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.

Haunted Hayride-October 2019

Jake, Ava, Eli, and Dennis

We decided to take the kids on a "haunted hayride" up in Midway, Utah at Soldier Hollow. It was freezing but oh my goodness, it was fun. As we rode along in the horse drawn wagon, they played the story of Sleepy Hollow with actors acting it out along the way. At the end the headless horseman came racing up to our wagon on horseback with a horse that had glowing red eyes. It wasn't too scary for Eli, just enough to make it fun. (Brad was off with Dillan that weekend I believe)

Carving Pumpkins-October 2019

I love the tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween. I know it's messy and slimy and the kids never want to clean out their pumpkins but I think it's so fun. I love to see what faces they come up with to put on their pumpkins.

No one likes the "guts"

Again with the "guts"

I'm not sure if they should have knives this big!

Brad didn't want a picture, but I snuck one in.

baby Meeka

What a mess to clean up. It's worth it though.

Jake's end product.

St.Albans, Maine-October 2019

Matthew Parker posted this photo from a drone flying over our little hometown of St.Albans, Maine. Look at those colorful trees and beautiful Big Indian Lake. I love the white steeple non-denominational church right in the middle of town and the old homes and buildings on the main street. Our farm was just up the hill going on the road on the right. I sure did love our life in Maine with my wonderful parents and amazing siblings. We had so much love for each other and things felt so much slower and more meaningful.

Making Donuts with Mom-October 2019

What a goof! We have the best time baking and cooking together. We don't do it much anymore but I sure enjoy it when we do. We laugh and are silly and usually are listening to Christmas music as we bake in the fall. It's my favorite time of year. We always make lemon, molasses, and chocolate donuts (dusted with sugar).

Rook and Dad-October 2019

Look at that twinkle in those eyes!

One of Dad's favorite activities to do with his family was Rook. He hardly ever took a hand and always played conservatively but he loved it just the same. His famous line, "I'll pass" will never be forgotten when we play this family favorite game.