Silverwood (C.C.'s version)

If you are a long-time reader of this blog, you may remember that for Merrick's 13th birthday we took a family trip to Silverwood. Well, that seems to have become somewhat of a tradition, as we just headed to Silverwood to celebrate C.C.'s 13th birthday. It was all planned and should have been perfect as the kids had Friday and Monday off of school so we could spend 2 days at Silverwood and they wouldn't miss any school. Unfortunately, plans went a little sideways.  3 days before we were supposed to leave, Merrick got diagnosed with mono. As a precaution, we were given a long list of prohibited activities. High intensity roller coasters were on that list.

When Merrick got diagnosed, we debated canceling the trip. We didn't know what, if anything he would feel up to doing. He wouldn't be able to ride rollercoasters and he is our biggest rollercoaster fan. We ultimately decided that in addition to the trip being non-refundable, it was not fair to C.C. to cancel. If Merrick was too sick to do anything, he could lay in the Airbnb as easily as he could lay at home, so the trip was still on.

Friday, we loaded up early and headed out. Merrick was definitely struggling, but he put on a mask and we hit the road. We made it to Coeur d'Alene early in the day. We started with stop at Walmart to get some groceries and a swimsuit for Jeremy, since he came without one, and then made our way to the lake.

Merrick had very little energy so we tried not to hike too far, just get to the water and sit. The water was so cold, but that didn't stop us from wading in a little. It may have been chilly, but the views were definitely worth it.

That night, we had a fire in the firepit and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores. We then got into the hot tub to cap off the night. It was a fun evening, but Merrick was wiped and we all went to bed pretty early. The saving grace for us on this trip was that Silverwood was only open from 11-7. That meant that we could let Merrick sleep in as long as he wanted each morning and get him to bed early each night. 

Saturday, we headed to Silverwood for day 1. It was unquestionably a different day for Merrick then he would have preferred. He spent a lot of time sitting and was unable to go on most of his favorite rides. We still made the most of it and had fun. I was just glad we made it through the day.

Sunday, Merrick was tired, but said he wanted to still go to the park. By day two, we had it well dialed in what we could and couldn't do and what everyone's favorites were. As the day progressed, Merrick seemed to have more energy. The biggest negative of the day was that C.C. and I were both having really bad allergies and we each had an eye that would not stop watering. We did receive a blessing from heaven when a lady walked by, noticed C.C. was struggling, and gave her a pair of new sunglasses to help.

Monday, it was time to head home. We first went back to the lake, hiked a bit more, and walked around. Elsie was also set on feeding the ducks. Merrick was definitely pushing his limits and he was happy when we got back to the car and he had hours of sitting ahead of him. In the end, he had more hours of sitting ahead than he bargained for. There was construction just before Cascade Locks and we were down to one lane. We ended up sitting in traffic for an extra hour.

It was a different trip than we had planned, but I think we all still had a good time. I wish I could say that we will have a redo when Elsie turns 13, but Merrick will likely be out of the house by then (insert crying emoji here). I guess only time will tell how and when we make it back to Silverwood again.

Best Life

This past week or so has been a lot of fun. As we near the end of the school year, we have all been squeezing in some fun wherever we can and living our best lives.

Last weekend we went with the youth in our ward down to the Willamette Valley temple open house. We took the whole family and it was very special to be in the temple as a whole family for the first time.

Last weekend was also Mother's Day. When we got home from the temple, Jeremy and I started celebrating with a date night. We went to the inaugural home game of our new WNBA team, the Portland Fire. We got free shirts and an Ashanti concert at half time. It was a great night.

 The girls continued the royal treatment by giving me a spa day the next evening. Also, not pictured, but definitely too good not to mention, Merrick spoke in church last Sunday and gave such a sweet Mother's Day tribute to me.

As the weather has warmed, Merrick has taken every free moment to go fishing. Up until this week, he hasn't caught anything, but this week his luck finally changed and he caught his first fish. His smile shows just how he felt about it.

As the cherry on top of a great week, I took Friday off of work and went with Elsie on her fieldtrip to the zoo. Since we had so many adult volunteers, our group for the fieldtrip was just Elsie, her BFF, Shay, Shay's mom, and I. The girls had so much fun despite the fact that is was a little cold and rained just a bit.

Like I said, it was a great week. We have more fun planned for this week. You'll have to come back and read about it soon.

CC Becomes a Teenager

 This was a big week in our house. Carrigan turned 13! And just like that, two of our three kids are teenagers. CC's big day fell on a Monday this year and she should have gone to school, but Elsie had the day off and I just didn't have the heart to make her go to school when Elsie got to stay home.

It turned out CC got to have her best day ever. The day started with her favorite breakfast, cinnamon rolls. Once everyone had gone off to school and work, Elsie and CC started crafting. They spent the morning doing all kinds of crafts.

Once the crafting was done, we headed out.  We started with lunch out and then went to a local farm. Much to CC's extreme pleasure, they had all kinds baby animals and even some miniature zebu, which are a type of miniature cattle. There was a baby goat that followed us around and nibbled on our shoelaces. CC was in heaven.

After the farm, we went home for dinner, cake and presents. This year we did our best to throw CC of the scent by wrapping several presents with dollar tree items. The real gift was that we have planned a family trip to Silverwood theme park. We told her by giving her a stick wrapped in foil. Get it? SILVER WOOD. She was very confused. We leave in just a couple of weeks.

I have to say, I have really lucked out with very nice teenagers thus far. I know, famous last words, but we've been really blessed so far. CC is the best and we are so lucky to have her as part of our family.

Awards Week

 This week started with awards ceremonies for both Carrigan and Merrick. Carrigan had her end of dance season party. She was given the "Sherlock" award by her peer leaders and the "Most kind-hearted" award by her adult leaders. Merrick was recognized as he was inducted into the Spanish National Honors Society. I am super proud of both of them and their accomplishments.

Also this week, we had games for both Elsie and Merrick because it would not be a week in our household without sports. Elsie had a softball game. She got to play catcher for the first time. She was not a big fan. Merrick has a basketball tournament. This is the first time I got to see him play with his spring team. It was great to see him on the court again.