Oh how we wish we could be home this summer! We love you both so much and wish we got to see you more often. There is never enough time to soak you both up! I have so many memories of being at your house. Being babysat by grandma while grandpa was at work was so much fun!!! Grandpa would come home for lunch and I remember him giving grandma a kiss as he went out the door almost every time he left. I was usually fed at home, but I loved grandma's cereal so much I would lie and tell her I hadn't eaten so I could eat her food! It's a wonder I wasn't chubbier, although cereal in those tiny bowls now doesn't seem so filling. Food always tasted so good! And Grandpa Bread was of course my favorite everyday food. Even now, Breakfast at tyour house is THE BEST!
I watched "Annie" and "Meet me in St. Louis" multiple times a day and Grandma, you hardly ever made me change it up. I played "Sorry" and got to watch the Disney Channel and thought that the "Mouser-cise" instructor named Kellyn was named after Kelly and me. Perry Mason was a "staple" character I grew to love. There was always something amazing to do at your house. I just knew that the pink stove was kept for ME and the cousins just got to use it when they visited. HA HA! Watering day was my favorite. Grandpa, I am sure it was your least favorite with all of us running around and stepping on those tubes.
I loved going to the park, and on occasion going to the "twisty slide" park. I was all grown up at 5 to be able to go to the park without grownup's. What a wonderful world to get to grow up in. I remember swimming lessons every year at the pool and the summer we got charred and got the vinegar rubs. I loved the pool and the occasional treats we got when we were picked up at closing. Your house was always "the funnest" place ever! You had the foot massager, and the tree wallpaper, and all the new games. I would pretend to fall asleep sometimes so that my parents would leave me overnight. It never worked though... they just carried me to the car.
When we moved to Iowa I was so excited that I didn't have to say goodbye right away. And the summer trip back was SO great! I have always felt loved by you both! Even when I was in trouble and in jeopardy of getting a swat, I knew you still loved me. I have always felt completely at home in your house. I loved the 5 weeks I got to live with you again during Nursing school. It was so great to get to spend time with you every night when I got home from my clinicals. Always breakfast, lunch or even dinner when I got in late.
When I brought Matt to meet you after the play in SLC, you were so nice to him, he decided to meet you again! Matt's next 2 visits were not as glorious as that first due to his tendancy to get ill while traveling to Idaho. His first visit to your house he was so ill, I put him to bed in your room until he felt better. My nursing skills were so impressive that day, he thought he should keep me around and he decided he would have to marry me in order to do that. You two helped me get wed! Matt says he was surprised at how quickly and easily you loved him and how comfortable he felt with you in such a short time. That may be one of the greatest gifts you both have given to us all. Unconditional and instant love!
You are on my mind all of the time. I think about how you are doing and how your days have been. I have always been awed by the life you have lived. Grandma, going to school to become an architect and drafting things for the war. Grandpa going to war and returning with your mind still intact. The strength you both showed during those years is a true testament of how to endure through hardships and keep moving forward; standing strong in the gospel and holding true to the faith. All of the stories you have shared with me over the years have taught me that responsibility is not always easy to shoulder, nor does it always come when we are prepared, but when it is time for us to grow. You have been a guiding example to me my entire life, and I am so lucky to have been able to be born into your family!
I hope you like the pictures I found. I love that you posed for this kissing picture, it is a favorite of mine.
Happy Birthday Grandma and Grandpa Merrill! We love you so much and can't wait to see you the next time we are back home.
Love,
Kaylyn and Matt Chambers
(The 2 country mice visiting the big city)
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