Fundraiser

My friend's daughter attends EMECEC and they are having a fundraiser. I was trying to help her out with spreading the word - plus the deal to Fitness Works seems like an awesome deal. I am very tempted myself. A three month membership for $20 is a steal!!

If you would like more information, leave me a comment and I will get you in contact with her. Orders are due October 2nd.

Thanks!!

Opinions-Christmas Fun

Anyone have recommendations for a fun "Polar Express" like train adventure for Christmas time? I have looked up the ones from Greer, Grand Canyon (Williams), and Globe. We are trying t0 figure out if we can squeeze it into the budget and which one Abigail (and maybe some cousins) would like best. Anyone been to one before?

Thanks!

Summer Project

I think it was April that my very kind brother and husband drove quite the distance to look at a piano I could get a good deal on. I wasn't too thrilled about it's color - so I have recently finished staining it to a medium dark brown. It took me a long time between other things going on and the incredible heat. It's didn't stain as evenly as I hoped and it is taking more space than I imagined, but I am happy to add it to my super nice electronic one.... Anyone know of a good piano tuner that won't cost me an arm and a leg - as I really barely have a finger to pay. My father-in-law and I will most likely be able to keep it tuned in the future, but since it hasn't been tuned since the 70s - I figure a professional should do it this time around.... Anyone have someone they recommend?

What a Big Girl

This little girl is growing up so fast that I can hardly keep up (but yet I hear it only gets faster).

She has pretty much mastered potty training - with the help of grandma and parent bribes...and lots of excitement and praise in her success (thanks to those who let us make a big deal about it when Abigail called to tell you)

She absolutely loves her Mickey tricycle and Tangled doll - and has learned how much she hates to give them back.

Modeling her own Tangled hair

To the Very Best Nonna

We lost our beloved Nonna yesterday. She was one of the hardest working, heart of gold, devoted to the Lord's work, people I have ever met. John and I were blessed with some wonderful grandparents. It has been hard to say good-bye to them. Nonna could have some crazy ideas, but she had more life, joy, and fun than most people. She will truly be missed. We enjoyed just being with John's family tonight and remembering Nonna.

Thank you for your wonderful life. We love you and miss you! We are sure you are still sharing the gospel. See you on the other side!
Love-John, Kim and Abigail

May Mania

May was a very full and busy month. It was concert season for my music stuff; John was taking finals; my baby sister got married; we went on a vacation-camping in the White Mountains (that we are pretty sure look nothing like when we went now that the fire went through)....

Grandama Merrill treated the younger grandkids to a trip to the Aquarium (while the older ones were still in school).

Abigail loved it!!!

She even spoiled us more with lunch, carousel rides, and some clothes shopping.

We used two weekends for Mikell and Marilee's wedding festivities. Winslow welcomed us from our camping trip with LOTS of wind. My family has arrived earlier to decorate - which became difficult when the power went out.

She likes to wear our shoes and dress herself.

Abigail thought she was so cool sitting in the driver's seat at the campsite.

We arrived before the Memorial Day crowds and had elk in our campground the first night.

Abigail kept trying to be strong like her Daddy.

Our trip went pretty smoothly. We just had some stress getting out the door - and then left our jackets behind. We drove into town to find something to keep warm - there's always got to be something, right? It is the wrong season for warm stuff, but we found sweatshirts.

They had a free craft for kids - Abigail still talks about her birdy feeder.

Abigail loved it when we went out on the lake - except each time she remembered how much she hated the life jacket. (It was crying then laughter and excitement back and forth.)

When John started the fire, Abigail would yell "Happy Birthday" and get all excited...

Camping was a blast, but next time we will bring a friend for Abigail or go camping with another family -- Abigail started getting a little sad when she saw other kids at the end.

We stopped by the Snowflake Temple on our way to Winslow.

We couldn't leave Winslow without Uncle Mikell taking us to "the corner".

Then - we woke up and May was over....

June in a Jiffy

When anyone finds the month of June, please let me know....though it wasn't nearly as busy as May, it sure went by fast!

Some cute little cousins were adorable in their first dance recital.

Abigail happily obliged to Grandma Amy's offer for ice cream.

Swimming fun has begun.

We celebrated Father's Day making our Daddy a card and breakfast in bed. We joined my mom's side of the family for dinner...failed in taking pictures with Daddy.

Abigail loves when she gets play with my cousin's daughter.

Grandpa Kyle invited us to the AMY for the new Charles Chultz exhibit.

No way could we leave without going to the little kid section.

Then we went to a nearby park to join in the free fun to celebrate Parks and Recreation....even ended up with a free ticket to Broadway Palm's "Cinderella". (Fun date night at a GREAT price!)

Abigail really enjoyed exploring the police helicopter.

We also enjoyed a super fun day at Uncle Dan and Aunt Mary's for a pool party with the Merrills, but of course I never took any pictures.