Sweet 16

She was born, just 16 years ago!

Our 'sweet 16' grand-daughter is very much in love with her cell phone.

It goes where ever she goes...even the beach.

She has always loved music whether dancing, playing the piano, in the school band or like today, just dancing around the house to Newsie with her brothers and sisters.

The beach is another one of her 'favorites' as she buggie boards with her cousins or swims in the pool...like a mermaid in water. They love their Meg!

Our angel

Christmas in Newbury Park

GG and Aunt Dale arrive from Maryland to spend Christmas with us.

Chelsea, Melanie, and Spencer Christmas morning were excited to see what Santa left them.











Sharlene and John also came for the holidays.

Dan makes a great omlet and was our cook for Christmas morning.

John's family came over later for a Christmas brunch. The following week we were invited to attend Brooke and Madison's piano recital. They both did a wonderful job along with the other pupils.





















Snow caped mountains that could be seen from our home.

Dave's family in Colorado

Steven, Sam, Becki, Mikal














Steven already learning to walk











Mikal is enjoying Basketball











Yeah.....music!

Happy New Year

Ashley is looking forward to 2008 Christmas as she had so much fun her first Christmas...see Ruth & Ben's blog for details.

Caroling...another family tradition

John and Marrianne's neighborhood get together each year and go caroling. This year GG, Dale, Spencer, Mel, Marv and I were invited to sing along. After caroling they all go to one of the neighbors homes for hot chocolate and goodies. We had a wonderful time and really got us into the Christmas spirit. To see more
of John's family fun, check their blog.

Marylyn in WA

To see more of our little princess and

her parents, check their blog....

Christmas in Utah

Joe's back yard and Daniel's ice cave.











Daniel, Meg, Miranda, Alyssa, and Bat-man
oops, we mean Ben-jamin

Matt's family keeps tradition in Colorado

After a fun day of sleding, Matt's family
searches the mountain for the perfect

Christmas tree.

Family gather's in Maryland

All of our 7children, 2 spouses,
three great grand-daughters, and
Duane's two sons were able
to come to Maryland for their
grandpa's funeral, November 8th.











Duane walks with Joe, Dave, John,
Matt, Chris, and Jeremy.











Andy and Ben lead the boys to the graveside











Chelsea and Annika just could
not understand why Poopsie
[great grandpa]
would not wake up.

This was a bitter-sweet experience.
Bitter-to say good bye and sweet to
have the family together and share
memories of my dad.















Each evening we gathered at Duane and
Ilene's home. Chelsea and Annika loved
playing dress up in Aunt Ilene's play clothes.

Thanksgiving

John's family have a new dining set
they were able to enjoy their Thanksgiving
Dinner around.











Dave's family met up with the rest of the
group to see the Temple Lights in Salt Lake.












Marylyn, Andy and Annika drove with
family to Salt Lake City where they were
able to spend time with the Bjorn's and
some of the Merrill's











Matt's family drove to Utah to spend
Thanksgiving with Joe's family and visit
the Dougall's. Alyssa, Miranda, Christa,
Megan, Ben-jamin, and Jenna











Daniel and Nate were busy helping
prepare for the meal.











Ruth's family came down from CT to
Maryland and brought their Wii game.
Here is Duane's son, Chris, and Aunt
Dale boxing.