Memorization is a big part of the grammar stage, as the grammar stage is pretty much all about "gathering facts". But it isn't necessarily all about rote memorization. I think WTM does encourage quite a bit of rote, but it didn't seem overwhelming to me. My girls naturally memorize...poems, songs, bible verses, hymns from church. It is a natural thing for kids to do in abundance at this developmental stage, so offering the things you WANT them to memorize and helping them do it is part of grammar.

I doubt I'll have the RS stuff before you come, so bring A with you!! Yay! I can see it before I shell out the cash!