thanks for the holiday weekend, Mr President

This President's day weekend was faaaaantastic!

Get ready for picture overload. I was AMAZING at documenting this weekend. Mostly with my iPhone, but it works.

Nathan, Shawn, and I got to head down to Logandale for a surprise retirement party for Papa Merkley!

It was so nice to get out of Utah. We love long drives, especially when the temperature continues to rise the longer the drive gets.

We got to Amanda and Brad's late Friday night and stayed all Saturday morning. The surprise wasn't until later that day so we got to play with Kalvin. Plus Amanda made us breakfast. It was like a bed and breakfast where the owner let's you play with their baby. And their baby is really cute. And happens to be your nephew.

Brad and Clarky were already in Logandale so we met up and played at the park to kill time. Then we kicked the kids out and went shooting and did more then just kill time. We killed animals. Just kidding. We shot at cans. Mostly I shot at the air. Aiming is a lot harder than you think. Hopefully I never have to shoot someone. Pretty sure I would miss.

Then, PARTY TIME!!! We headed over to decorate while mama Merkley kept our guest of honor busy at the store. It was a Hawaiian themed party and it was fun to decorate. Plus we got to wear flower bras and grass skirts. Nathan looked particularly stunning in his I must say. Then we dressed Zoe up in a grass skirt and the party got a billion times cuter. There is nothing better than a dog in Hawaiian attire.

Anywho, the surprise came and I think we blew his mind. He had no idea! He just stood in the doorway starring at us for the longest time. It was hilarious. Then we ate delicious food and hula danced and gave presents and had an amazing time. Nathan and I even scored our first wedding present! It was from Grandma and Grandpa Merkley. It was one that I knew was coming and I couldn't wait for! My colonial girl quilt :) It's a tradition in the Merkley family. Makes me feel even more official! 

(Notice this was one of the only times I actually got out my real camera to document. I am so lazy).

Sunday was a nice, relaxing day. Church and family time. Including a never-ending game of chess. Then some intense card games that mostly resulted in Brad dominating and Nathan zoning out and forgetting we were playing at all. Nathan and I watched the sunset and discussed how amazing it will be to live somewhere where winter doesn't exist. One day..

Monday called for sleeping in, playing with Clarky, then getting on the road. We found the normal treats on our seat from Amanda and Brad (we love you guys!) and basically spent the whole drive home reading Hunger Games aloud. Nathan's gotta catch up! It's always so sad to leave family-filled, relaxing weekends behind. But alas, here I am. Sitting back in my cold apartment. Good thing I have some pretty exciting stuff coming up so soon :)

Thanks for a wonderful weekend Merkley's! Congrats on retiring! We love you!