Summer Fun

July sure flew by me! It started Canada on July 1, leaving July 2 for a week in Idaho and a week in Utah. When we got back from the vacation, we frantically searched for a new place to live. We had found a bigger house with 3 bedrooms, in the same ward, good price, right by the elementary school, and relatively perfect for our situation. On May 31, they landlords told us they needed to sell it and we wouldn't be able to rent it anymore. We had already told our current landlords that we would be out Aug. 1 and they had already found tenants to move in Aug. 1. Yikes! Plus I was going to be gone the next 2 weeks. We searched diligently, for a good 3 weeks, but nothing seemed to be working out. Ryan called on a home 1 block from the vet clinic that was for sale to see if they'd be willing to rent. It was a bit out of our price range, but seemed like a good option. We continued to look, me getting slightly stressed because we had less then 2 weeks until we had to move out. Ryan had read a scripture that said something to the effect of being "delivered on the morrow".  He said, "We'll find something tomorrow." That night I woke up, somewhat restless (hard to know if it was heartburn or something else :).) I had a feeling that I should call back the house that was for sale by the vet clinic and see if they would negotiate less rent. So I did! And they were more than happy to lower the rent and I met up with the that afternoon, got the keys and garage opener and we started moving in that evening! Hallelujah! 

Amongst all of the moving craziness, we still have had a lot of fun!  Here is a summary of pictures:

The girls with our old Elders Quorum President and neighbor. He has a boa constrictor! Their names are Darcy and Pattie Boehmer. They have been like grandparents to our girls!

 Parades! We went to the Raymond Parade on July 1 where Ada and Ryan were both on the Vet Clinic float. After, we spent the afternoon at my cousin JD and Brittney's home having a Canada party! We also went to the Magrath parade at the end of July and then spent the afternoon at Auntie Bon's and Uncle Dave's home. Then the first weekend of August was the Cardston Heritage days parade. Ada was also on that Vet clinic float. Ryan got a call to help a cat right as the parade started so he ended up missing the parade! Ada sure had a blast on the float, and Bonnie is really liking that if she waves at a float, they throw her candy! We also went to the July 4th parade in Idaho Falls!

Dr. Gunderson is taking care of a team of draft horses while the owner is on a mission. He has stopped by a few times to take us for a ride. It is so fun to ride through town on a horse drawn carriage!

 

Sweet Sisters!

 One of a few hail storms. It sounded like we were going to have some go through our roof! Thankfully, our car was in our garage and no damage was done!

Ryan's idea of moving us! Yes, he took many loads of things on these shelves. I'm sure he had a few people wondering what in the world are the Merkley's doing now???

This is what happens when daddy is watching the girls: They get to play in the dirt! If you click on the picture it should show how dirty Bonnie's face is!

 This is a HUGE slide at the Glenwood Elementary School (a neighboring town to us). Seriously, it is so cool! I can't believe a school would allow such a thing! Ryan's mom was also visiting and so graciously helped us during the move. Thank you, Grandma Merkley!

Silly Family Picture!

 Biggest treat ever! Riding in Daddy's work truck (even if it is just to back into the driveway!).

 July 4th Fun! All of my siblings and their families (minus Ryan and Jared) were able to be at my mom's house for the week of the 4th. It was so fun! I just love when we all get to be together! And it is so fun for all the cousins to just get to PLAY!

Cardboard sledding while waiting for the fireworks!

 The next week, Ryan joined us and we spent some time in Utah with the Merkley's and visiting my Dad, Leslie, and Kimber. Our first day we went to Lagoon! Last time we'd been there was when Ryan and I were just dating (Summer 2004). It was a lot of fun with the kids. Ada was a dare devil and wanted to go on every ride she could with Logan and Hunter. Bonnie usually didn't like the rides in the beginning, but when she got off, she liked them! Thankfully, the day wasn't scorching hot, just hot! So, being big and prego, the heat didn't bother me too bad!

Ada and Abby: Best Friends!

Ada loves creating! She is very much in to building, drawing, and making anything her amazing mind can think of!

Peas! There is a farmers market in town each week. At Ada's request, we bought this big bag of peas (for only $5!). The girls love them!

 

Fun at the Waterton Park Splash pad!

During Heritage Week, there was a pet show. Ada wanted to enter Jack Fred (Ryan's 28 year old turtle). She was so cute! She had to wear this special dress and even put a bow on top of Jack Fred. She won a 1st prize ribbon for most unique pet and 2nd place in the amphibian category. She was very happy!

The other super fun thing she did was Mutton Busting! She did it both Friday and Saturday night!

 

I was able to get her on video the 2nd night, but the clown rode right next to her and pulled her off pretty quick. We are so proud of her for wanting to try new things and being so brave! She is such a cute girl!

We had a big week of rain. We still went for a lot of walks!

 

Our new house has a little raspberry patch. Searching for berries is the girls favorite pastime right now!

 

Next week I'll post my 30 week pregnancy picture!