Nebo Marathon 1st Place-September 2019

1st place for his age group!

Dennis is amazing! That's really all that needs to be said of him. He is so dedicated to his health and fitness. It is a stress reliever and he enjoys competing against himself. He's always trying to improve and even after a full 10 hour work day, he will dig deep and find the strength to run, bike, swim, or play some activity like tennis with his wife. He is such a good example of taking care of the body God gives you. He says to him his physical and spiritual wellness are linked together and he wants to show Heavenly Father he truly is grateful for the body He gave him. I sure do love this man!

Meeka the Maine Coon Cat-September 2019

So, I made the mistake of looking online at Maine Coon Cats and knew I needed one. They are such sweet companions and the most "dog-like" of all cat breeds. We looked for months and then finally I found two little girl cats for sale in Price, Utah. We drove there and when we held both little kittens I knew the one for us. She looked right into our eyes and showed such confidence. The other was shy and not as interested in us as this little girl. We knew we wanted to name her Meeka (like the little racoon on Pocahontas "Meeko"). And what a sweet, special kitty she's been. She's so loveable and fun and she wrestles with the dogs and eats treats with them just like she's one of them. Pip loves her and Popi tolerates her but we think she's the cutest.

I fell in love with these little eyes. 

This boy sure loves his kitty.

Look how tiny

Sweet little face

Ava's adventures-September 2019

Oh my goodness! I had so much fun taking these girls on an outing to a used clothing shop (Uptown Cheapskate). It's the kind of place that "pays" you for your clothes you no longer want and then you shop for "new" clothes. Well, these girls had delusions of grandeur dancing through their heads as they headed in with their bags of clothes. Thinking they were going to each make at least $20-30 dollars, they were talking about all the things they were going to buy. So, they pass their clothes over and wait for the money to start flowing into their sweaty little palms. The look of shock and disappointment had me in a laughing fit as the cashier explained that one of the girls had earned $2.00 and the rest sadly didn't get anything for the clothes they turned in. I actually had to go down one of the aisles and regain my composure from laughing so hard. Their little faces just kept coming into my mind and I could NOT stop laughing. I helped each of them get a few things anyway and they ended up having a great time but oh my heavens! I hadn't laughed like that in years! Then they went home, changed and I took them to Panda Express. What a day!

Kensie, Ava, Zoie, and Millie

The mandatory gas station pit stop

searching for new finds

finding good deals

Being goofy at Panda Express (notice I was banned to my own booth;)

serious mode

Grandpa helping Ethan and Ethan helping Grandpa

Braxton (Chani's brother), Grandpa Ralph, Ethan, Jesse, and Dillan

Grandpa and Ethan

Saying goodbye to the St.George home

Grandpa and Grandma Ralph decided to sell their St.George home right around the same time as Ethan and Chani got married. Grandpa needed to get rid of the furniture and help moving it and knew that Ethan and Chani would probably need furniture so a deal was struck. He would give them everything they needed to start their life together if they would help move it out of the house. Ethan and I recruited some extra muscles and took Braxton (Chani's younger brother), and  Jesse and Dillan. I'm so glad we had them with us because that furniture was heavy and large. I stayed busy in the kitchen washing and packing up the things from the cabinets and drawers. It took us around 3 to 4 hours (if I remember correctly) and then we went out for lunch at Culvers and drove the 4 hours home. Ethan and Chani were able to start their marriage with things for the kitchen, a beautiful dining table set with chairs, the most comfortable couch ever, chairs, and a gorgeous bedroom set. They were so excited and happy to have all the furniture and have made a cozy little place for themselves in a house in Orem not far from Grandma Merrill.

Jake's 17th birthday-August 22, 2019

We haven't been going all out for the kids' birthdays lately. We just let them pick out one present (the older kids anyway since they like expensive gifts) and then a restaurant of their choice for a family dinner. Jake really wanted Airpods for his Iphone this year so that's what he got. He chose Olive Garden for his birthday dinner. It was so fun just to be together and enjoy each other. Jake's a good young man with a heart of gold. He adds so much to our family and I can't even tell you how much he pitches in and helps around the house and with his younger siblings. I love this boy with all my heart!

Getting ready to open his present

Look at that smile (we never see his beautiful teeth anymore)

The one thing he wanted for his birthday-Airpods

The birthday boy with his little shadow and big bro

Not a fan of this picture of me but if I guess I should include it because Dennis and Eli are so dang cute!

Getting ready to enjoy his chocolate lasagna cake

This one just cracks me up. I see this "look" from time to time when he's not happy with me. :)

August 20-Back to School

School usually starts on Jake's birthday but came a couple days earlier this year. They started on August 20th. They were all excited and of course a little nervous but all had really good years and made lots of friends. Time is flying by (just like the older generation always says it will) and my kids are becoming so independent. I guess that's a good thing but I sometimes long for the days when they were all little and were my constant companions.

Jake Isaac (11th grade)

Ava Nichole (6th grade)

Eli Dennis (2nd grade)

cute little muffins

Wedding of Ethan and Chani (August 16, 2019)

After the wedding, before going to the luncheon.

Mr and Mrs Ralph coming out of the temple.

At the luncheon we had catered by Mo'Bettahs (Hawaiian)

Young Love

Our first daughter-in-law

Dennis and I with the lovely couple

Chani's parents

Grandma and Grandpa Merrill

Grammy Davis and Grandpa Dad Davis (Chani's special grandparents)

Chani's family

The Merrill Clan

The Ralph Family

Chani's big ol fam

Everyone together at the temple

The wedding cake. 

I love this photo! So happy and in love. I hope they always will be in love with each other!

What a beautiful, happy day for our family! Ethan and Chani were married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple on August 16, 2019. I had so many people say that it was the most wonderful wedding and reception. They felt the love of our families and said they felt so welcomed and just a warm, loving feeling that whole day. I was so grateful Ellie and Elena could come home for the wedding. Chani has such a fun, loveable family who accept and welcome everyone and make people feel so at home with them. We are lucky to have them as part of our family now. Ethan was blessed with such a special companion who loves God and all people. The more we get to know Chani girl, the more we love and appreciate how special she is. It truly was a perfect day!