We had ourselves a merry little Christmas!

 

Everyone was here for Christmas!  All six of our kids, their spouses and kids.  We made some wonderful memories, and I even got a few pictures, although I am hoping that more will be posted by others on facebook or in blogs.  Here's a very quick look at what went on in the Merrell house.

 

 

Decorating gingerbread men for Santa

 I didn't have my camera ready for the actual shot, so these two hams recreated the scene!

 

 

 This is one of my favorite ever pictures of TJ

 

 

 Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus

 

 

 What a sweet little shepherd!

 

 

 Here come our wisemen!

 

 

 My favorite picture of baby Jesus!

 

 

 A beautiful angel holding a sleepy little star

 

 

 Another sweet shepherd!

 

 



Christmas morning with our four beautiful little princesses! (and it looks like one of Santa's elves is in the background!)

 

Oh my!  An armed Cinderella! 

 

After they all left to go home, we cleaned the house from top to bottom.  This was all that was left behind.  I miss those little fingers and toes already!

Visit to Lewiston for Mom's 80th birthday

I flew to Lewiston to see Mom and Dad earlier this month.

 

I loved the decorations that Dad put up!

 

I was there in time to watch mom open the last of her basket of birthday gifts from the Barker, Merrell and Stevenson families.  Mom really had fun with this and would often ask dad if she had opened her presents for the day yet. 

Each afternoon, we would go for a drive to look for "critters".  There are several deer behind those weeds.  Most nights we counted 20-40+ deer! 

Here's another picture of mom opening her gifts. 

This was my favorite picture.  I took it as mom and dad were kneeling on the couch, looking outside at the rain. 

We had a wonderful visit with Uncle Bill and Betty.

Dad and I made mom a pink lemmonaide cake with fudge frosting.  It was delicious!  I have been looking for the cake mix here, but have not been able to find one.

 

 

 

I had a great visit!  I feel so blessed to have such wonderful parents.  They have always put family first, and continue to do so "long-distance" now that the long drive has become more challenging to make during winter months.