Fall Break Fun with the Merkleys!

My sister Becky and her kiddos came to town for a couple of days. Since we currently have three open bedrooms, I quickly invited them to stay here and am so glad they accepted. It gave us a few more opportunities to interact with the cute Merkley cousins and to have some one on one time. It also gave Brian and me an incentive to step it up, both inside and outside of the house, with tasks like light bulb replacements, decluttering, and yard work.

The Merks arrived just in time for our Sunday night family gathering. We enjoyed visiting, games, and outback fun.

Hud, Blair, Griffin, Becca, Braddock & Char

On Monday, we had a "true" Taco Villa Monday lunch, which for once took place both on a Monday and at Taco Villa. 

Left: Hudson, Tanner, Erin F. Gwilliam, Kaide, Gram, Grandpa, Perry & ?, Right: Braddock, Griffin, Brit, Beck, Kerry, me (hidden), Ella & Char 

My brother Kerry even made an appearance!

They filled the two days with lots of hanging out at the Birds' and visiting Gram and Grandpa. They also fit in a morning at a trampoline park, an afternoon at the movies, and the older boys participated in a youth service project and played arcade games at Cinergy. I'm glad for Brintey's kids especially, because these are the only cousins they have on either side that are their age. It's really fun watching them all hang out together.

One afternoon, Becky, Brit, Kerry, and I visited on the porch while the girls and Sutton did a paint-along video class on YouTube. They were all in for 1.5 hours, and their painting turned out so well. 

Cousin picture at the trampoline park. They were hot, sweaty, and happy.

Back row: Griffin, Hudson, & Braddock  Middle row: Blair, Charlotte, Ella, & Perry  Front row: Sutton, Lincoln, Christian, Gracie & Kaide

I really love this picture of us on our group walk. I was officially helping with my mom all day on Tuesday, so my dad and the girls decided to bring lunch to us rather than go out to eat. It was thoughtful, and I was glad not to miss out on the together time. Kerry stopped by also-fun times!

Before the Merks headed back to Lucas, I asked Perry and Sutton to help me pick some tomatoes in the garden. They were pros. 

I got a quick picture of Brian with Blair before he headed off to work. Twinning!

We sure do love our Merkley family, and I am so glad they were able to squeeze in an Odessa stop on their fall break.