Happy New Year 2009

We have a family tradition that on New Years Eve we get all dressed up in our very best and go to dinner to a fancy restaurant. This year was Addison's choice it was Bridges in Danville....why you ask? Let me just say it in one phrase "Mrs. Doubtfire"
It was a yummy time and Colton stayed happy the entire dinner. We got outside to take a great picture and ...we have a 13 year old Daughter who uses our camera too much and well...the battery was dead, so I had one shot at home. Upon our return this is all I got.

More Snow @ Uncle Bo's

We had so much fun at Uncle Bo's and Aunt Michelle's

Off to Southern California we go...

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5 kids & Shelby the Dog we got there is 7 hours with tons of traffic not too bad...





The day after Christmas we headed to So Cal. for some much needed fun with Grandma's, Grandpa's, Nana's, Papa's, Auntie's, Uncles, and tons of Cousins!!!

Christmas Morning 2008

Santa Arrived can you believe it!

Happy Birthday too ME!

Wow I knew that I was looking a little tired and old but the pictures show it even more! I'm sure in 10 years I'll think this entry is crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel so grateful for having 33 wonderful birthdays. I have 5 great kids who are healthy and most days Happy! I've got Bob that loves me and has made my birthday something I look forward to every year. I Love this time of year when it gets cold and I have to were socks all day with a few layers of clothes. Then I get to cook and bake all I want! I even get to listen to Christmas music all day! I love December not just a wonderful month because Addie & I were born ...we also get to celebrate the baby Jesus born along with all the other wonderful traditions of the season. I hope all of you enjoy the coming days as much as I will.

The Merrill Family Christmas Tree

Oh Joy on Monday night we set out in search of the perfect Christmas tree. This is always every one's favorite part of the season...it was so cold! We went a different route this year, went to a wonderful little tree farm called "Home Depot"Unlike most years we did not have the muddy shoes, clumpy hot cocoa w/candy canes, and a guy named Tom who was missing his front tooth, to tip after he secured the tree on top of the Suburban. Instead we bundled up and picked up every tree to examine give it a whirl...then to find our perfect "Chubby" happy tree. by the time we got it home it became the "Short, Chubby,Perfect" Merrill family Christmas Tree!
Thank you Sister Seeno! The Ski Bear hat is on it's 3rd Winter in the Merrill Family!

Addison's 11th Birthday

She had a great day, Lunch with Dad, presents in the morning,oatmeal chocolate chips cookies at school, singing at ballet then out to dinner with the family and more presents...we were all so tried and stuffed we had birthday cake for breakfast the next morning. I guess you only turn 11 one time in your life...Wow we love this little firecracker she keeps us laughing all the time. oh and now she's all warm a toasty in her new fluffy robe and slippers not to mention her cozy new flannel sheets!