The Merrick Family has grown: Reflection on 2010

After our first day to work in 2011, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on the joys of 2010. It amazes me to see the pictures below and watch our Sweet Little Luke grow from a baby to a toddler. He certainly has brought so much joy and love to our loves, so much it is hard to imagine so much happiness can come from such a small little guy. Our days are becoming more and more exciting with our crazy little boy and we wouldn't have it any other way.
A big milestone for our family in 2010 was the addition of my sister Kate, who married my brother Bryan in May. I turned 30 in April and enjoyed a weekend getaway to Mexico while my parents watched Luke for the weekend! Our big milestone of the year was building our new home. We thoroughly enjoyed the building process and we feel so fortunate to have had such a remarkable experience. It means so much to us to have built the home that our family will grow up in and many memories will be made. Again, we are thankful for another healthy year for our family. 2010 was a wonderful year and we look forward to all that 2011 will shine upon us. We wish for a healthy year for all of our dear family and friends, and much happiness to all!!!

Our sweet little boy flashing smiles at 4 months old

Luke is getting his 1st taste of rice cereal at 5 1/2 months

We celebrated Luke's 1/2 birthday March 4, 2010 with Uncle Mitch

My three boys celebrating Daddy's birthday March 18, 2010

Our mover and shaker
Luke started crawling in April 2010 right before mommy & daddy left for Mexico to celebrate My 30th birthday! Luke stayed with my parents for his first weekend without mommy & daddy.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Einck
May 29, 2010

Our family helping Bryan and Kate celebrate their wedding
Luke's 1st time being a ring bear at 8 1/2 months old
Daddy pulled him in a wagon and he did such a great job!

Construction was started on our new home in June

Luke loved spending summer nights in the nude playing on his blanket

Luke's hair is starting to grow in

Enjoying some pool time in July
Luke loved his swimming pool so much

Luke's 1st car in July
This is still one of his favorite toys and he loves to push his friends around on the car

Chewing on everything....

In July we enjoyed our 1st family vacation to Whitewater Lake, WI and Wisonsin Dells
Luke had so much fun on all the water toys

Enjoying the indoor water park
Unforunately you ended up getting hand, foot, and mouth disease so mommy spent the rest of her vacation taking care of a sick little boy

1 year old
September 4, 2010

Celebrating our little guys birthday on the actual day. We enjoyed a football themed birthday party after the Iowa Hawkeyes won their opening game for the season. Many family and friends came to help celebrate and you LOVED your chocolate football cake!

Enjoying your 2nd halloween, this year as a monkey.
Luke loved playing outside this Fall until the street lights came on, so he thought it was a real treat to run around the neighborhood until dark seeing all the fun costumes. He was such a silly little monkey and had so much fun.

Our sweet little monkey boy...and that he is!

Our new home near completion
We closed and moved into our house Thanksgiving weekend

Luke and Daddy showing off Daddy's prize trophy buck

This was the 1st buck Sean harvested with his bow and arrow, November 5, 2010

Luke enjoying the 1st snow

He wasn't really sure what to think of it and wanted me to carry him until he go comfortable. This little boy loves being outdoors, regardless of rain, shine, sleet, or snow!