The Queen-January 2020

Meeka the Maine Coon

Look at this girl! She is the funniest little cat. She follows us around and even begs for treats like the dogs. She knows her name and loves to cuddle (when it's her idea) ;) She also is fascinated with water and likes to hang out in the sinks sometimes. The kids are so happy we brought her home. Pets make life so much more fun for children!

Christmas 2019

Our little tree. A couple of strands of lights went out but it looks pretty anyway.

Little did we know this would be Dad's last Christmas:(
Aren't they the cutest?

The gift I gave to Dad and Mom. Pictures of St.Albans with the two of them in the middle.

Eli and Ava opening their present from Santa. An electric scooter.

Jake got some new shoes.

Brad got shoes as well

Dennis got me a plaid shirt (does he know his Maine girl or what;)

New shorts for Dad

Chani and Ethan

James and Morgan

Meeting up with Don and Jill's gang at Temple Square

The massive gingerbread creation at the Grand Hotel

Our traditional Hires meal before Temple Square

Christmas Eve at Dale and Anita's house. (Back row: Nick, Jake, Brad, Cassidy, and Kayla)
(Front row: Eli, Alexis, Ava, Reagan, and Whitney)

Reagan, Jake and Whitney

Alexis, Eli, me, Kayla, and Ava enjoying Anita's new kitchen.

Jill and Brad 

Getting ready for the "passing game"

Playing the "passing game" (like musical chairs but with presents-each wrapped a different amount of times)

Eli, Kayla, Whitney, Jake, Ava, Reagan, and Don

Thanksgiving 2019

Merrill Family Thanksgiving for 2019 was wonderful! We had a crowd and plenty of food. Dad and Mom and I both brined a turkey. We had mashed potatoes, stuffing (dressing as Dad calls it;), squash, zucchini parmesan bake, green bean bake, sweet potatoes, corn bread souffle, rolls, raspberry jello salad, mom's lime jello salad, cranberry sauce, and of course pickles and cheese. We also had way too many pies once again. (I could't find my picture of all the pies). Everyone had a great time and enjoyed each other's company.

Ava's 12th birthday-November 19, 2019

Look how excited she got over "Burts Bees" chapstick :)

She and her friends divided up and had a cake war. They had a blast!

Zoie, Hannah, Millie, Ava, Kensie, and Addie

Some serious talent right there;)

Good thing about a November birthday-You get lots of warm, cozy things to wear.

Ava turned 12 and all of a sudden, she became a young woman. Seriously, I was surprised how fast she changed from a little kid to a tween with a bit of an attitude. Everyone said 6th grade is a tough year, especially for girls, and man, they weren't kidding. But, it has been fun and exciting and we are so happy to have our Ava girl no matter what stage she's going through. She had a fun birthday (with a little drama from a couple of friends) and loved doing blindfolded make up, cake war, manicures and movie with snacks. She is such a sweetheart and loves people so much. I wonder what next year and 7th grade will bring ;)

Dad's 85th birthday

Dad turned 85 on October 27, 2019. I think Dean, Dave, Rachel and I were able to go over and play cards and take him lunch. That's what we always tried to do for birthdays and Mother's and Father's day. I'm not sure when Elena came for a visit but I love that picture of her with Dad. 

So happy!

I love this one!

Our little Drama Queen 2019

Who would ever guess that my shy little girl would love drama at school? But she does and she has performed in every play since she could start in the 4th grade. (2020's play was cancelled of course). The top three pictures are of her school play and the bottom picture is of her play at the Scera Theatre in Orem. She and her friend, Kensie, signed up and did the play, Peter Pan, together. I can't remember the name of the school play. It was one I hadn't heard of or seen before. I'll have to ask her and then edit my post to include it. (The school play was "Golly, Gee Whiz")

Such a beauty

She's made some great friends

:)

At the Scera Theatre after her performance in Peter Pan.

Road Trip 2019

Mom really wanted to see her sister Mina Rose so she talked Dad into going on a road trip with her. I think Mina lives in Colorado but I'm not positive about that. Anyway, it was very hard on Dad. His back was killing him and he was not feeling well at all. We kept thinking all his back pain was from the back operation he had had but we were to find out it wasn't that but cancer once again. This was the last road trip Dad would attempt. I am glad they were able to see Mom's sister again though and that they had some time just the two of them. It was really important to Mom to see her one last time.