Retirement Fun

We were dumped on again! After never having to shovel the driveway in his entire 44 years of married life, this turned out to be the day for Paul!
Paul: "I need some help!"

Rae Ann: "It wasn't in my job description when I retired and moved to Washington."

View of the front and back of our house.

The snow packed really well!

Snow at the Seattle Temple

This was what it looked like at the temple last Friday.
The snow has remained on the ground since last Thursday, with temperatures in the twenties and thirties. We feel like we are back in Idaho!

The temple grounds were filled with snow and ice instead of flowers...but it was beautiful. We saw several photographers out capturing some wintery scenes.

Winter Blooms

Although we had snow today, we have had beautiful flowers inside.

The amaryllis below is from Nate and Jane. Isn't it gorgeous? It's called Apple Blossom.

The next one is from Val and Amy when they were here at Thanksgiving. It said "red" on the box, but it is really slightly orange. I'm excited to get it because it looks like the one I had in San Jose. (last picture)

These grew from one bulb I got from my parents from a plant they had growing in their house. Over the years, it grew many new little bulbs that I replanted outside. This was in our front porch bed. I felt bad I didn't think to take a start of it with me when we moved. Now I have one that looks a lot like it! These bulbs will thrive over the winter in California. I hope they will grow outside here.

Some Recent Favorite Shots

Paul and one-day old Christopher James Merrill.

Paul and five-month old Angela Rebecca Merrill.

Angel babies Christopher and Angela.

Knights to the rescue--Sir Timothy and Sir Andrew.

Timmy and Andy. So sweet! No wonder Santa couldn't resist!

Elves at work on Christmas Eve.

Alex's cozy place to play.

Merry Christmas Jane and Christopher!

John at the end of the tunnel.

Alex plays ball!

There goes Alex! Whee.....

Christmas Baby

Christopher James Merrill arrived to join his brothers, John and Alex, on December 21, 2006. Parents Nate and Jane are delighted and busy.

We were so happy to be there to greet him and help him settle in!

Nine Out of Twelve

Here are nine of our twelve grandchildren who visited us on Thanksgiving. The other two (John and Alex Merrill) were waiting for their little brother (Christopher) to be born back home in Lincoln, California.

Shown from top to bottom are: Timothy Merrill and Mason Fields (top row); Spencer Fields, Matthew and Peter Merrill (second row); and Lindsey Fields, Andy Merrill (third row), and in front to the right are Angela Merrill and Lauren Fields.