HOLLAND AND WASHINGTON family visit....

We had a wonderful visit with Ruth's family from Holland; Duane, Ilene, GG and Dale from Maryland; and later Marylyn's family from WA. My favorite part of the whole thing was watching the cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents all play together. As you can probably tell from the pictures,WATER seems to be our favorite pass time.

Adventures with Lisa and Dan's family

Since Lisa started her own preschool, grandparents get to do some of the care for grandchildren. This past week we took Mel to the dentist for some serious dental work. Our little Mel was amazing!!!! Never let out a peep, helped the dentist with whatever she asked Mel to do, and enjoy "Chicken Run" DVD. I still can't get over how good Mel was...and I asked the dentist if I could come to her....hahahaha No, too old! After we took Mel out for a smoothie at McDonalds where we use to take our children after a major dental appointment.

Lisa has started her own pre-school, so found this set on 'free cycle'. You would not recognize it today as Dan & Lisa replaced, sanded, and stained the wood. It is beautiful!

It's fun to spend Holiday's with the Locals. This is a new park near Lisa and Dan's new home. Very fun...call it the elephant park.

Ben arranged for Lisa to visit Ruth in Holland. The children had so much fun with their "aunt Lisa". One of the favorites was the monkey zoo. While she was in Holland we enjoyed her three children while Dan was at work.

We did get a slip and slide for the locals and visitors to enjoy during summer months. Also helped to water the grass.

Busy with local family too

John & Marrianne's family are involved with many activities...piano, track, baseball, soccor, pets, school projects, Primary, and just having fun.

They seems to do lots together, even the need for matching green casts. Madison broke her 'pinky' one day wrestling with her brother, Christian. Just a few days later as the family was hiking nearby, Brooke fell off a log and dislocated her shoulder.

Thanks Maddy for trusting your grandma and grandpa with your favorite friend, Cole. We have enjoyed watching him several times this summer. Such a good dog, well mannered, and follows us wherever we go. This way we can enjoy having a dog, but not the every day responsibility....works out great! This is Ashlyn taking Cole for a walk. When on all four's, Cole is about the size of Ashlyn and when on just two legs, about the size of Maddy.

Summer Visitors from Utah

We enjoyed so very much having Joe's family come visit, bringing along Heather's Sister and her family ...we had a very busy week. This picture was taken the day they left for Disneyland in the shirts Meg worked so hard on.

Lunch and Spa time...

Our new adopted grandson, Jake, flying through the air off his skateboard...amazing!

In today's technolocy, work seems to follow the 'dad' wherever he goes.

Cypress Park was where we took our children and now we take our grandchildren. It has had a definite 'face lift' from 30+ years

Tuesday Night is "kids eat free" at Islands, another family tradition.

Games, Games, and more Games...I just love watching the grandchildren enjoy one another's company.

Since it was Trinity's Birthday we had to go to "Build A Bear". She was so cute as she put the bear inside her bunny.

Happy Birthday Geri & Heather

No one ever seems to mind the cold water.

Beach is always a "Merrill" favorite!

Lisa, Geri, and Heather had fun snapping pictures of the family.

The grandchildren call this the "Duck Park" located behind the TO Library. They enjoy coming here and feeding the ducks.

Summer Visitors from Japan

We totally enjoyed Kim [Marv's cousin] and her family twice during the summer. The first time they were returning from Japan, bringing their two cute dogs with them. We did get attached, but not enough to get our own dogs...hahahaha We just enjoy babysitting them. They spent a few days and then left for Arizona to set up housekeeping. A few weeks later they returned with Matt, on their way up north for a vacation before Ty headed for his mission end of July.