The Brittons

Gracie swimming at our pool Gracie Owen decided he would eat his spaghetti all by himself Looking in the mirror at mom Riding in the wagon Gracie giving Caleb a ride in the jeep Gracie and Dad swimming in the pond Owen sleeping down by the pond Gracie and Ryleigh getting a ride in the canoe Gracie thought she should join Owen in his crib The month of July has come and almost gone, with lots of ups and downs. We returned early from our trip to Missouri because Nick's grandmother took a turn for the worse and was in hospice care in Pella for two weeks before she passed. I am very glad we got to spend the time with her that we did. So for those two weeks, we saw much of Nick's family who came to visit from Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee. I believe on one occasion there were over 50 people at the Merrill household. It was an exhausting week or so, but well worth it. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great family! Our kids have both been sick in the past couple of weeks....

Owen playing with Ranger Owen on the boat Gracie jumping off the side of the boat Grandpa Tom, Sarah, Owen, and Gracie...who wouldn't cooperate Gracie and Grandpa Tom Nick and Sarah at Iowa Corn Indy race Gracie and Owen So much has happened since my last post. I don't even know where I left off. We tried to take a trip to the Ozarks, but had to come back early due to Nick's grandmother being admitted to hospice. We had a couple days there, which was good, as we obviously got to take a boat ride and spend some time with family. Gracie and I got to ride the wave runner, too. She wasn't a big fan of that though. She preferred swimming in the pool. Prior to leaving for the lake, we had a very busy weekend, as well. We spent a lot of time with friends, going to the pools and lighting off fireworks. I took Gracie to the Ames Waterpark on July 1st, which she LOVED! She spent most of her time going down the slide that she was too small for last year. I'm guessing ...