Kiddo Update Part 2: Merrick

I'm back baby!  After a short hiatus due to the move and tragically going without the internet for a while, I am making my triumphant return to blogging with my Merrick update (unfortunately the Carrigan update is now outdated, but that is besides the point).

Unfortunately this will not go down as Merrick's best summer ever.  This has been the summer of packing, the summer of sorting, the summer of moving, the summer of "play by yourself" or "here is the ipad", the summer of "holy crap I am never going to win the mother of the year award".  Despite all the craziness we have tried to work in a little fun for Merrick when we could.  Here are some of Merrick's summer time highlights.

Merrick's first experience with a balloon twister:
My dentist had a one year anniversary party for his location and they had a balloon twister.  Merrick was not sure what to ask for so we encouraged him to go big or go home and he decided on a shark.  He was very pleased to say the least.

Swim lessons:
We started Merrick in swim lesson this summer.  He started out being very tentative in the water but has since has taken on the rope swing, advanced classes and is now working on diving from his knees into the water.

Cousin visits:
Probably the biggest highlight of Merrick's summer was having his bestie cousin Kai visit.  Merrick and Kai are only 11 months apart and have been close since day one.  It has been difficult for him to live so far from Kai.  He definitely enjoyed him being here and getting to have sleep overs every night.

Slip n' Slide:
Colvin's birthday meant the annual return of the backyard slip n' slide.

Old Time Fair:
Our city has what they call "The Old Timey Fair".  While it was really nothing to write home about Merrick enjoyed riding the rides and winning a stuffed starfish.

The riverbeach:
This summer brought our first ever experience with the Willamette riverbeach.  While the water was a little cold Merrick enjoyed practicing his new swimming skills.

Primary talk:
Lastly, but certainly not least, our big boy Merrick gave his first talk in primary today.  He was really brave at first but got a little shy.  Fortunately Daddy was there and he made it through.  I recorded the talk but I am having a hard time uploading it here.  Maybe I can get it up in the next few days and if not you will just have to imagine how cute it was.

I guess all the activities of the summer were enough to wear Merrick out.