Our newest cousin...

Introducing Troy Valentine Merrill, born July 27, 2011. Weighed in at 8.5 lbs. To the proud parent of Sean and Christine Merrill. He's a cutie!

Happy Birthday, Troy!

A Quick Vacation

In between the time I finished the "classroom" portion of my job training and the "live" portion swing shift I had 6 days off. So we took advantage of a few of those days and took a quick trip to the cabin. The weather was amazing! It rained and thundered on Friday. Pictures below of the boys playing in the rain until the thunder scared them all inside. Then on Saturday we took a trip to the park, where Jacob decided to take tons of fun pictures of his brothers. I included a few here. It was a nice get away from the summer heat. Hopefully once my job settles down we will be able to plan a few more trips.

Being silly.

Jacob had to get a picture of himself too...

Jared...peek a boo

Aaron & Jared

Playing "Angry Birds" and enjoying the weather.

There was also a band playing at the park...so it made for an interesting trip.

Happy 4th Birthday, Jared!

Jared turned 4 on Friday, July 15th. (I don't know where the time has gone... my baby is 4.) I had to work that night so we decided to have a small family party on Monday, July 18th. Merrill and Hastings cousins came for the cake, ice cream and pinata party. Jared was so happy. The cousins ran and screamed and had a great time together. The Spider-Man Pinata...it was too hot and dusty outside so we did it in the livingroom. Everyone got a turn beating Spider-Man.
Tons of Candy!

Happy Birthday, Jared!

Working Girl...

So I started on phones this week at work. My schedule is Thur-Sun from 4pm-2am. It's not as hard to stay up as I thought it would be. The 1st day on phones I literaly shook for 4 hours. Everytime the phone would beep in my ear and my recorded message would play I'd get a little jolt, but after my lunch around 9:30pm I seemed to calm down. It still freaks me a little when the "911 Emergency" recording comes on, because I haven't received an "E" call yet. And "E" call is any life threatening with great possibility of death or serious injury. My trainer keeps saying I need to get an "E" call and get it over with, but it hasn't happened yet. It's not that and "E" call hasn't come in when I've been there, it just didn't get routed to me yet. But I can honestly say that I am loving this job. It has been such a great learning experience so far.

On another note...

I got the cutest text from Joe this last week. I usually call home on my lunch if I think the boys will still be up to say goodnight, but the 1st night it was after 9pm so I just sent a text. I got a text back saying...

"Aaron says he loves you....like old people love chicken"

That has got to be some kind of love!

Isn't that awesome!

Made me laugh. I'm so glad my boys are doing so well with all the changes with me working. I'm really proud of them and how much they have been helping and doing their best to help each other. I have such great boys...including the greatest husband ever! So supportive...so patient...

I love you!