Surprise Dinner with Abby & Ivy Last year on March 28, Cole and Aubrey were married.  This year on April 3, they were sealed together for eternity.  There was no way we weren't going to be there for it!  So last Thursday we snuck out of work early and caught a flight into Salt Lake City.  We normally fly into Boise, but since the sealing was happening in the Twin Falls Temple, it was just as easy (and far cheaper) to fly into Salt Lake instead.   On our way to the airport, we realized that we could sneak in a short visit with the Hardings if they were willing to meet us near the airport.   Fortunately for us, they were.  Christina drove up with the girls and we had the best 90 minutes catching up and celebrating Abby's 5th birthday four days early.   We sure do miss those girls and are grateful Christina was up for a spontaneous trip to SLC for dinner that day.

Cole & Aubrey's Sealing Friday was the sealing day.  And although it was the #1 priority, it quickly filled with other projects and surprises.  Friday morning Lee and I drove out to Karlette's property for Lee to help with some irrigation/water issues and I went for a run.  Although this house is a bit removed from town, I really think I'm going to like running out there when I visit.  

Cole & Aubrey's Sealing

As we were wrapping up to get ready to go back to the house to get ready for the temple, Lee was requested to help rescue his brother's family cat who, for the previous two and a half days, was presumed dead.  (Nasty run in with the fan blades while napping under the hood of the pickup.) Lee was awesome and managed to rescue the cat from the depths of his brother's pickup AND make it to the temple in time. Tonight we learned that the cat (who's name may need to become Lazarus) has returned home from the vet and is alive and well.  Pretty unbelievable.

Many family and friends gathered to support Cole and Aubrey at their sealing.  It was a special day and we are grateful we got to be part of it. Being bound as husband and wife for all eternity is awesome.  I'm grateful for our temple marriage every single day.   After the sealing, the majority of those who were at the temple went out for pizza together.  It was nice to connect with Lee's extended family who we don't get to see all that often.

After more projects that afternoon, the immediate Merrick family came back together for dinner.  We always look forward to those meals when we can be together and hear how everyone is doing. All the silly kids and their eggs

Saturday didn't quite go as planned, but it was probably better than anything we could have planned.  We enjoyed watching conference in the morning and then Rochelle drove over from Boise with the twins so we could get in a visit with those two darling boys.   Then, all the ladies and all the kids took over Tuff Bucket and dyed Easter eggs.  Connor, Whitney and Aubrey then hid dozens of plastic eggs at the nearby park and we all had fun watching the kids search for eggs and make themselves sick on candy.   What? Look up for a picture? I've got to eat all this candy.... Later that evening after Rochelle returned back to Boise and Elaine and Bryce were with their kids, the remaining adults all went out to dinner.  Dinner out, without projects or kids to focus on, was really pleasant.  We loved getting the chance to visit with Lee's younger brothers, their wives and Karlette.    It was the perfect end to a great day.    

The entire weekend was great and we are so happy we were able to be part of Cole and Aubrey's day. Pictures of the sealing are here and pictures of the Easter fun are here.