First Snow Play Day

The kids wanted to go outside and play in the snow so bad but it has been so cold. Thanksgiving weekend was 16-17 degrees during the day but it has warmed up to 30 degrees now so here they are, out enjoying the cold. They boys outgrew their ski pants so they gave their smallest pair to Ava. She looks like the "Saggy, Baggy Elephant" but she was excited to get snow pants and to be able to play with her brothers. Lacy was waiting by the door the whole time they were outside. She loves to be with her kids!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Aunt Rachel gave us a few kids' meal tickets around Halloween so when we were out and about on Saturday we decided to use them. I was just going to snap a shot of Dennis and the kids but a kind older gentleman asked if I would like to join them and he would take the picture. When I looked at the pictures I couldn't help but notice that Ethan looked like he was wearing a fur hat of some sort. We all had a good laugh and decided it was time for a haircut. So of course he had to take a goofy shot of himself right before it all came off.

The "Ralph" Thanksgiving

As you can see, we didn't do much better for the "Ralph" Thanksgiving dinner. Dennis took a couple shots of the kids at the "kid" table and then when Aunt Jill called all the kids together for a cousin photo, I jumped in and took one too. We had quite a crowd there. Dale's family, Darin's family, ours, Don's family, Ryan and Taylor Lewis (Deborah's boys) and of course, Grandma and Grandpa. Ryan loves to cook and helped Grandma this year with the turkey among other things. I've never had turkey roasted with limes inside but it was so good. The girls had fun visiting while the boys watched football and the kids had such a good time together. Great day!

The "Merrill" Thanksgiving (take two!)

Well, as usual, only one picture to capture the holiday! I got to mom and dad's way before everyone else and thought, "I'll just take their picture now and everyone else's later". That so didn't happen because as soon as everyone else got there things got busy and noisy and fun. We were all busy getting the kids served and there was so much commotion that I totally forgot about even having a camera there. Oh well, it was a wonderful thanksgiving and everyone had a good time. And of course the meal was perfect!

The "Merrill" Thanksgiving (take one!)

So sorry but this is the only picture I have of our "Merrill" Thanksgiving. I took my camera but arrived before anyone else so I thought, "I'll just take mom and dad's picture first and everyone else later." But of course, when everyone else came I forgot with all the commotion and getting things ready. We had such a good time and really enjoyed visiting and laughing together. And of course, the food was delicious!

Miss Thing turns 3!

Our little sweetie turned 3 on November 19. She asked for balloons and cake and a pillow pet and Rapunzel. The boys (the younger two) had just as much fun as she did when we went to pick out balloons. As you can see, Brad helped out with the cake but Ava put on the sprinkles. She had colors from all seasons but was so very proud of herself and told Aunt Rachel that her cake was beautiful. We celebrated that night as a family by going to the "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows" movie. Ava fell asleep and it was just as well because it would have been too scary for her.

At the Harley Shop

We had so much fun doing our family photos with Rachel at the Harley Davidson shop. I loved all the photos but here are a few of my favorites. It was cold but the kids were great about taking so many shots and Rachel made it fast and set everyone up for each picture. We loved the rustic feel of the building and had a great time together.

"Family" Outing

We haven't gone out together as a family in a while so we decided to go to the movies together. As you can see a couple of family members are not in the picture. The younger kids wanted to go see "Megamind" but Dennis and Ethan have both outgrown the animated movies so they went to a different movie. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I went in thinking the kids would enjoy the movie and be entertained but I think I was laughing just as much. We had just had supper but Ava insisted on popcorn and a drink. By the end of the movie the popcorn level was pretty much the same as it is in this picture! We did have a good time though.

At Hunter's Baptism

Here's the Ralph group (minus Dennis) after Hunter was baptized, Saturday, November 6th. Poor Dennis wasn't able to come with us. He was in charge of our ward baptisms at the same time. Hunter's baptism was absolutely beautiful and the Spirit was so strong throughout the entire meeting. Little McKenna gave a talk on baptism and did amazing. Hunter also asked his cousin Whitney to speak on the Holy Ghost and she also gave a very touching talk. Grandpa Merrill baptized and confirmed little Hunty and blessed him to read his scriptures and that his heroes would come from those stories. He blessed him with a very powerful blessing-I wish I had written it as it was given.

I also wish I had taken more pictures of all the families but everyone was in a hurry to get to the Shaw residence for taco salad and cake! It was a touching, unifying day for our family.

Oh yes, I cut my hair and feel so much better. Long hair and I have forever parted company!