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.

Sunday Nursery

Where else can you play, eat, sing, and blow bubbles? Primary Nursery!!!

One By One

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...MOM

MOTHERS...
With gentle hands God made the flowers,
Fashioning them with care,
He brushed the sky with pink and gold
Leaving a sunset there;
Beautified the earth with trees;
These works and countless others
But for His greatest masterpiece,
God created mothers.























Yours were the hands that led my way
through the carefree paths of youth,
Yours were the faithful prayers each day
that showed me the way of truth.

Yours were the precious golden hours,
the cherished dreams, the rest
All sacrificed in mother's love
that I might have the best.

No gift I give can ever repay
such love or care so true...
But in my heart I'll always have
the deepest love for each of you!


I really lucked out when my dad married this special lady, Marie. whom we call our 'energizer bunny'. She has a heart filled with love, understanding, wisdom, kindness, and warmth. We love her dearly and so glad to call her 'mom' or as the grandkids call her 'GG'.

UNTIL I WAS A MOTHER
I think I never truly knew
How very much I cared for you
Until I was a mother too;
Nor knew that any love could be
As deep as that you give to me,
A love that gives but does not ask;
That changes every little task
To joy; a love that stays the same,
A steady and enduring flame.
This love I give to her must be
The same love that you give to me;
And gave to me through all my years;
My joy, your joy; my tears, your tears.
Mother, I never truly knew
Until I was a mother too,
Your love for me and mine for you.