My left hip extension

I haven't really posted about Langley Grace lately and it's not for a lack of activity on her part.   She is now a very proficient crawler and stander-uper but definitely likes life on my left hip the best.  She is so much fun and has such a sweet little personality that seems to like to take it all in for the most part.  Don't get me wrong though, she is not afraid to make her voice known when her big brother "forgets" to respect her personal space as much as she'd like.  I certainly don't blame her. :)  I love this sweet girl! 

And, because I thought this was funny!

Stomach Virus 1, Merrick family 0

As I said in my last post, my dad had a work conference in Chicago at the beginning of last week so we jumped at the chance to go spend some time with DeeDee and Billy.  I LOVE Chicago and the weather turned out perfectly but our health....that's another story.

We got there on Saturday and enjoyed a looooong walk to lunch at a Chicago staple, Oven Grinders, and then walked some more to the zoo, and a fun park.  After that it was downhill in a hurry and I don't want to get into too many details, but thank the Lord for my wonderful mom!  She came through in the clutch and ended up driving me and the kids home on Tuesday when I could barely hold my head up.   We did squeeze a little shopping in, and the highlight of Luke's trip was definitely the Disney store.   It was a trip to remember (errr...maybe forget) but I was just thankful for time with them.

Here was one bit of sweetness caught on video:

It was a good day

Yesterday was a good day, all the way around, in the Merrick household.  We've been struggling to fight off the stomach bug that hit ALL four of us (and my Dad) after our visit to see them in Chicago (which I still need to blog about). So, I was a bit down in the dumps going in to Mother's Day but it turned out to be a great day!   With the kids still pretty germy we decided to forgo church and have a family brunch at one of our favorite places around the corner (Omelette Shoppe to be specific).

The rest of the day included but was not limited to: a pedicure for me, cards, flowers, some gardening/playing outside, and pizza at another favorite, Big Bob's.  I felt loved.

I hope all of you mom's out there had a great day being spoiled too.  It's the hardest, most humbling job in the world but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Even after the week we've had, and it's been a doozie! :)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Dear Mom,

You're the best mom in the whole world!  We are so blessed to have you as our mommy!  Thank you very much for taking such great care of us each day, and for loving us unconditionally.  

We especially appreciate you for helping us this week.  We've had quite the week with the rotavirus bug visiting our house.  Amidst all of the pooping and puking, you never complained a bit.  We would have been in big trouble without you! 

Hopefully today feels like a special day for you.  We're doing our best to feel better and be on our best behavior.  We love you so much!

Love,
Luke and Langley Grace

Easter Weekend Recap

We had a great Easter weekend celebrating that Jesus is Alive complete with making a playdough tomb for Jesus, dying Easter eggs, making our traditional bunny cake, hunting for eggs, and dinner and dessert with great friends.  I am one blessed and thankful girl!

 

 

 

 

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Y'all!  We saw this video at church this morning and it was too awesome not to share.  Hope you all have a great day celebrating!  He's ALIVE!

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" Luke 24:5-6

Staycation

Since Michael finished his tough rotation of night and day float last week he decided to take a few days of vacation to celebrate and recuperate after a loooong ten weeks.    We have made the most of our staycation and had tons of fun even though the weather really couldn't have been worse!  (It snowed on Sunday)

We went bowling with our good friends the Kiewiets and Bradleys.  This is Luke's girlfriend, Evie.

We spent the night at a ranch/waterpark resort that's about an hour from here and I think it's safe to say Luke was in heaven!  

 Langley swam for the first time

 We ate ice cream before dinner

 I think she liked it!

 We went and checked out the animals and I couldn't help but crack up watching Luke run around like he owned the place.  He doesn't seem to have a shy bone in his body. 

I have LOVED having Michael home and even got to go out on hot date with him last night!  :)  So thankful to be on this journey with him.