What a fabulous weekend!  We returned home from Idaho on Monday night after 2.5 fantastic days in Bruneau with the Merricks.  With Connor's high school graduation, Lee's birthday and our niece Hailee's birthday - it was all sorts of celebrating!  We had a great time!

On Saturday night all the kids (minus the nieces and nephew) went into Boise for dinner at Tocanos - a Brazilian style "all you can eat" joint.  And given that the "all you can eat" also applies to the tons of meat they bring to your table, the Merrick boys were in heaven. I don't think most of us needed to eat again until dinner on Sunday.  The occasion for dining out was driven by all the birthdays that have happened in the last few months.  Most recently were Lee, Zach and Rochelle's birthdays. So they got to be embarrassed by having to stand on their chairs while being serenaded to by the waiters/waitresses.  Good times.

Sunday was one full day of celebrations.  First, and foremost was Connor's graduation.  Every time Connor was "featured" during graduation (which was a lot since he was awarded the Citizenship Award, Scholarships, his Diploma) the in-laws (who don't know anyone in Bruneau) went nuts cheering. We're pretty sure Connor had the best cheering section there that day. Their cousin, Shaelyn also graduated from Rimrock High School so we had a joint graduation party for them that afternoon/evening.  We had loads of good food and desserts and got to spend time with tons of family.  It was fabulous.

We returned back to the house for MORE desserts and birthday cake.  Hailee turns one this Friday and we had an early celebration for her.  And since it was Lee's actual birthday - Elaine made a cake for him too.  I got to finally witness the Steiner-style cake cutting.  (Which I think is so fun).  The birthday boy or girl is given the knife with instructions that you can cut it anyway you want to - but it CANNOT be cut in any way that you or anyone else has cut it before.  Lee was quick on his feet and came up with a fun 32 shape.  I love this tradition.  I think we'll have to adopt it.

Monday we all went back into Boise for family pictures.  We went to a great park and took all sorts of pictures.  We can't wai to see them!

We had such a great weekend with everyone. We wish we got to see family more often.  Little Hailee is getting so big and is walking already.  Plus, she makes the cutest "Cheese" face!

Pictures from the weekend are HERE.