Merrick's 1st Rodeo

We took Merrick to the rodeo for the first time a couple of Fridays ago. We went with our friends Bill and Debbie and their 3 year old son Abram. Merrick LOVED IT! We had the very front row of the box so Merrick loved leaning over to look down at the dirt. She kept getting mad at me because I was holding on to her to be sure that she didn't fall over the edge. She also managed to spray her Capri-Sun all over the clown who was unfortunately standing right below us. Poor guy! She was entertainment for everyone around.

We went to the Rodeo Parade the next morning, My sweet mother parked her van early that morning so that we could be cozy in the back instead of sitting out in the open 30 degree wind. Thanks mom! Merrick of course loved the horses, the puppies and all of the balloons. That poor clown recognized us at once.

Later that day, Grandma, Daddy, Merrick, Uncle John, and I headed out to the fairgrounds. (That was after the two birthday parties we also had to attend that day.) We hit the petting zoo - Merrick kept wanting to go back in, but wasn't too interested in petting any of the animals. Then she got to ride The Carousel and absolutely loved it. She ended up riding it 3 times and would have loved it if she could have rode it all night. Daddy then won her 2 goldfish (his idea) and then really wasn't too excited about taking them home. (It was all his idea in the first place.) We really had a fun weekend - even though it was cold!!!

Time sure flies!

Well so much for my Christmas post and pictures and so much for my New Year's post. Wow, I have really been slacking! Merrick is changing so much everyday and is such a little person now. Mark and I look at her and can't believe that she understands when we ask her to do something and she actually knows what we are talking about and does it. It is crazy how much she has changed just in the last six months. She has always been opinionated, but seems to be even more so these days. She definitely knows what she wants to do and wants to do it on her time. She has gotten picky about what she eats and is throwing more fits. Yes, it will happen to you too - just wait. She is just her own little person and she never stops talking. She is Miss Independent and wants to do it all herself. It is absolutely wonderful!!!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgving! We spent Thursday at Mark's dad's house. Merrick loved spending time with her cousin Morgan (pictures to follow once I get them.) It was so nice to visit with everyone and watch the Cowboys win! We continuously ate all afternooon - I don't think that I stopped until I went to bed that night.

Friday, we had Thanksgiving at my mom's house. Again, more and more stuffing our faces. I am still eating leftovers. Why can't we eat like that all of the time? At Grandma's, Merrick is the only little one and boy does she love all that attention.

I am so blessed and thankful for all that I have.

How fast they learn!

Merrick already loves to go shopping and she does it so well. What have I done?

Trick-or-Treat

On Halloween, Merrick had her first Trick-or-Treat experience. This year, she was a ladybug. We went to Mark's grandmother's, his dad's, and my old boss - Raul's house. My mom was out of town so we were sure to take lots of pictures. It was ridiculously hot outside and I was in shorts. Merrick spent most of the time throwing fits on the floor because nothing seemed to make her happy. Yes, we have entered that stage. But she definitely knew she looked cute, and did not mind all of the attention.