for the day before they picked up Drew from the airport!  

This pic was missing Drew and Ireland so we will have to get together again soon to do a retake. 

After a full day of swimming and eating delicious food, we headed to our traditional spot to watch the fireworks. It's what Luke and Liv waited the whole week for!

My dad and mom are so generous and kind to set up camp a few hours early to grill hot dogs and have some snacks ready for us and whoever else joins our group.

This year we didn't have many join us but it did allow some father/ son bonding time.

Ireland crawled right over to me and climbed up in my lap. SHE IS JUST THE CUTEST THING and could squeeze her every time she smiles at me and shows me her adorable personality!

By this time tonight, Lyse was just beside herself and didn't know what she wanted. Can't blame her. She was up at 8 AM and swam in the crazy heat without a nap and was probably a bit on the dehydrated side.

Seconds before I told her to smile she was whining and just beside herself. She was kind enough to put that on hold and cheese one up for me.

But then...

went right back...

to her little...

crabby self!

Moments like these, Rog and I are helpless and just sit there in awe without knowing what on EARTH to do for this child.

The lights went out and we were getting ready to watch the light show!

Well, all of us but Annelyse of course.

She tried for a moment but hid her head the entire time.

Liv wasn't fond of them this year either but settled down once she was in her grandpa's arms.

The grand finale was pretty great and as soon as they were done, Lyse was a new little girl. As if the booms from the fireworks gave her a boost of energy.

So much so that she gave me a cheesy grin for a final picture. Wouldn't look at me of course, but still gave me a smile.

Crabbiness and all it was a GREAT DAY! 

I just LOVE the 4th of the July! *wink*

I am so glad I have my husband, children, parents, sisters and family to share it with! (Along with the rest of America)

It's what makes the day so special!

Labor Day Fun

We got away one last time before the warm days were completely gone and we went to the one place that screams relaxation and peace.

Our old rustic cabin.

We did what you are supposed to do when vacationing here.

FISH!

Growing up, we fished every summer for two weeks straight and now it's time I share this family tradition with my kids.(even if it's for a day or so)

We had to have a bonfire night! 

My kids and their marshmallows...

I think the best part of our trip was watching Luke's excitement when he got to ride the ATV's.

He had such a blast on them and could not get enough.

We found some deer crossing the road most likely so they could rest in an area that wasn't being circled by ATV's.

Liv was a fan UNTIL she realized these things had some speed to them. 

She quickly opted out of the ride after panicking and shedding a couple tears due to major fear.

(pretty sure her jet ski days came rushing back to mind)

While the kids were playing outside, Annelyse was having fun, exploring inside.

After dinner one night, we drove past our famous picture spot due to some chilly weather.

We will take pictures next time. I was not all that thrilled to put a 10 month old in sand.

We did, however, try to take a family shot before driving home.

After 3 attempts I will just have to wait for the perfect shot another time.

Anyone photo shop?

And last but not least? 

What shows you best it was a successful weekend?

SUCCESS!!!