It's a Wonderful Vacation: Part 1

This first few days of our lil' adventure was spent in Thatcher.

But first, we decided to leave after dinner on the 25th, that way the kiddos would just sleep the entire way.

Porter, however, had a different plan. He doesn't enjoy anything outside of his usual routine, so he was having a difficult time adjusting to sleeping in the car. This pic was taken at about 2 am:



Yup. He was watching a show on the iPod. Spoiled, huh? But at least he was quiet.

When we got to Thatcher, we were a bit shocked to discover that it wasn't much warmer there than in Utah. Rats!

But we got through the chilly weather, and the kiddos had an awesome time.

Porter pretty much made Heber his slave (thanks again Hebes).



And the girlies just adored Emma (who played with them the entire time. I do mean the ENTIRE time).



I came outside and saw that all of the grandkids were hanging off the porch swing. I ran inside to get my camera, and by the time I got back out there, the had already started to disperse.



And about 20 seconds after this photo was taken, the swing flipped over and spilled little Merrill kids all over. Luckily, no one got hurt or I would have felt really bad about the giant laugh I couldn't contain.

Here is Jessie, caught mid-laugh (love this photo):



And Hyrum showing off his bubble gum:



Adi and her cousin Rylee, hanging out, watching the grown-ups while they played sime epic games of dodgeball.



OP and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary while there. Here is our attempt at a self-portrait:



And Miss Adi fell up the wooden stairs at Grandma's house and tore her inside-cheek. Which then became infected.

And then led us to the doctor's to get a prescription.



Poor swollen Adi.

Fun, fun, FUN! It was especially great, since the entire family was there for this trip, so we all got to hang out and play together.

Oh, and I wish to leave you with the chicken dance: