home again

There is something special about watching a missionary come home. Don't you agree? I remember when my older brother Dan came home from his mission like it was yesterday. We had never welcomed a missionary home before. We were so excited, standing there in the terminal. I remember lots of smiles, laughter and anticipation. Finally the passengers began to disembark and suddenly those smiles faded into big, watery tears. I looked around at my brothers and sisters. We were all crying. We hadn't expected this. It was a spontaneous and sweet reaction to the fulfillment of a long-anticipated moment. This moment with sibling No. 7 was no different. We've been praying for Doug's success as a missionary and for a safe return these past two years. Each week brought another letter and more incredible growth. Though we will miss having a missionary out and the special spirit that brings, we are thrilled that he is home again. Congratulations on a job WELL DONE, Dougie! You are so loved.

Doug's flight arrived at 11:30 p.m. Not exactly the ideal time but the kids were troopers. Little Briggs slept through the entire thing!

The welcoming committee -

Mom & Dad

Jeff & Cutter

Caroline, Mark & Johnny

Juliette

Sherm & Briggs

Beth & Mark

Cutter & Katelyn

Bellamie?

Dan, Dad, Mike, Sherm & Jeff

Baby Durham!

Bellamie, Cache & Brooklyn

Here he comes!

Happy tears!

The proud family (minus Brian, Joanna, Eli, Tyler and baby Freddie)

New Years Eve Chocolate Waffles & Ginger Bread Houses

We held our second annual ginger bread house decorating gala with the Wyne family. This year we had some delicious chocolate waffles (that were to die for or to die from due to over eating). Below are a few photos of the finished products. We had a ton of fun. Thanks Wyne Family! -Brian

Christmas Morning - 2011

Here is a quick look into Christmas morning at the Merrells.

Bonus shot!

Christmas Dinner with the Queen

We had the pleasure of dining with the Queen for Christmas. Queen Shirls treated us like royalty and we had a dandy of an evening. Here are a few candid camera shots of the fun.

Queen Shirls and Caroline reading Johnny his new book.

Tyler opening presents.

Johnny showing off his new talking bear. The bear makes comments spontaneously as you read him the book from the first photo.

And last but not least the evening would not have been complete without Johnny sneaking a big smooch on the lips with the Queen. Good thing for the poparazzi. -Brian

santa uses amazon

A package came in the mail today. The mailman rang the door bell and left it on the front step. When we opened the door, it appeared that a brown box from Amazon had magically appeared. I said, "Johnny! What is it?!" "A present!" He said. And after a pause, he added "From Santa!" I told him that if it was from Santa we had better wrap it up and put it under the tree. He didn't like that response and insisted that we needed to open the present. He carried on like that for a few minutes until he realized that I wasn't going to budge. At which point he said, "Mom, it not from Santa. It from the mailman!"

Nice try Johnny!

conversations with johnny

Johnny: Mom, what happened to my diaper?

Me: I don't know, did you go potty?

Johnny: No, I not go potty. I have a wedgie.

* * * * *

M: What do you want Santa to bring you?

J: A goat!

* * * * *

J: [patting my stomach] Mom, do you have a baby in there?

M: No honey, I don't have a baby in there.

J: [pointing to Tyler] Do you have a baby in the high chair?

M: Yes.

* * * * *

J: [grabbing random letters & numbers] D is for dog. R is for bunny rabbit. No. 4 is for ice cream.

M: 4 is for ice cream? 4 scoops?

J: Yes.

* * * * *

J: Mom, are you my honey bunny?

M: Yes! [kiss. kiss. kiss]

* * * * *

M: Johnny, I made you a snack.

J: [rubbing my cheek] Thank you mommy. You are such a good mommy.

* * * * *

Most asked question -

J: What's going on here?

* * * * *

J: Mom, you are my best friend and I am oars best friend.

* * * * *

And now for a few recent pictures -

Helping me set up our {obviously fake} tree.

Wearing the tree skirt for a collar.

Decorating the tree.

Ready for his part in the Christmas program. Lamb or Goat? We're not quite sure.

Enjoying his time on Santa's lap.

Asleep on the kitchen table after we had 7 toddlers at our house for the morning. You think you're tired, Johnny?!

last minute visits from grandma are the best

My mom called me on a Sunday to say she was coming on Monday! She spent an entire week with us. The boys absolutely love her. I love these pictures and love that my boys will have these memories of my mom. She is as good as they come.

Thanksgiving in St. George

We spent Thanksgiving in St. George with Brian's wonderful family this year. It was a fun trip and we really enjoyed the great company and delicious food. Barbara was so good to us. Not only did she slave over our Thanksgiving feast, but she let us take over her bedroom for 3 nights. I'm not sure I could be that gracious of a host. She's a great lady and wonderful mom and grandma.

Tyler opening a birthday gift from Grandma.

What? Johnny LOVES cats? More evidence that he is ALL daddy.

Cute cousins Valerie and Kate.

These two are just one month apart. Precious.