Our 4th of July

Happy late 4th of July! I wasn't sure that anything fun was going to happen this year for the 4th. With Lyle and myself both in school still (and having just that day off), my parents in California, and Vandy and Tyrel gone, I thought we were just going to have a lazy day at home. Kimberly was desperate to spend time with us, though, (she even used Carter as a bribe) so we headed up to Rexburg for the holiday. Rexburg? Yes, I know, there really wasn't much up there for the non-rodeo-goin' folk that we are. But Carter was a pretty good bribe and we heard there was a pool party.

So, we had a BBQ, watched some little fireworks, had a pool party with Carter, and Lyle took a nap. 

Before that, Lyle and I headed down to the river and walked through all of the vendors that were lined up. And we went down there to watch some fireworks after we got back from Rexburg. Here are some pictures of our day. 

The pool party was really a party just for Carter, but it was definitely fun to watch him in the pool.

Proof that he wore the patriotic swimming trunks Grandma and Grandpa Merritt bought him.

After playing, he was pretty tired and Caleb made his hair really cool. 

Thanks Kimberly and Caleb for letting us spend the 4th of July with you and for letting us watch Carter play in the pool. :)

On another note, I played the organ in my ward for the last time today! WOOO! I have 11 days till I graduate, and we move in 3.5 weeks! I only have about 6 assignments left, as well as 2 weeks of my internship! It still doesn't feel like it's going to happen, maybe thats why I have to keep counting down. ;)

These last few weeks are going to be crazy, but I'm so ready for them to be over I just can't stand myself!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad!

My dad. What can I tell you about my dad? He is the greatest dad a girl could ever have. Because I am earning a business degree, I work best with lists. So, here is a list of reasons why my dad really is the best.

1. He drove my sisters and me to dance practice, piano lessons, swimming lessons, and just about everywhere else for about 10 years. 
2. He was at every dance performance, piano recital, and any other performance I had. 
3. He was always there when I became scared at night and was screaming his name. He would bring me a drink of water, say a prayer with me, and I always fell asleep at peace. 
4. He taught me how to mow the lawn. I used to have a bubble blowing lawn mower that I would push around after him when he would mow the lawn.
5. He taught me how to ride a bike. 
6. He pulled many a loose tooth. And tried to distract me from the pain.   
7. He would buy me little treats at the grocery store. I remember that during the summer (because he is a teacher and school was out), when he would go to the store, we would fight over who could go with him. He almost always let us pick something out. 
8. He taught me how to read. He spent hours and hours teaching me, but he was always patient with me.
9. He would dance with my sisters and me in the living room, kitchen, basement, outside, where ever we decided that dancing should happen. 
10. He is honest and disciplined me when necessary. 
11. He makes the corniest of jokes. But they still make me laugh. 
12. He taught me how to drive. That was a scary time for all of us. 
13. He gathered us together for Family Home Evenings (even when we were pains about it), and for family prayer. 
14. He always gave me blessings when I needed them. 
15. He once yelled at me for yelling at my mom. That was a great lesson. 
16. He would let me sit on his lap and sing songs with him. 
17. He would sit us down for father interviews, which were annoying at the time, but I now realize how important they were. 

I know that list is a random length. I could continue to list things forever. No matter how long or short my list is, he taught me the greatest lesson a dad can teach. He showed me what a real man should be. Because of his amazing example, I found a man who is equally as wonderful. I found Lyle, and I know he will be as great of a dad as mine is.

My father is a great example of love, patience, kindness, and perseverance. I wouldn't be the person I am today without his teachings and guidance. He has been one of my best friends from the very beginning and will be forever.





I love you dad! Happy Father's Day!